The Gunsmith of Williamsburg

Love this video. It shows the process of hand-building a flintlock rifle from start to finish in fairly complete detail. The video was done back in 1969 so the video quality isn't what we have today but the content is what can be categorized as a lost (or nearly so) art. It is worth more than the asking price and anyone even remotely interested in this kind of information should have it in their library. I was in Colonial Williamsburg a number of years ago and spent some time in this very gun shop. The equipment is still there and in usable condition. While there I bought the VHS version and have enjoyed it for nearly 10 years now. I recently added this CD to my library, as well. This is how they made rifles back in the 1700's and 1800's. Makes me wish I had a forge, tools and equipment to do this myself.

I had seen this presentation twice before, once when it was originally broadcast and once while attending gunsmithing school. The history reinactors of Colonial Williamsburg take the viewer step-by-step through the process of building a replica of a fine American muzzle loading rifle of the 18th century. Although the rifle was a necessary tool for living on the American frontier, it required the intricate blending of the skills of a blacksmith, a machinist, a woodworker and an artist. From the "lock, stock and barrel" to the finely engraved patchbox and relief carving, the creation of this complex and beautiful machine inspires respect for the skill and ingenuity of our American forefathers. For an hour the viewer time travels to an early American gunsmith's shop to learn about life in American history.

As a hunter/shooter of flintlock rifles I really enjoyed the video. If you are looking for an instructional video on how to build a flintlock then this is not your video. If you want a peek at how the flintlock was made during colonial times and the importance of the printing press then you will love this video. Would have scored 5 stars except it is a bit pricey for a non-blue ray disc.

I have no particular interest in firearms, but I enjoyed the video very much for the outstanding craftmanship and knowledge it demonstrates. The Colonial gunsmith had to combine a wide range of skills working with metals and wood. The video shows Wallace Gusler working his way through steps including forge-welding the barrel, shaping and inletting the stock, casting, forging and engraving metal parts, and much more. It's amazing that someone looking so young can master all the skills involved.If you expect a how-to video, you might be a bit disappointed for it covers all the steps, but not always in great detail.I will watch this video many times over, it was money well spent.The DVD also includes a short 1950's film about the colonial printer. It has modest historic value overall, but it's charming in a vintage, moralizing and kitschy sort of way.

The CD arrived in short order and in excellent condition. However I found the contents disappointing and perhaps this is my fault for expecting too much or something else. In retrospect I can say that I was looking for techniques relative to low relief carving and as such was disappointed in the contents of the CD. In parallel with the CD I also took a hands on carving class and can say very frankly that I found this instruction also disappointing. Anyone who wants to pursue low relief carving should first, get a good set of basic carving tools; second, get your hands on several samples of various woods to practice on; third, make sure you have a stable work surface and adequate lighting; fourth, start chipping / in letting and experimenting to your hearts content and do not tackle the project/s you have in mind until you are sure of your skills. Keep in mind that this is a skill that, while your brain may have the desire, your hands may not ever possess the skill. A man has to know his limitations. No apologies for the reference to man although this applies to women too.

For all who savor the rare opportunity to watch and learn from one of the few remaining true craftman/artists, this timeless video will leave you with a life-alerting image of what it takes to earn the title of "Master Craftman". This in-depth, historically-significant, educational presentation should be mandatory viewing for all those who would seek to create with their head and hands. Wallace Gusler, "The Gunsmith of Williamsburg", has set the bar for all those who wish to emulate the highest skill levels and artisanship across so many disciplines... not to mention his concise introduction to and visual demonstration of technical terminologies associated with metal crafting, metallurgy, wood crafting, and the history of their impact on the history and development of our Nation. Absolutely spellbinding for folks like me!Five Stars... at least!

I've previously had this in VHS form of some years back. The transfer to DVD is quite good. It's 58 minutes of excellent detail on the building of a Kentucky rifle. The craftsman in the film became an important part of Colonial Williamsburg, and has since retired. His hand-crafted firearms are in great demand. As an extra feature, there is a 25 minute docudrama on the Colonial Printer. Very nice addition.Overall, very well done. I recommend it. Four-and-a-half stars out of 5.Cheers,Bill in Canada

I first purchased this in VHS format when I visited Colonial Williamsburg several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed watching it many times since.I now have DVD players and flat screen television sets in three rooms so I am in the process of upgrading my VHS films to DVD format.This story was among my first of those upgrades.I was additionally pleased with the added short features which were not on the VHS tape.The quality of the DVD version was very good and I am looking forward to many more viewings from now on.