Today is our birthday! The founding of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild took place in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 5, 1983. The initial group of craftsmen who gathered at the meeting were actively engaged in metal and woodworking skills required to produce “classic” rifles and shotguns. These 76 pioneers came together to exchange ideas, share their passion, and ultimately form the ACGG.
John E. Maxson’s first publication highlights the primary objectives of the ACGG, which include:
Forming an association for craftsmen to exchange ideas concerning their craft.
Promoting public awareness of custom gunmakers and their work.
Encouraging the betterment of custom gunmaking through education.
Publishing articles of interest to custom gunmakers.
Establishing standards of excellence and ethical principles in custom gunmaking.In line with these objectives, the ACGG has pursued various initiatives to promote the art of custom gunmaking, hosting an annual show, and fostering an environment where both creators and users of custom guns can benefit from the organization’s efforts.
| Herman Waldron Al Lind Roger Green Al Biesen Don Allen Pete Grisel Earl K. Matsuoka Bill McGuire Ross Billingsley Bob Emmons Charles Grace Pete Mazur Larry Amrine Steve Lisenby Tony Fleming Mike F. Meacham Don Klein Bob West Jim Botsford Mark Lee Jerry Fisher Ralph Carter Duane Wiebe Glen Morovits Paul Dressel Tom Morrow Graham Bostick | John E. Maxson Steve Billeb Jay Robinson Stan McFarland Terry Wallace Kevin Campbell Garnet D. Brawley Dietrich Apel Joe Balickie Lowell Manley Gary Goudy J. Korzinek Larry D. Brace Paul R. Nickels Byrd N. Pearson Robert M. Winter Dale W. Goens Maurice Ottmar Dave Talley Cecil Weems D’Arcy Echols Todd Trefts Phil Fischer Winston G. Churchill James A. Zahm Don Bartlett | Paul E. Marquart Fred D. Speiser Jay Frazier Ken Jantz Hubert J. Hecht Roger Biesen Ken Eyster Jack T. Haugh Charles R. Joines Bob Lepley Bruce Nettestad Ted Nicklas Jim Westberg Ralph Bone Greg Boeke Ed Webber T.J. Kaye Jack Belk Monte Mandarino David Miller Mark Silver |
These founding members laid the groundwork for the ACGG, setting the stage for the growth and development of the organization over the past 40 years. As we celebrate the ACGG’s 40th anniversary, we honor their dedication and foresight in fostering a community that continues to advance the art of custom gunmaking.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all current members for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the art of custom gunmaking. With their passion and expertise, the future of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild and the custom gunmaking industry as a whole shines brighter than ever.