Jerry Eitnier, Maker of Iron Mounted Southern Rifles

My friend Mark Thomas is well known as The Craftsman to the Past and he exists in a rare category as one of the finest artisans in the country. Whenever Mark is impressed, I listen.  He and I spoke about Jerry Eitnier. And we agreed that an article about the man is appropriate to showcase his skills as a builder and blacksmith as well as recognize his undeterred spirit!   Please enjoy this article by Mark Thomas…Thanks, Rick Sheets

Jerry Eitnier, Maker of Iron Mounted Southern Rifles

I would like to introduce my friend Jerry Eitnier to the world. Jerry has given me an opportunity to understand a little better the passion that one can bring to his craft. My meeting of Jerry at our Annual CLA show in Lexington, Kentucky is always a joy. He is a man that that has humbled me in a number of ways. He was going through some personal health issues but was at the show with the biggest grin I’d ever seen on the face of a fellow craftsman. The shear fact that he was there was the main reason for his broad smile. He has always apologized for not being a better craftsman. The quality of ones work isn’t the test of the person, it’s the passion that person brings to their craft.

Jerry is a charter member of the Contemporary Longrifle Association and a member of the NMLRA since 1973. He was inspired to build longrifles around 1987.

An observant person can see, his work is influenced by the Woodbury School fostered by Hershel House. Jerry’s focus is to build a safe shooting gun, and as he says, “the more you use them, the better they look.”  He likes to forge the iron for the hardware on his iron mounted rifles but he is also capable of making other items in his blacksmith shop. Most of his blacksmith work is for his own projects but once in a while he will offer some things for sale or take in an occasional order. He may have a knife or two, an axe or maybe just trigger guards and butt plates.

I’ve included a couple pictures of some of the work that Jerry has made. The next time you pass by his table, take a look, give a smile and meet the man with his dry sense of humor and willingness to laugh. I look forward to the times I get to see Jerry if only for a moment; it is a moment well spent.

Mark Thomas 7/29/10

Click Here to view Jerry Eitner’s contact information.