Brian LaMaster is a master gunsmith, craftsman, and artist. He handcrafts early rifles and fowlers, offers fine restorations, and is an expert in Kentucky rifle styles. An appraiser, consultant, advisor, restorer, creator, and historian, Brian’s knowledge, experience, and work is highly valued.

His work has been showcased in multiple books and articles. He’s spoken to fellow gunsmiths, enthusiasts and experts at Dixon’s Gun Fair, the Kentucky Rifle Association, Sons of the American Revolution, and more. He built rifles used in the 1991 film, Last of the Mohicans. Past president of the Kentucky Rifle Association and Kentucky Rifle Foundation, he has been a lifelong student of Kentucky rifle styles. Because of his expertise, many collectors seek his assistance to establish regions and makers of manufacture and for restoration analysis—and his knowledge regarding gun, era, age and rarity makes him a valued and knowledgeable appraiser. 

Brian’s restorations are in the hands of prominent collectors and his contemporary, handcrafted guns are truly works of art of the highest quality, making them instant family heirlooms. His vast knowledge and research ensure restorations match the integrity of each piece.

He also custom builds contemporary rifles and fowlers for customers. All guns are scratch built and start with a 2 ½” inch plank of wood. They are hand shaped, one at a time, along with patch boxes, thimbles and inlays. Using custom tools and techniques, Brian’s work is a testament to detail and painstaking perfection.

A true enthusiast, Brian’s interest in all guns is lifelong—and he believes every gun, in any condition, reveals something to be learned. In addition to 18th and 19th century rifles and fowlers, he collects bags, horns, tomahawks, swords, furniture, tools, and Native American trade guns. He learned under the tutelage of Keith Casteel in Woodstock, Virginia in 1985, becoming a full-time master gunsmith in 1992.