This documentary was made in 1969, two years after I was born. Just 50 years ago television programs did not consider their viewers dumb. No hyped-up fast-paced narration. You can actually see every single operation. The combination of a narrator and a first person singular account works amazingly well. A treasure.
Nowadays, I can make my own gun by ordering parts, simple machining, 3D printing, a Dremel, and hand tools from Brownell's and Home Depot. If I had the space, I could set up a lathe, drill press, table saw, CnC, and make everything but the barrel bore from benchstock. This guy makes me look like I'm playing with Lego. Make a forge. Make a hammer. Make a crucible. Make your own chemicals. They say that any sufficiently advanced technology will seem like magic to a primitive, but as technology progresses past us needing to do these things, "The old fashioned way" looks like pure alchemy to a modern eye. Being able to tell time and date by the moon and stars makes my friend think I'm some kind of sorcerer. Watching this guy make his own screws has me similarly in awe.
It's like in modern time we're removed from things like this. I get a similar feeling when watching Primitive Technology, especially when PT made an iron tool. Both these people are taking materials from the ground, moulding them, heating them, hammering and shaping them into a complex tool with many different parts with their own unique functions, basically from mundane materials. It's... raw, primal, using what you have in the earth you stand on.
This is a fine example of what a TV show should look like. Clear, concise, informative, no "hidden messages" wonderfully narrated, with only what the viewer needs to know. Zero waffling.
Really enjoyed this throughout the whole program. Wish they could do tv like this today. No flashy scripts. No fast cutting between 50 different camera angles. No host screaming "VERY DANGEROUS" every 15 seconds. Just focused on the art itself and the artisan. Thanks for sharing this gem. Cheers!
Today corporate greed rules the media, movies and production of merchandise. They must try to sell something to enrich the CEO retirement packages and , of course, the general public is too freaking stupid to enjoy a production like this, right???? Gotta have those "Buy this pillow, it will cure gout and dandruff, not to mention it will make you better looking." ads.
The smith forges the barrel UNDER DANGEROUS FLAMES *rock music plays while slow motion footage and dramatic cuts show the smith hammering a piece of steel*
I spent three years building custom 1911 pistols on an assembly line. My hands were like raw hide when i left. I used modern mills, lathes and surface grinders. But I also used files every day. It really makes you appreciate the skill of a guy like this to do what he was doing. It's hard to explain but when you look at the same steel parts day in and out for years you can see a half thousands of an inch difference. My mentor there said that, that some of the guns he had from the late 1800s had much tighter tolerances on fine fitted parts than today's guns. And those dudes did not even have electricity. Lol great video.
i tell my non machinist friends i can see in thousandths of inches and they tell me i'm crazy when i can see the imperfections in a table's flatness and texture glad i'm not the only crazy
The term “tolerance” is not the same as “precision”. If you are making a lot of parts and you want them to be completely interchangeable, then you define how big and how small they can be and still fit and function. That is tolerance. If you are making one thing by hand, you can make its parts fit very closely even if you don’t know their numerical size. That’s precise, and a wonderful fit, but because interchangeability is not important, tolerances are irrelevant.
EDIT: Thank you to many people for correcting me - the master gunsmith Wallace Gusler is still living. Another person with his same name passed away in Virginia in 2022. Apologies for spreading misinformation! Rest in peace Wallace Gusler, 1931-2022. A true master of his craft!
A friend of mine just passed month ago 37 22 had just as much info. These old timers can teach us if we allow are selves. I bet these young men In this recording still have them rifles & will out live them
I was a friend of Mike Walker of Remington in the last 12-14 yrs of his life. He was retired but still working 3-6 hrs every day doing gunsmithing/reloading and benchrest shooting.. Mike's last rifle that he built before his death at 101 yrs old was a 260 ackly. I was able to help some on this rifle. He built it for me to deer hunt with. One of many over the years..... What a great man with lots of interesting stories from his work at Remington!! I still have some of his tools and rifles I bought that he used in benchrest competition.. This video was well made. Thanks for posting!! .
@@308alaska sorry to hear that. I had 2 shoulder surgeries in the military, they aren't fun AT ALL. I wish you Godspeed and a quick recovery my friend.
I've watched this video at least 50 times over the years. I started building muzzleloaders in 1975. I'm nowhere close to Mr. Gussler's level, but I enjoy doing it. He was a true artist. Even if you're just a kit-builder, you'll learn a lot about the craft.
As a retired mechanical engineer I watched with fascination the craftsmanship and precision of this gunsmith work. It is a true work of art! I am very very impressed with a skill of this man.
The rifle built in front of our eyes is a treasure indeed. I have been to Williamsburg three times in my youth, and was always drawn to this foundry to watch the Gunsmith at work. He was different each time, and in the different time of construction on a musket or rifle. But I learned to appreciate the skills and patience needed to have a finished product. The last time I was at Williamsburg, I was 14, just three years short of my first .22 rifle. It was a real learning experience as I was able (with careful monitoring) to shape the stock somewhat. Real experience that I was able to take into my 20's and 30's as I specialized in restoring stocks on rifles that were burned or broken. "Furniture" stocks, handguards, and forends were called, and quite rightly so as it took many hours to restore or replace the burned wood from house fires and neglect. I really learned to appreciate the work that goes into gunsmithing (it doen't stop when sights are installed, many things you have to learn and apply to your calling). I am 67 now, a little slower but much more learned.
It was released in 1969 My birth year It’s a different level of gunsmithing They had to know absolutely everything from steel fordging to wood finishing They were definitely true craftsman
I would think that, 300 years ago, a man like Gusler, with skills enough to build the whole gun, would do best to train and employ ten or twenty specialists, to turn out more guns per man-hour.
My grandfather built these as a hobby. I did not understand their value until I was later told one was worth $7000 in 1960's dollars. Unfortunately, they were stolen.
@@wryanddry2266 back then one gun would be passed down for generations so why would a skilled craftsman created unnecessary competition? There was no demand like today he’s maybe selling 20 rifles a year & you’d pay for it before it was made because of the expense, say twice that in pistols which were cheaper & easier to carry so one village only needed one gunsmith & two apprentices tops & only two because one will most likely die of something before adulthood or move away to get married, I got a friend does this & he’s very careful not to share hard earned secrets
I love the documentaries of that era. We had the same in USSR. Thorough, slow paced, very detailed and beautifully narrated. Made to educate people as a primary goal, not for a momentary entertainment.
Same in the UK. Had shows like Horizon, just great documentaries which didn't speak down to people. I agree documentaries now just don't feel the same, even if many are good.
My dad was a gunsmith in Ranson WV for 50 + years. He had one of Wallace Guslers flint lock rifles in his shop. A man brought in a couple of rifles from Harper's Ferry and one of W. Gusler. Guslers rifle was beautifully ingraved. The customer wanted them fixed up for display. Seeing this video was an amazing experience for me, and I thank you. I lost my dad on April 4th, 22. You brought back so many memories for me, and I'm grateful to you for that. This video was amazing.
one of the best clips I have seen in my entire life. Now I am 56 years old and intersted in firearms since I was a kid at the age of 4 years. Among decades I always was interested in gunsmithing and this clip brings back the importance of these skilled men. Without them in the 18th century USA would never been founded. This clip should be seen by everybody in the whole world to show and remind in the great history of the early decades of the young USA. This outstanding nation is built and crreated by strong, skilled and free men who decided to settle down in the new world from Europe to create a better world. AND THIS HAPPENED AMONG THE CENTURIES......
@@m1a1abrams93 It’s not some genetic trait that our ancestors possessed that made this country great; it was the opportunity that called to our ancestors to come and live up to their dreams and potential. That opportunity still calls to people who seek freedom and a chance to contribute to our American legacy.
I’m 4th generation machinist/grindhand in my family, and this stuff is a passion. When I started watching the gun drilling procedure, I immediately wondered how many bits he breaks. I got my answer. That takes so much skill to do that without the “feel” you have on today’s feed mechanisms. Pretty amazing that guns have been made for as long as they have.
Saw this back in high school in the early 70's. Absolutely astounded. For those who don't know, Mr.Brinkley,the narrator, was part of the nightly news for NBC ,a distinguished journalist during the the tumultuous era of the 50s, 60s and 70's. Mr. Devane, who voices the gunsmith, a prominent actor of the time. Never got the chance to visit Mr.Gusler at work in his shop sadly. Brilliant film,thank you for posting.
Steve, Thanks for putting a name to that distinct voice. Brinkley goes back to my day and his voice is forever etched in my brain! (RE: The gunsmithing art---it's an extremely labor intensive effort--I have much respect for the skill)
@@trappenweisseguy27 He played JFK in the 70s docu-drama “The Missiles of October “ about the Cuban missile crisis of 1962.Devane was great but soon typecast,sadly.
I'm not sure what people are watching, but documentaries in this style are still made today, slow and patient but with better camera work, more thorough details being shown for longer and some with no narration, just subtle pleasant music and the sounds of something being made by hand. Blacksmiths, cobblers, wool suits, everything.
This has to be one of the most interesting videos I've ever watched. I never considered the skills needed to be a gunsmith, particularly the blacksmithing.
So many people think that all smiths do is change sights and put slides on Glocks. Maybe an optic cut or trigger replacement Absolutely aggravating when i hear that crap. Talented gunsmiths are in rare form these days. If you find yourself a good 1911 smith, you have someone that can handle quite a bit on anything. Regarding the forging,- These days, most smith's don't do much forging, but rather fine skills with a mill and lathe using good material. TIG pops up here and there and then the occasional use of a heat treat oven to reharden or case harden. Gunsmithing work is one of the most satisfying things I do with my time. that said - I absolutely agree. the work that used to go into every rifle is ASTOUNDING. What we now rely on CNCs for, they did with a hacksaw and file and done perfectly.
Wow, that was one of the best documentaries I’ve ever watched! I am a locksmith by trade which, compared to many other trades today, is still pretty old school. Yet this is just in a league of its own! I wish I was a tenth as skilled as Mr Gusler! What a craftsman, what an artist, what a tradesman. I believe that that is truly what a great tradesman is and should aspire to be. Though I know that with today’s technology spending 300 hours building such a work of art from such raw materials is truly in a completely different realm in actual feasibility. It really does become art! Just how proud this craftsman must feel about his work I cannot fathom and can only be left in complete awe! I enjoyed every second watching that. 😮
@@nbbistudent7 Was very privileged to build a Kibler Kit rifle with Wallace Gusler at the NMLRA WKU Gunsmithing Seminar. Happens every year. Check it out. Life changing event for me. Wallace is the gunsmith shown here- he had a decorated career at Williamsburg that eventually took him out of the gunshop, but he never stopped building and researching. Absolutely phenomenal teacher.
@@charlesharper7292 I have a deep connection to mine, having assembled it myself. Very cool experience, especially since it was my first time. In the coming week I am releasing a video covering my entire account building the rifle at the WKU seminar.
What an amazing master craftsman Wallace was. Thoroughly glued to the screen. I won awards at Intermediate school (11-12 years old) in woodwork and metal work 50 years ago, but this was several levels above my ashtray and bird sculpture projects. Just Wow! Thanks for the excellent share!
Всем доброго дня! Дамы и господа, это же настоящее наслаждение: смотреть за работой людей с поистине золотыми руками! Старинное искусство, воспроизведенное в полноценном фильме-исследовании - замечательная работа! Браво и низкий поклон мастеру! Спасибо всем! С уважением А.Т., Россия.
@@fainderskurs-koi8767 , наверное, удивлю, но соглашусь насчет "тупорылых бестолочей" - того же сантехника с прямыми руками найти практически невозможно! Крайне мало мастеров...
I’m a 35 year old blacksmith in Kentucky, I’m a one man shop. THIS was incredibly inspiring!!! I wish they made documentaries like this today, thanks for sharing.
They played this film in my grade school history class in the mid-80’s. I never forgot it and am super psyched to get to watch it again after so long. Over the decades I have become a very competent knifemaker and woodworker. And, the seeds of all of that could have very possibly been from seeing this as a kid. Blew me away then, and still does now.
This man is certainly a Master Craftsman and is amazing what boggles my mind is that someone long before him thought of and designed each and everyone of these parts and figured out how to make this whole thing work as one unit. Not to take anything away from this man of course.
As Armoury is part of my profession and the quest to understand how guns were made, I miraclosly stumbled on this film a few days after thinking how they did it and I was blown away by the artistry of Mr W Gustler. I was mesmerized by his ability of completing every facet and after watching realised that he was more than just a gunsmith he was a Grand Master Gunsmith. I hope people can apreciate that a gun from that era was made with blood sweat and tears. I am still in awe............
My grandfather was a gunsmith for a living. I am a hobbiest one just for my own guns. The amount of work Gustler did was amazing just with hand tools and not modern lathes and milling machines. Hats off to him. I have milling machine and modern lathes. Doing all that work by hand is amazing.
THE OLD GUNSMITH'S HUT From dust to dust we go, meanwhile working wood and rock, it's metal so tedious and slow, he makes it working like a clock. A gunsmith lives by iron and coal, together with piles of wood. Made by the template of his soul, a pride for his neighbourhood. The gunsmith's hut is falling down, the anvil's heartbeats no more. Modern times has come to town, no gunsmith here for sure.
@@tomrobards7753 It's not really gone. There is still a lot of respect for old fashioned, skilled trades, and there are some who keep the crafts alive to the extent they can. It may seem gone, but I think it's just napping.
@@blackandgus yeah I built a Kentucky long rifle back in the late seventies from a rough kit took it to work show some of the guys and the maintenance supervisor offered me $400 for it in the kit cost 125 and all I did was take it out of the sleeve case he never even looked at it
@@tomrobards7753 That's pretty neat. I've confined my efforts to, so far, to miniature models of muskets and long rifles, plus a few other breach loaders of the next era. When I was a kid, I was visiting a kid down the street and saw that his older brother and dad were building a Kentucky long rifle in the basement. It was kind of magical to me, at the time. I couldn't imagine how one could just "build" such a fine thing. But maybe one of these days, when I acquire a few more tools and actually can forge out some small parts, I may try my hand at a kit. I doubt I could make a working lock, but I wouldn't mind trying to cast a trigger guard and butt plate in the styles found on the old Brown Bess muskets. Combing that with a good rifled barrel would suit me. Take care.
@@blackandgus you don't need all that many tools there's a company called CVA that makes kits of all kinds of black powder guns but the most beautiful rifles were the Pennsylvania rifles they command high dollars when one's finished but I built my kids strictly with common hand tools some files and Emery cloth and hand polishing and I made a buffer out on Old washing machine motor and some buffing wheels to put the high polish on the brass pieces you don't need that many tools to do one simple tools I know $40 with her or so would buy all those tools if you can salvage an old washing machine motor maybe $50 in Ann arbor for my hardware store for that motor and a little time I spent most of the winter building that kit from Christmas time till about March early April
A wonderful culture that sadly is fading away... and I'm not talking about Colonial days, but the value that was once placed on knowledge such as this, and the remembrance of how we came to be Americans.
Same is happening almost every European country, woke leftist mentality news media adds social media is all just one big leftist propaganda. They say you dont have culture and your nationality like its history is something to be ashamed. Just remember that white straight man is rasist and the oppressor off all.
@@southside1975 they've been destroying it for 100+ years... It didn't start with this administration. It started at the founding of our country. It's just back then they knew who those people were and actively sought them out and made examples of them.
I had never seen this before. Brilliant and lovingly made. David Brinkley (Huntley and Brinkley) is the narrator and William Devane, the veteran character actor (recently starring in Bosch-Legacy) is the voice of the gunsmith. Very much worth a watch, even if you don't care for firearms you may appreciate the art, engineering and craftsmanship that these 'tools' encompass. They forged and sustained our new and vulnerable Republic. They are a significant part of who we are and what we would become.
These old documentaries are truly national treasures, what a remarkable thing it would be to still have this level of skill at our disposal. Sadly those days are gone for the most part and will never return, such a shame to lose this form of art in gun making.
I have seen tens of thousands of videos on youtube here, and this is the best thing I have ever seen. My jaw dropped and stayed there the entire way through! Absolutely amazing thanks!
As a person interested in history I have read about gunsmiths of the 18th and 19th century and tools they used. On a tour through the Oregon Trail Museum in Montpelier, Idaho, I saw a pair of wooden lathes and was curious. The tour guide did not know what they were used for but allowed me to take a closer look. History kicked in. One still had the rifle grooving bit installed. When I told him that I believed they were for boring and rifling rifles he was surprised. Today, 10 years after seeing the lathes and 65 years after getting interested in history, I finally got to see the manufacturing of a flintlock rifle, from raw metal and a block of wood. Wonderful documentary work.
It has been nearly 30 years since I saw this video. I remember the video well. I first got into muzzleloading in the mid 70s. Movies like this never really get old.
This video,if you like guns was absolutely incredible! It is incredible to see how a gunsmith of the time could make such a beautiful weapon. Of all of the UA-cam videos that I have seen this is the most enjoyable video I have ever watched. Please get you a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy this! YOU WILL. THANK YOU MR.GUSLER!
As a layman, this was incredibly fascinating to watch. Much respect to the talent and craftsmanship of a master at work. It would take approximately 37 continuous days to create this masterpiece.
I grew up in James City County just outside of Williamsburg in the late 60's early 70's and had the pleasure of watching the gunsmiths make rifles by hand many times. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful memory.
Thanks for posting! I visited here in 1967 with my family when I was 15 and fascinated with firearms. Unfortunately the gun shop wasn't manned but I distinctly remember the spiraled timber and rack used for the rifling. I also remember hundreds of smooth-bore muskets lining the walls of the armory. I did get to see them demo one of the muskets with a cloth wad as a blank. Even if the blacksmith had been there, only a very small part of this lengthy process would have been seen, and now I know the whole story, so thanks again for posting!
When I was stationed at Fort Eustis, VA, I'd frequently visit Colonial Williamsburg. At that time the gunsmith was backordered 2 years for a custom made rifle or pistol. A rifle cost $2,500.
Wow, this is without a doubt the most interesting video I've seen in a very long time. The craftsmanship is astonishing, over 300 hours to make a beautiful work of art, I wonder how much he would be paid for that.
@@FBIforreal152 yes, I agree. I can spend many hours even days putting together 20,000 piece models, some can take up to 6 months to complete but this craftsmanship is on another level.
I've been a tattoo artist for a decade and I thought putting 100 hours into a backpiece was something....its NOTHING compared to this. Pretty amazing. This guy is still alive and still making guns at 79 as far as I can tell by some quick internet sleuthing.
I will estimate the cost. At say $25/hour by 300 hours equals $7500, cost of materials say $2000, so I would say he probably sells them for say $12,000 for him to make a profit and pay tax. He must only make say 7 guns a year, all collectors item
@@emanuelmifsud6754 I don't think the materials would be anywhere near $2K. Wrought iron flat stock would be the toughest to find. Old horse drawn farm machinery or wagons would be your best supply stock.
I just learned so many things. I always wondered how such precision needed to cut rifling could be achieved without power tools and such, using paper and wooden shims is beyond brilliant. The labor and meticulous expression of the craftsman poured into these creations is beyond the pale. I feel like I've witnessed something truly special, seeing this. I'm glad it's preserved. This feels important.
That was amazing to watch from start to finish. I have so much admiration for the gunsmith's art and skill in this era. The broad nature of what are really specialist skills, all in one craftsman, allowing the creation of such a rifle shows the height of what a person could achieve in the pre-industrial period.
Superb documentary television. If programmes were made like this, no artificial drama and no skipping over the detail to pander to short attention spans. I'd watch tv if it were like this, hence why i watch largely instructive videos on UA-cam. This programme really makes me appreciate my 1904 Pratt and Whitney 10" engine lathe let alone my more modern workshop tools.
Awesome video, the multiple skills involved and the sheer volume of work involved just to make one rifle is mind blowing. Just remember people that this process would be done over a number of days but what you don't see is the amount of time it takes just to make the tools to make the rifle, multiple files in multiple shapes and roughness, god knows how many different drill bits, as he said a few get broken with every rifle made screwdrivers chissels engraving tools, mandrill's, the rifling machine /bore drill. It's a mamouth task just making those let alone the rifle. True craftsmanship indeed
I think I discovered this video a little over 40 years ago, bought VHS copies and DVDs of and everything else offered by Colonial Williamsburg, but this one remains one of a handful of life changing introductions that have opened up a world of study I might have missed. I am so glad it is still getting viewed. One never fully understands the past until you know something of the technology of the times, and without that, you can't fully appreciate our own time.
All I can say is I'm utterly impressed in every station of this rifle build. This man and those equal of his extreme ability, were masters, and men of astounding caliber and character..
The skill and patience this gunsmith has is amazing. I was wondering what machines there were, but everything is hand made, even the tools. Shows how much engineering has advanced. The most enjoyable video I have seen in a long time.
yes, I cant even believe one person has the patience and endurance to forge weld it much less all the rest of the finishing, I forge simple knives as a hobby, this makes that look like nothing at all and making a knife is damn hard in my book.
I am really staggered by the quality of this fabulous production, as said elsewhere oh if programmes were made like this now, what a great entertainment TV would be. Thank you so very much for showing the skill and patience that is here in buckets full, what a wonderful firearm maker and what a fabulous craft. Very many thanks for this fabulously entertaining film and what a magnificent rifle. RIP Mr Gusler. We are still fascinated by your artistry.
My dad (who died in 2014) loved making flintlock rifles. He bought the barrels and flintlock mechanisms from Dixie Gun Works and made his own gunstocks; we lived in the country, with a lot of walnut trees on our land. And yes, he used them to hunt deer.
Amazing movie clip, I was born in 1969 watching this makes me realise how life just creeps along slowly so that you don't fully appreciate the changes the world is going through, seeing a movie from the year you were born shows the huge contrast between then and now. I remember how all documentaries and informational films were in this style. Anyway, here I am in 2022 watching a documentary film from 1969 about an artisan craftsman practicing a craft from the 18th century.
Thank´s from Bavaria. I´m born 68. Only one generation and all the skills are lost. This guy is an artist. Carving iron like wood. This video is a masterpiece and the protagonist is the master. I´m really impressed.
Thanks for uploading this. Years ago, when I was in welding school, our teacher showed us this it's great to see it again. That man is a true master of his craft.
This was such a lovely video. A final shot of the whole gun shown just on it's own against a plain background would have been satisfying. This video shows a glimpse into the changes and adaptions over the history of making rifles and many other firearms. Thank you so much.
I remember Chet and David doing the national news for one of the big 3. (ABC, NBC, CBS) I was about 16. This was the same year they landed on the moon. This is a great documentary, no music, step by step narration. They don’t make….you know!!
reminds me of my old neighbor who used to make .22 airguns with brass tubes. he was filing everytime i saw him. amazing crafts. worth watching every second of the video 👍👍👍
Thank you mr Wallace Gusler, the producers and the uploader for sharing your astonishing craftsmanship. It is a joy and an education to watch half a century later.
During WW2 my Father was in the Royal Engineers then the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. the closest he got to action was having to handle Mules in Italy. Whilst he was in the UK he constantly got into trouble because his issued rifle barrel had rust pits in it. Having no use for his rifle it became upsetting for him. (His job in the UK was dealing with unexploded bombs in and around London and lifting and replacing land mines on the beaches) Hence before leaving for Italy he strung a length of rope from one end of his hut to the other and coated it in cutting compound. He then threaded the rope through his barrel and ran the barrel up and down the rope until it shone. On arriving in Italy they had a weapons inspection where his rifle was taken away from him smashed and he was issued a new one!! Apparently the rifled barrel was now a smooth bore barrel.
@@h4l414 We were supposed to pour hot water down the barrel on our Lee-Enfield 303 rifles for 6 days after shooting . By taken out the bolt and pouring from that end with a funnel . Then using a pull though with rag on it. The metal would , " sweat " , so the hot water would remove powder residue . It was a good gun , very accurate in the hands of an expert shooter which I was not !
Thanks for the up load buddy ! This little program is an absolute 'gem', so informative, educational and very entertaining. The amount of man hours that went into making one of those rifles was simply astounding especially in this age of instant everything. Watching things like this inspires me to take on those projects that I thought were beyond my abilities, he (Wallace Gussler) did all that with the bare minimum of tools, a bucket load of hard work and skill. Hats off to all those long forgotten gunsmiths, artisans of their craft who helped people put food on the table and the 'Red coats' from the door (and I say that as a Red Coat, lol).
Years ago, late 1990’s, I saw this film at the Minneapolis Institute Of Arts. Of special interest was that such a rifle by this young genius was on display! Wow! I took three metalworking junkie friends to see the film. Should have brought Huggies! How I can only dream of such skills! A few years ago I found and old caplock musket in an antique shop. Bought it for a friend who loves antiques of any sort. We thought the engraving on the barrel was a maker’s mark. Turns out the piece was a gift to a Royal Navy officer, 1772. Bore, something around .700, maybe a shotgun? I’m not a firearms person so beats me. Too bad it was not a flintlock. Now that would have been a real chunk of history! The trick was getting it from the store to my car, three blocks away. One does not walk through a downtown area carrying a gun. So I bought an old broom and a ragged tablecloth, wrapped both with the broom sticking out obviously. Folks presumed I was a tradesman en route. Did not get shot on sight by law enforcement.
This is no doubt the most interesting video i have seen on youtube. The people with the copyright to this video should send a copy of the master to be digitally restored.
thanks for sharing this.. what an incredible artisan and craftsman.. its amazing to see how he builds it all from first principles.. and you can really appreciate the work and effort put into making this gun. Truly amazing.. when he makes his own spring you can really feel he is the master of his craft
As a gunsmith my self, i find it super interesting how hard all the cutting jobs were, especially deep hole drilling, when all you had was carbon steel made tools, constant reshaping, constant re hardening and resharpening just to do a simple boring job. Going from carbon steel tools to HSS was the same big leap back then as we advanced from HSS to carbide Tools. I actually own some very good gunmaking literature from the 1950's and there is still described how to make your own rifling buttons out of carbon steel. Also the use of simple carbon steel drill bits was still the norm.
Incredible amount of craftsmanship and metallurgic knowledge went into making these weapons. Considering the expertise needed and the logistics of having to procure the necessary amount of raw materials to begin with and enough able gunsmiths, it is an incredible feat that the American colonists were ever able to make enough guns to fight the war of independence until they developed allies like France that helped beat the British Empire, the worlds only super power at that time. Those men must have worked night and day every day! Great video and amazing craftsmen! Unsung hero's.
to be fair, many of those guns being made were smoothbore muskets, and they purchased european guns as well. Rifles would have been more of a luxury, and apparently we tried to use british muskets whenever we could (due to the better quality and faster loading speed, as well as the bayonets) In addition, this is a lot higher quality in its manufacturing process than they might have been using for their rifle production. Makes it fairly faster if you can leave out that groove cutting process, decorations, and internal compartments
@@scout360pyroz to be sure..many guns were sourced from other places and the quality varied a lot. Yeah the video spoke to the rifled barrels being more of a luxury and smooth bore being more the military normal shoulder arm. You make fair points and I sure didn't mean to infer that the 13 colonies on their own just beat a world super power like the British empire. I still think the first Americans were no less amazing.
@@kaylamarie8309 Just putting my two cents in. apparently those rifles american colonists had prefered pre revolution were great for assassinating officers though. Just like that ambush from The Patriot.
This is genuine Craftsmanship! As we would say in Austria and Germany "Ein Kunstler" (a Master Craftsman)! A skill set few could have the patience to master! Well done! No wonder the price was a stack of beaver pelts the height of the rifle!
From raw iron, wood and materials to a decorative but practical and accurate firearm. So many hours of work and skill put into that rifle, its a work of art. Amazing.
Wow...i was 9 years old when this movie was made...i was a firearms dealer for many years...so many of my customers would complain about the high cost of custom made guns like this...i would explain to them the time and expertise it takes to make a gun like this! I wish I had this film at the time, I could have shown them why it costs so much!
Dedication and commitment,work pride and real craftsmanship to get the ultimate and extreme result of durability and perfection.The likes and equal of this gunsmith on his terrain of expertise won't be easy to find in today's world.Glad my eyes could witness this.
A real privilege to watch a true craftsman at work. No machine could ever make a gun like this, if you have ever touched a piece made by hand you can feel the maker in the item.
As a Brit watching this, I'm astonished at how smart our colonial cousins were to make all their own rifles using mostly local materials. I had no idea. I assumed they got supplied by France or Russia who both backed the revolution.. or that British rifles were diverted/seized.. it's incredible how skilled these guys were in their craft. Was the rifle made here a copy of British/European rifles used at that time, kinda like reverse engineering..or did the American colonies make their own unique design? No wonder these colonial-era antique rifles fetch such high prices among collectors..with every part hand-made, it's basically like owning a work of art! I wonder how long the entire process took, and also how long it took to become a gunsmith with this level of skill? It must have taken ages to build up a sizeable armoury in the colonies to rival what the British military had! The gun powder, hemp sheets and ball method was still in use by Britain in mid 19th century. I've seen many war films from the British Empire where they used the exact same rifle design, the Spanish Wars, Napoleonic wars etc. The Brits put the powder in little measured paper bags, a rifleman would bite the end off, pour it in, ram rod the hemp, drop the ball in and ram the second piece of hemp.. a good soldier could do this in under a minute with one hand!
Every single American that served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War was watching this man make this Rifle with a smile on their faces. 😊
This documentary was made in 1969, two years after I was born. Just 50 years ago television programs did not consider their viewers dumb. No hyped-up fast-paced narration. You can actually see every single operation. The combination of a narrator and a first person singular account works amazingly well. A treasure.
Good point. Perhaps credits are at the end? For those of us of a "certain age", you might recognize the narrator's voice: David Brinkley.
@@fgb3126 A few of are still around who remember David, and Chet Huntley.
I couldn't of said it better.
@@fgb3126 I did recognize Brinkley. The other narrator too: William Devane.
Back when people were assumed to have an attention-span, that wasn't spoiled by fast advertisements.
Nowadays, I can make my own gun by ordering parts, simple machining, 3D printing, a Dremel, and hand tools from Brownell's and Home Depot. If I had the space, I could set up a lathe, drill press, table saw, CnC, and make everything but the barrel bore from benchstock. This guy makes me look like I'm playing with Lego. Make a forge. Make a hammer. Make a crucible. Make your own chemicals. They say that any sufficiently advanced technology will seem like magic to a primitive, but as technology progresses past us needing to do these things, "The old fashioned way" looks like pure alchemy to a modern eye. Being able to tell time and date by the moon and stars makes my friend think I'm some kind of sorcerer. Watching this guy make his own screws has me similarly in awe.
It's like in modern time we're removed from things like this. I get a similar feeling when watching Primitive Technology, especially when PT made an iron tool.
Both these people are taking materials from the ground, moulding them, heating them, hammering and shaping them into a complex tool with many different parts with their own unique functions, basically from mundane materials. It's... raw, primal, using what you have in the earth you stand on.
And if the electricity failed… you would be in the dark scratching your head.
This is a fine example of what a TV show should look like. Clear, concise, informative, no "hidden messages" wonderfully narrated, with only what the viewer needs to know. Zero waffling.
There are still plenty of documentaries like this. Subtext, metaphor and drama are still acceptable in media
And thank God no mention of "Gender fluid"!!
Damn I really hate it when my nature documentary has "hidden subtext" that turns me gay
Really enjoyed this throughout the whole program. Wish they could do tv like this today. No flashy scripts. No fast cutting between 50 different camera angles. No host screaming "VERY DANGEROUS" every 15 seconds. Just focused on the art itself and the artisan. Thanks for sharing this gem.
Cheers!
Today corporate greed rules the media, movies and production of merchandise. They must try to sell something to enrich the CEO retirement packages and , of course, the general public is too freaking stupid to enjoy a production like this, right???? Gotta have those "Buy this pillow, it will cure gout and dandruff, not to mention it will make you better looking." ads.
The smith forges the barrel UNDER DANGEROUS FLAMES *rock music plays while slow motion footage and dramatic cuts show the smith hammering a piece of steel*
Do you realize you are on UA-cam right now where you can find an endless treasure of content like this
You mean History channel type programs such as Ax Men etc.. Thankfully a man like Mike Rowe exists today.
You left out the worst part... No endless recapping of the last 5 minutes every 5 minutes.
I spent three years building custom 1911 pistols on an assembly line. My hands were like raw hide when i left. I used modern mills, lathes and surface grinders. But I also used files every day. It really makes you appreciate the skill of a guy like this to do what he was doing. It's hard to explain but when you look at the same steel parts day in and out for years you can see a half thousands of an inch difference. My mentor there said that, that some of the guns he had from the late 1800s had much tighter tolerances on fine fitted parts than today's guns. And those dudes did not even have electricity. Lol great video.
You can get a skilled eye if you do something enough. I am an old carpenter and I could see something out of plumb, easily.
i tell my non machinist friends i can see in thousandths of inches and they tell me i'm crazy when i can see the imperfections in a table's flatness and texture
glad i'm not the only crazy
The term “tolerance” is not the same as “precision”. If you are making a lot of parts and you want them to be completely interchangeable, then you define how big and how small they can be and still fit and function. That is tolerance. If you are making one thing by hand, you can make its parts fit very closely even if you don’t know their numerical size. That’s precise, and a wonderful fit, but because interchangeability is not important, tolerances are irrelevant.
You know you build 1911s when the thumb index finger webbing is jacked.
@@thomaswayneward the human eye can perceive the arc second.
EDIT: Thank you to many people for correcting me - the master gunsmith Wallace Gusler is still living. Another person with his same name passed away in Virginia in 2022. Apologies for spreading misinformation!
Rest in peace Wallace Gusler, 1931-2022. A true master of his craft!
OMG, he died. Well it looks like he lived a long and happy life. Rest In Peace Wallace Gusler.
Wow I didnt know he died. The world has lost an amazing artisan. Enjoyed his work for decades.
Wow I didn’t know he died. I liked his work as did many. A legend in his own time. RIP.
He will be missed . rest in peace Wallace Gusler
A friend of mine just passed month ago 37 22 had just as much info. These old timers can teach us if we allow are selves. I bet these young men In this recording still have them rifles & will out live them
I was a friend of Mike Walker of Remington in the last 12-14 yrs of his life. He was retired but still working 3-6 hrs every day doing gunsmithing/reloading and benchrest shooting.. Mike's last rifle that he built before his death at 101 yrs old was a 260 ackly. I was able to help some on this rifle. He built it for me to deer hunt with. One of many over the years..... What a great man with lots of interesting stories from his work at Remington!! I still have some of his tools and rifles I bought that he used in benchrest competition.. This video was well made. Thanks for posting!!
.
That is awesome thank you.
Wow. Not that'd you'd ever sell them, but I can't imagine how much those are worth!! Can I ask how old you are?
@@FBIforreal152 70 yrs old--I'm selling a few--
I just had a shoulder joint replaced....selling some of the bigger calibers.
@@308alaska sorry to hear that. I had 2 shoulder surgeries in the military, they aren't fun AT ALL. I wish you Godspeed and a quick recovery my friend.
Very cool story, old timer, what a unique experience! Thank you for sharing!
I've watched this video at least 50 times over the years. I started building muzzleloaders in 1975. I'm nowhere close to Mr. Gussler's level, but I enjoy doing it. He was a true artist. Even if you're just a kit-builder, you'll learn a lot about the craft.
As a retired mechanical engineer I watched with fascination the craftsmanship and precision of this gunsmith work. It is a true work of art! I am very very impressed with a skill of this man.
The rifle built in front of our eyes is a treasure indeed. I have been to Williamsburg three times in my youth, and was always drawn to this foundry to watch the Gunsmith at work. He was different each time, and in the different time of construction on a musket or rifle. But I learned to appreciate the skills and patience needed to have a finished product. The last time I was at Williamsburg, I was 14, just three years short of my first .22 rifle. It was a real learning experience as I was able (with careful monitoring) to shape the stock somewhat. Real experience that I was able to take into my 20's and 30's as I specialized in restoring stocks on rifles that were burned or broken. "Furniture" stocks, handguards, and forends were called, and quite rightly so as it took many hours to restore or replace the burned wood from house fires and neglect. I really learned to appreciate the work that goes into gunsmithing (it doen't stop when sights are installed, many things you have to learn and apply to your calling). I am 67 now, a little slower but much more learned.
incredible
It was released in 1969
My birth year
It’s a different level of gunsmithing
They had to know absolutely everything from steel fordging to wood finishing
They were definitely true craftsman
We still have guys who can do everything seen here 🇬🇧 🙏
I would think that, 300 years ago, a man like Gusler, with skills enough to build the whole gun, would do best to train and employ ten or twenty specialists, to turn out more guns per man-hour.
My grandfather built these as a hobby. I did not understand their value until I was later told one was worth $7000 in 1960's dollars. Unfortunately, they were stolen.
Very interesting video on how gunsmithing
@@wryanddry2266 back then one gun would be passed down for generations so why would a skilled craftsman created unnecessary competition? There was no demand like today he’s maybe selling 20 rifles a year & you’d pay for it before it was made because of the expense, say twice that in pistols which were cheaper & easier to carry so one village only needed one gunsmith & two apprentices tops & only two because one will most likely die of something before adulthood or move away to get married, I got a friend does this & he’s very careful not to share hard earned secrets
I love the documentaries of that era. We had the same in USSR. Thorough, slow paced, very detailed and beautifully narrated. Made to educate people as a primary goal, not for a momentary entertainment.
Same in the UK. Had shows like Horizon, just great documentaries which didn't speak down to people. I agree documentaries now just don't feel the same, even if many are good.
This is the video that molded me in my formative years. My family [reluctantly] also knows this video by heart. 11/10 So many lessons in this movie.
It's amazing how much work went into firearms back in the day... A real work of art.
@@nbbistudent7 and something that is somewhat lost to the modern consumer
@@angrybearironworks3233 we
@@nbbistudent7 q a we
@@angrybearironworks3233 Depends really. There are still a lot of hand made guns available, but you'd better have a lot of money for them.
My dad was a gunsmith in Ranson WV for 50 + years. He had one of Wallace Guslers flint lock rifles in his shop. A man brought in a couple of rifles from Harper's Ferry and one of W. Gusler. Guslers rifle was beautifully ingraved. The customer wanted them fixed up for display. Seeing this video was an amazing experience for me, and I thank you. I lost my dad on April 4th, 22. You brought back so many memories for me, and I'm grateful to you for that. This video was amazing.
one of the best clips I have seen in my entire life.
Now I am 56 years old and intersted in firearms since I was a kid at the age of 4 years.
Among decades I always was interested in gunsmithing and this clip brings back the importance of these skilled men.
Without them in the 18th century USA would never been founded.
This clip should be seen by everybody in the whole world to show and remind in the great history of the early decades of the young USA.
This outstanding nation is built and crreated by strong, skilled and free men who decided to settle down in the new world from Europe to create a better world.
AND THIS HAPPENED AMONG THE CENTURIES......
And that was if they made it to the New World from Europe. Many did not. Disease, ship wrecks, etc. Definitely people with determination, live or die.
@@m1a1abrams93 Now you have a bunch of children pretending to be adults.
@@m1a1abrams93
It’s not some genetic trait that our ancestors possessed that made this country great; it was the opportunity that called to our ancestors to come and live up to their dreams and potential. That opportunity still calls to people who seek freedom and a chance to contribute to our American legacy.
@@trackie1957 Yeah sure. As I watch in my 55 years. I don't see it getting better with what is being imported. Sorry it just isn't there.
I’m 4th generation machinist/grindhand in my family, and this stuff is a passion. When I started watching the gun drilling procedure, I immediately wondered how many bits he breaks. I got my answer. That takes so much skill to do that without the “feel” you have on today’s feed mechanisms. Pretty amazing that guns have been made for as long as they have.
Saw this back in high school in the early 70's. Absolutely astounded. For those who don't know, Mr.Brinkley,the narrator, was part of the nightly news for NBC ,a distinguished journalist during the the tumultuous era of the 50s, 60s and 70's. Mr. Devane, who voices the gunsmith, a prominent actor of the time. Never got the chance to visit Mr.Gusler at work in his shop sadly. Brilliant film,thank you for posting.
David Brinkley! I couldnt think of his name thanks.
Steve, Thanks for putting a name to that distinct voice. Brinkley goes back to my day and his voice is forever etched in my brain! (RE: The gunsmithing art---it's an extremely labor intensive effort--I have much respect for the skill)
Devane sounds a lot like Jack Nicholson .
@@trappenweisseguy27 He played JFK in the 70s docu-drama “The Missiles of October “ about the Cuban missile crisis of 1962.Devane was great but soon typecast,sadly.
Thanks.
I'm not sure what people are watching, but documentaries in this style are still made today, slow and patient but with better camera work, more thorough details being shown for longer and some with no narration, just subtle pleasant music and the sounds of something being made by hand. Blacksmiths, cobblers, wool suits, everything.
This has to be one of the most interesting videos I've ever watched. I never considered the skills needed to be a gunsmith, particularly the blacksmithing.
Nikki
Beautiful work I also am a machinestwith over 35 yrs.exp. It is beautiful to watch, thanks.R.m.C.
C.
So many people think that all smiths do is change sights and put slides on Glocks. Maybe an optic cut or trigger replacement Absolutely aggravating when i hear that crap.
Talented gunsmiths are in rare form these days. If you find yourself a good 1911 smith, you have someone that can handle quite a bit on anything.
Regarding the forging,- These days, most smith's don't do much forging, but rather fine skills with a mill and lathe using good material. TIG pops up here and there and then the occasional use of a heat treat oven to reharden or case harden.
Gunsmithing work is one of the most satisfying things I do with my time.
that said - I absolutely agree. the work that used to go into every rifle is ASTOUNDING. What we now rely on CNCs for, they did with a hacksaw and file and done perfectly.
Ditto.
Firearms and everything about them is one of the most misunderstood and things in the modern world.
Wow, that was one of the best documentaries I’ve ever watched! I am a locksmith by trade which, compared to many other trades today, is still pretty old school. Yet this is just in a league of its own! I wish I was a tenth as skilled as Mr Gusler! What a craftsman, what an artist, what a tradesman. I believe that that is truly what a great tradesman is and should aspire to be. Though I know that with today’s technology spending 300 hours building such a work of art from such raw materials is truly in a completely different realm in actual feasibility. It really does become art! Just how proud this craftsman must feel about his work I cannot fathom and can only be left in complete awe! I enjoyed every second watching that. 😮
I saw this movie back in 1976, in metal shop, when I was in high school. I never forgot it.
It's cool, isn't it? Especially that they're still able to this today...
@@nbbistudent7 Was very privileged to build a Kibler Kit rifle with Wallace Gusler at the NMLRA WKU Gunsmithing Seminar. Happens every year. Check it out. Life changing event for me. Wallace is the gunsmith shown here- he had a decorated career at Williamsburg that eventually took him out of the gunshop, but he never stopped building and researching. Absolutely phenomenal teacher.
@@nbbistudent7 a rifle like this made by hand today, would be very expensive.
@@FrontierTradingCompany I am saving my money now to buy a Kibler rifle kit
@@charlesharper7292 I have a deep connection to mine, having assembled it myself. Very cool experience, especially since it was my first time. In the coming week I am releasing a video covering my entire account building the rifle at the WKU seminar.
What an amazing master craftsman Wallace was. Thoroughly glued to the screen. I won awards at Intermediate school (11-12 years old) in woodwork and metal work 50 years ago, but this was several levels above my ashtray and bird sculpture projects. Just Wow! Thanks for the excellent share!
Всем доброго дня! Дамы и господа, это же настоящее наслаждение: смотреть за работой людей с поистине золотыми руками! Старинное искусство, воспроизведенное в полноценном фильме-исследовании - замечательная работа! Браво и низкий поклон мастеру! Спасибо всем! С уважением А.Т., Россия.
Да, а сейчас ЧПУ и тупорылые бестолочи. Подписался. Интересно смотреть некоторые приемы в обработке.
@@fainderskurs-koi8767 , наверное, удивлю, но соглашусь насчет "тупорылых бестолочей" - того же сантехника с прямыми руками найти практически невозможно! Крайне мало мастеров...
@@АлександрТерентьев-ш3ь Сейчас вообще нет специалистов. А если и остались кой де, в закромах. то травят как собак.
I’m a 35 year old blacksmith in Kentucky, I’m a one man shop. THIS was incredibly inspiring!!! I wish they made documentaries like this today, thanks for sharing.
They played this film in my grade school history class in the mid-80’s. I never forgot it and am super psyched to get to watch it again after so long. Over the decades I have become a very competent knifemaker and woodworker. And, the seeds of all of that could have very possibly been from seeing this as a kid. Blew me away then, and still does now.
This man is certainly a Master Craftsman and is amazing what boggles my mind is that someone long before him thought of and designed each and everyone of these parts and figured out how to make this whole thing work as one unit. Not to take anything away from this man of course.
As Armoury is part of my profession and the quest to understand how guns were made, I miraclosly stumbled on this film a few days after thinking how they did it and I was blown away by the artistry of Mr W Gustler. I was mesmerized by his ability of completing every facet and after watching realised that he was more than just a gunsmith he was a Grand Master Gunsmith. I hope people can apreciate that a gun from that era was made with blood sweat and tears. I am still in awe............
My grandfather was a gunsmith for a living. I am a hobbiest one just for my own guns. The amount of work Gustler did was amazing just with hand tools and not modern lathes and milling machines. Hats off to him. I have milling machine and modern lathes. Doing all that work by hand is amazing.
THE OLD GUNSMITH'S HUT
From dust to dust we go,
meanwhile working wood and rock,
it's metal so tedious and slow,
he makes it working like a clock.
A gunsmith lives by iron and coal,
together with piles of wood.
Made by the template of his soul,
a pride for his neighbourhood.
The gunsmith's hut is falling down,
the anvil's heartbeats no more.
Modern times has come to town,
no gunsmith here for sure.
It's ashame good craftsmanship has gone by the wayside .
@@tomrobards7753 It's not really gone. There is still a lot of respect for old fashioned, skilled trades, and there are some who keep the crafts alive to the extent they can. It may seem gone, but I think it's just napping.
@@blackandgus yeah I built a Kentucky long rifle back in the late seventies from a rough kit took it to work show some of the guys and the maintenance supervisor offered me $400 for it in the kit cost 125 and all I did was take it out of the sleeve case he never even looked at it
@@tomrobards7753 That's pretty neat. I've confined my efforts to, so far, to miniature models of muskets and long rifles, plus a few other breach loaders of the next era. When I was a kid, I was visiting a kid down the street and saw that his older brother and dad were building a Kentucky long rifle in the basement. It was kind of magical to me, at the time. I couldn't imagine how one could just "build" such a fine thing. But maybe one of these days, when I acquire a few more tools and actually can forge out some small parts, I may try my hand at a kit. I doubt I could make a working lock, but I wouldn't mind trying to cast a trigger guard and butt plate in the styles found on the old Brown Bess muskets. Combing that with a good rifled barrel would suit me.
Take care.
@@blackandgus you don't need all that many tools there's a company called CVA that makes kits of all kinds of black powder guns but the most beautiful rifles were the Pennsylvania rifles they command high dollars when one's finished but I built my kids strictly with common hand tools some files and Emery cloth and hand polishing and I made a buffer out on Old washing machine motor and some buffing wheels to put the high polish on the brass pieces you don't need that many tools to do one simple tools I know $40 with her or so would buy all those tools if you can salvage an old washing machine motor maybe $50 in Ann arbor for my hardware store for that motor and a little time I spent most of the winter building that kit from Christmas time till about March early April
A wonderful culture that sadly is fading away... and I'm not talking about Colonial days, but the value that was once placed on knowledge such as this, and the remembrance of how we came to be Americans.
I worried the state our Country will be in in the next 10 years after this Administration. They destroyed everything great about our Country.
Same is happening almost every European country, woke leftist mentality news media adds social media is all just one big leftist propaganda. They say you dont have culture and your nationality like its history is something to be ashamed. Just remember that white straight man is rasist and the oppressor off all.
@@southside1975 they've been destroying it for 100+ years... It didn't start with this administration. It started at the founding of our country. It's just back then they knew who those people were and actively sought them out and made examples of them.
😅 now day american dont even know their own gender
I had never seen this before. Brilliant and lovingly made. David Brinkley (Huntley and Brinkley) is the narrator and William Devane, the veteran character actor (recently starring in Bosch-Legacy) is the voice of the gunsmith. Very much worth a watch, even if you don't care for firearms you may appreciate the art, engineering and craftsmanship that these 'tools' encompass. They forged and sustained our new and vulnerable Republic. They are a significant part of who we are and what we would become.
These old documentaries are truly national treasures, what a remarkable thing it would be to still have this level of skill at our disposal. Sadly those days are gone for the most part and will never return, such a shame to lose this form of art in gun making.
People still build these guns in their garages. I had a neighbor who built one.
I have seen tens of thousands of videos on youtube here, and this is the best thing I have ever seen. My jaw dropped and stayed there the entire way through! Absolutely amazing thanks!
My self included..
Me three!
As a person interested in history I have read about gunsmiths of the 18th and 19th century and tools they used. On a tour through the Oregon Trail Museum in Montpelier, Idaho, I saw a pair of wooden lathes and was curious. The tour guide did not know what they were used for but allowed me to take a closer look. History kicked in. One still had the rifle grooving bit installed. When I told him that I believed they were for boring and rifling rifles he was surprised. Today, 10 years after seeing the lathes and 65 years after getting interested in history, I finally got to see the manufacturing of a flintlock rifle, from raw metal and a block of wood. Wonderful documentary work.
It has been nearly 30 years since I saw this video. I remember the video well. I first got into muzzleloading in the mid 70s. Movies like this never really get old.
This video,if you like guns was absolutely incredible! It is incredible to see how a gunsmith of the time could make such a beautiful weapon. Of all of the UA-cam videos that I have seen this is the most enjoyable video I have ever watched. Please get you a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy this! YOU WILL.
THANK YOU MR.GUSLER!
As a manufacturing junkie I’m always amazed at the tooling and methods used in the 1700s to build something like a rifle, or clock
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😢🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Amazing film.
Thanks for sharing.
He is a young man here and yet he has mastered all these different skills.
Truly an extremely talented person.
That’s the best hour I’ll spend today, thank you!
As a layman, this was incredibly fascinating to watch. Much respect to the talent and craftsmanship of a master at work. It would take approximately 37 continuous days to create this masterpiece.
I grew up in James City County just outside of Williamsburg in the late 60's early 70's and had the pleasure of watching the gunsmiths make rifles by hand many times. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful memory.
Thanks for posting! I visited here in 1967 with my family when I was 15 and fascinated with firearms. Unfortunately the gun shop wasn't manned but I distinctly remember the spiraled timber and rack used for the rifling. I also remember hundreds of smooth-bore muskets lining the walls of the armory. I did get to see them demo one of the muskets with a cloth wad as a blank. Even if the blacksmith had been there, only a very small part of this lengthy process would have been seen, and now I know the whole story, so thanks again for posting!
Excellent Documentary. What quality work and artistry.
When I was stationed at Fort Eustis, VA, I'd frequently visit Colonial Williamsburg. At that time the gunsmith was backordered 2 years for a custom made rifle or pistol. A rifle cost $2,500.
I've watched this 100x and it gets better every time! Will make a grown man cry.
Wow, this is without a doubt the most interesting video I've seen in a very long time. The craftsmanship is astonishing, over 300 hours to make a beautiful work of art, I wonder how much he would be paid for that.
Most people wouldn't have the patience for this these days. Wouldn't even be able to get through making the barrel!
@@FBIforreal152 yes, I agree. I can spend many hours even days putting together 20,000 piece models, some can take up to 6 months to complete but this craftsmanship is on another level.
I've been a tattoo artist for a decade and I thought putting 100 hours into a backpiece was something....its NOTHING compared to this. Pretty amazing. This guy is still alive and still making guns at 79 as far as I can tell by some quick internet sleuthing.
I will estimate the cost. At say $25/hour by 300 hours equals $7500, cost of materials say $2000, so I would say he probably sells them for say $12,000 for him to make a profit and pay tax. He must only make say 7 guns a year, all collectors item
@@emanuelmifsud6754 I don't think the materials would be anywhere near $2K. Wrought iron flat stock would be the toughest to find. Old horse drawn farm machinery or wagons would be your best supply stock.
I just learned so many things. I always wondered how such precision needed to cut rifling could be achieved without power tools and such, using paper and wooden shims is beyond brilliant. The labor and meticulous expression of the craftsman poured into these creations is beyond the pale. I feel like I've witnessed something truly special, seeing this. I'm glad it's preserved. This feels important.
This is awesome. I saw this film in a machine tool tech class in 1976. I never thought I'd get to see it again.
i watched this entire video with my mouth hanging open!! truly amazing work.
All i can say is WOW.
That was amazing to watch from start to finish. I have so much admiration for the gunsmith's art and skill in this era. The broad nature of what are really specialist skills, all in one craftsman, allowing the creation of such a rifle shows the height of what a person could achieve in the pre-industrial period.
Superb documentary television. If programmes were made like this, no artificial drama and no skipping over the detail to pander to short attention spans. I'd watch tv if it were like this, hence why i watch largely instructive videos on UA-cam.
This programme really makes me appreciate my 1904 Pratt and Whitney 10" engine lathe let alone my more modern workshop tools.
I’ve studied every aspect of guns and their makers for four decades now. I think I learned more in this ONE HOUR than any other in 40 years… BRAVO!
Awesome video, the multiple skills involved and the sheer volume of work involved just to make one rifle is mind blowing.
Just remember people that this process would be done over a number of days but what you don't see is the amount of time it takes just to make the tools to make the rifle, multiple files in multiple shapes and roughness, god knows how many different drill bits, as he said a few get broken with every rifle made screwdrivers chissels engraving tools, mandrill's, the rifling machine /bore drill. It's a mamouth task just making those let alone the rifle.
True craftsmanship indeed
They are few and far between
This should be in the Library of Congress. This is a national treasure.
I was fortunate to be able to spend an afternoon in the shop (violating the rules) with Wallace in the early 80s. Absolutely fascinating.
Brilliant documentary. Educational as well as entertaining! Thank you!
I think I discovered this video a little over 40 years ago, bought VHS copies and DVDs of and everything else offered by Colonial Williamsburg, but this one remains one of a handful of life changing introductions that have opened up a world of study I might have missed. I am so glad it is still getting viewed. One never fully understands the past until you know something of the technology of the times, and without that, you can't fully appreciate our own time.
this is one of the best craftsman documentaries ever made... shown in colleges for many years; thank you for posting it.
the best documentary video i ever seen .thank you for sharing.
All I can say is I'm utterly impressed in every station of this rifle build. This man and those equal of his extreme ability, were masters, and men of astounding caliber and character..
The skill and patience this gunsmith has is amazing. I was wondering what machines there were, but everything is hand made, even the tools. Shows how much engineering has advanced. The most enjoyable video I have seen in a long time.
the amount of workmanship that goes to the barrel is absolute madness
yes, I cant even believe one person has the patience and endurance to forge weld it much less all the rest of the finishing, I forge simple knives as a hobby, this makes that look like nothing at all and making a knife is damn hard in my book.
@@joejones9520 agreed
@@ozgundemirr I just watched how files were made back then: My God just to make the tools to make the gun would be as hard as making the gun!
I am really staggered by the quality of this fabulous production, as said elsewhere oh if programmes were made like this now, what a great entertainment TV would be.
Thank you so very much for showing the skill and patience that is here in buckets full, what a wonderful firearm maker and what a fabulous craft. Very many thanks for this fabulously entertaining film and what a magnificent rifle. RIP Mr Gusler. We are still fascinated by your artistry.
My dad (who died in 2014) loved making flintlock rifles. He bought the barrels and flintlock mechanisms from Dixie Gun Works and made his own gunstocks; we lived in the country, with a lot of walnut trees on our land. And yes, he used them to hunt deer.
Amazing movie clip, I was born in 1969 watching this makes me realise how life just creeps along slowly so that you don't fully appreciate the changes the world is going through, seeing a movie from the year you were born shows the huge contrast between then and now. I remember how all documentaries and informational films were in this style.
Anyway, here I am in 2022 watching a documentary film from 1969 about an artisan craftsman practicing a craft from the 18th century.
That is an incredibly detailed video. So glad it is available here.
Thank´s from Bavaria. I´m born 68. Only one generation and all the skills are lost.
This guy is an artist. Carving iron like wood. This video is a masterpiece and the protagonist is the master. I´m really impressed.
You certainly need a huge amount of skill when making a masterpiece like that .
Thanks for uploading this. Years ago, when I was in welding school, our teacher showed us this it's great to see it again. That man is a true master of his craft.
This was such a lovely video. A final shot of the whole gun shown just on it's own against a plain background would have been satisfying.
This video shows a glimpse into the changes and adaptions over the history of making rifles and many other firearms. Thank you so much.
I remember Chet and David doing the national news for one of the big 3. (ABC, NBC, CBS) I was about 16. This was the same year they landed on the moon.
This is a great documentary, no music, step by step narration. They don’t make….you know!!
reminds me of my old neighbor who used to make .22 airguns with brass tubes. he was filing everytime i saw him. amazing crafts. worth watching every second of the video 👍👍👍
Thank you mr Wallace Gusler, the producers and the uploader for sharing your astonishing craftsmanship. It is a joy and an education to watch half a century later.
During WW2 my Father was in the Royal Engineers then the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. the closest he got to action was having to handle Mules in Italy. Whilst he was in the UK he constantly got into trouble because his issued rifle barrel had rust pits in it. Having no use for his rifle it became upsetting for him. (His job in the UK was dealing with unexploded bombs in and around London and lifting and replacing land mines on the beaches) Hence before leaving for Italy he strung a length of rope from one end of his hut to the other and coated it in cutting compound. He then threaded the rope through his barrel and ran the barrel up and down the rope until it shone. On arriving in Italy they had a weapons inspection where his rifle was taken away from him smashed and he was issued a new one!! Apparently the rifled barrel was now a smooth bore barrel.
Lol great story
Now that is a funny story. Loved it, something I might have done.
"Never happened".
@@h4l414 We were supposed to pour hot water down the barrel on our Lee-Enfield 303 rifles for 6 days after shooting . By taken out the bolt and pouring from that end with a funnel . Then using a pull though with rag on it. The metal would , " sweat " , so the hot water would remove powder residue . It was a good gun , very accurate in the hands of an expert shooter which I was not !
Hmmm! So the job the army gave him was the appropriate one for him, right?
Such a beautiful craft. From the ground all the way too the gun. This video is a historical treasure
Thanks for the up load buddy ! This little program is an absolute 'gem', so informative, educational and very entertaining. The amount of man hours that went into making one of those rifles was simply astounding especially in this age of instant everything.
Watching things like this inspires me to take on those projects that I thought were beyond my abilities, he (Wallace Gussler) did all that with the bare minimum of tools, a bucket load of hard work and skill. Hats off to all those long forgotten gunsmiths, artisans of their craft who helped people put food on the table and the 'Red coats' from the door (and I say that as a Red Coat, lol).
As retired machinist this video was fun & exciting to watch....thanx4sharing.
Years ago, late 1990’s, I saw this film at the Minneapolis Institute Of Arts. Of special interest was that such a rifle by this young genius was on display! Wow! I took three metalworking junkie friends to see the film. Should have brought Huggies! How I can only dream of such skills!
A few years ago I found and old caplock musket in an antique shop. Bought it for a friend who loves antiques of any sort. We thought the engraving on the barrel was a maker’s mark. Turns out the piece was a gift to a Royal Navy officer, 1772. Bore, something around .700, maybe a shotgun? I’m not a firearms person so beats me. Too bad it was not a flintlock. Now that would have been a real chunk of history!
The trick was getting it from the store to my car, three blocks away. One does not walk through a downtown area carrying a gun. So I bought an old broom and a ragged tablecloth, wrapped both with the broom sticking out obviously. Folks presumed I was a tradesman en route. Did not get shot on sight by law enforcement.
this was the the most beautiful thing i have ever watch
This is no doubt the most interesting video i have seen on youtube. The people with the copyright to this video should send a copy of the master to be digitally restored.
As a gun enthusiast I found this fascinating ; what a craftsman!! Wonderful, thank you.
thanks for sharing this.. what an incredible artisan and craftsman.. its amazing to see how he builds it all from first principles.. and you can really appreciate the work and effort put into making this gun. Truly amazing.. when he makes his own spring you can really feel he is the master of his craft
Fantastic documentary.
As a gunsmith my self, i find it super interesting how hard all the cutting jobs were, especially deep hole drilling, when all you had was carbon steel made tools, constant reshaping, constant re hardening and resharpening just to do a simple boring job. Going from carbon steel tools to HSS was the same big leap back then as we advanced from HSS to carbide Tools.
I actually own some very good gunmaking literature from the 1950's and there is still described how to make your own rifling buttons out of carbon steel. Also the use of simple carbon steel drill bits was still the norm.
Incredible amount of craftsmanship and metallurgic knowledge went into making these weapons. Considering the expertise needed and the logistics of having to procure the necessary amount of raw materials to begin with and enough able gunsmiths, it is an incredible feat that the American colonists were ever able to make enough guns to fight the war of independence until they developed allies like France that helped beat the British Empire, the worlds only super power at that time. Those men must have worked night and day every day! Great video and amazing craftsmen! Unsung hero's.
to be fair, many of those guns being made were smoothbore muskets, and they purchased european guns as well. Rifles would have been more of a luxury, and apparently we tried to use british muskets whenever we could (due to the better quality and faster loading speed, as well as the bayonets)
In addition, this is a lot higher quality in its manufacturing process than they might have been using for their rifle production. Makes it fairly faster if you can leave out that groove cutting process, decorations, and internal compartments
@@scout360pyroz to be sure..many guns were sourced from other places and the quality varied a lot. Yeah the video spoke to the rifled barrels being more of a luxury and smooth bore being more the military normal shoulder arm. You make fair points and I sure didn't mean to infer that the 13 colonies on their own just beat a world super power like the British empire. I still think the first Americans were no less amazing.
@@kaylamarie8309 Just putting my two cents in. apparently those rifles american colonists had prefered pre revolution were great for assassinating officers though. Just like that ambush from The Patriot.
@@scout360pyroz 😎 cool. I suppose so. What a great movie!
That's amazing! Those guns must have been incredibly expensive, about what we would spend on a new car today.
about 700 to 1200 ish in USD adjusted for inflation.
not really about $25 to $40 . $20 is an ounce of gold . so between 1 to 2 ounces of gold .
@@stevet5790 is that with inflation?
@@DaKoler it is just base on price of gold. i think gold is kind inflation proof.
From what I can remember, they were charging ~$7500.00 for one of these in the mid '70s with a 2yr waiting period.
This is genuine Craftsmanship! As we would say in Austria and Germany "Ein Kunstler" (a Master Craftsman)! A skill set few could have the patience to master! Well done! No wonder the price was a stack of beaver pelts the height of the rifle!
I realise this is a hunting rifle, but its hard to believe how much work went into making all the weapons for an army.
I thought it was a military rifle. It looks like a club.
yes, imagine just the swords, ONE sword is a major time consuming accomplishment; how could they make thousands by hand and in enough time too?
From raw iron, wood and materials to a decorative but practical and accurate firearm. So many hours of work and skill put into that rifle, its a work of art. Amazing.
Wow...i was 9 years old when this movie was made...i was a firearms dealer for many years...so many of my customers would complain about the high cost of custom made guns like this...i would explain to them the time and expertise it takes to make a gun like this! I wish I had this film at the time, I could have shown them why it costs so much!
I must say in my 70 years this was one fine video! What an example of fine, yet from coarse, craftsmanship!
I just bought an 1830’s double barrel shotgun for $100.00. I appreciate it even more now. I’m totally impressed how they were made.
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As a mechanical engineer I found this an enthralling video, wonderful workmanship.
A most beautiful rifle and great piece of history.
Such skilled craftsmanship!
Dedication and commitment,work pride and real craftsmanship to get the ultimate and extreme result of durability and perfection.The likes and equal of this gunsmith on his terrain of expertise won't be easy to find in today's world.Glad my eyes could witness this.
This documentary is one of a kind.
It should be remastered and produced in HD quality.
A real privilege to watch a true craftsman at work. No machine could ever make a gun like this, if you have ever touched a piece made by hand you can feel the maker in the item.
As a Brit watching this, I'm astonished at how smart our colonial cousins were to make all their own rifles using mostly local materials. I had no idea. I assumed they got supplied by France or Russia who both backed the revolution.. or that British rifles were diverted/seized.. it's incredible how skilled these guys were in their craft. Was the rifle made here a copy of British/European rifles used at that time, kinda like reverse engineering..or did the American colonies make their own unique design? No wonder these colonial-era antique rifles fetch such high prices among collectors..with every part hand-made, it's basically like owning a work of art!
I wonder how long the entire process took, and also how long it took to become a gunsmith with this level of skill? It must have taken ages to build up a sizeable armoury in the colonies to rival what the British military had!
The gun powder, hemp sheets and ball method was still in use by Britain in mid 19th century. I've seen many war films from the British Empire where they used the exact same rifle design, the Spanish Wars, Napoleonic wars etc. The Brits put the powder in little measured paper bags, a rifleman would bite the end off, pour it in, ram rod the hemp, drop the ball in and ram the second piece of hemp.. a good soldier could do this in under a minute with one hand!
Every single American that served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War was watching this man make this Rifle with a smile on their faces. 😊
My sixth Great Grandfather, Abraham Honaker, was a Master Rifle Smith which one of his Rifles are in the Colonial Williamsburg Dewitt Museum of Art
Mr. Gusler is a master craftsman at such a young age. I watched this video 3 times and enjoyed it more and more each time