Pennsylvania Game News - July 2011 - 63

In the PennsylvanIa house of RePResentatIves on octobeR 2, 2009, It was Resolved and declaRed:
• Whereas, Pennsylvania’s gunmaking tradition has played an important role in the development of the United States of America; and • Whereas, During Pennsylvania’s early history, settlers placed chief reliance on their rifles for sustenance, security and survival; and • Whereas, The Pennsylvania Rifle a unique firearm that was different in principle and outline from any other weapon in the world, was developed by skilled gunsmiths in the Moravian communities of Christian’s Spring, Northampton County, as well as by artistic riflemaker Martin Meylin, in Willow Street, Lancaster County; and • Whereas, Playing an important role in the early years of the Industrial Revolution in Pennsylvania and New England, the Pennsylvania Rifle was also instrumental in the American fur trade and was carried west and south by frontiersmen as they set out to expand the boundaries of the nation; and • Whereas, The Pennsylvania Rifle has been lauded for its beauty and craftsmanship, as well as the ingenuity of the skilled gunsmiths who crafted it; and • Whereas, The color combinations, carvings, engravings and graceful slenderness of the Pennsylvania Rifle cause it to stand alone and remain unchallenged as a primary example of early American art; and • Whereas, Future generations should appreciate the heritage of this long barreled rifle, born to artistic gunsmiths in the communities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: therefore be it resolved, that the House of Representatives recognize the significance of the Pennsylvania Rifle in the history of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Keith R. McCall, Speaker

caplock rifles/pistols in a traditional manner. Available at www.primitiveartsvideo. com. Homer Dangler, one of the deans of American Longrifles, teaches building, carving and engraving on DVDs; available at www.homerdangler.com. Fortunately, for those who are smitten by the bug to build their own Pennsylvania Longrifle, there is a class that has been helping apprentices since 2001. At the Belfast Exit of the PA Route 33 of I-78, on the campus of the Jacobsburg Historical Society, is a historic barn that houses about eight students each fall and spring. Each student is given his or her own work station, complete with a gun bench and vise. As they build and relax in the shadow of the 250 year-old Nicholas Hawk, log cabin gunshop, their finished products will be on display at the museum. Besides the obvious advantage of havFun Game answer: B, I, R, D, N, E, S, T.
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ing veteran legendary gunsmiths like Jim Correl and Rich Hujsa looking over their shoulders, students are supplied with top quality locks, stocks and barrels. By ensuring that each student learns to correctly inlet metal to wood; to properly align locks to barrels; and to create a period correct, school appropriate, and functional deer hunting longrifle, there is an obvious advantage that books and videos cannot provide. Longrifles take about 60 to 100 hours of dedicated work to complete. But the experience that is handed down from one generation to the next expedites that completion. For more information on the next September class at the JHS Longrifle School, contact www.jacobsburg.org. Lastly, it is very significant that hunters build Pennsylvania Longrifles. It deserves our respect. Consider its legendary accuracy, art and beauty, history and significance as a Pennsylvania industry, but most of all, consider its legacy. Take pride in this new/ old symbol of our commonwealth. 
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http://www.primitiveartsvideo.com http://www.primitiveartsvideo.com http://www.homerdangler.com http://www.jacobsburg.org

Pennsylvania Game News - July 2011

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