Daily and weekly updates.

A good customer of mine from Canada has had a bit of a rough time and it all kind of revolved around a Wilson kit that he purchased several years ago. When going through Canadian customs (which is VERY anti-gun and anti-freedom) with his kit gun, the agents harassed him and scared the heck out of him and his poor wife. They had done nothing wrong, but the big tough guys just had to abuse their power and make themselves feel important. They thoroughly questioned them and detained them for a long period of time, even though no laws had been broken. They finally got through the ordeal at customs and made it home. Then customs showed up at their house and confiscated all of his guns! They had to hire an attorney at great cost and emotional turmoil to finally get the firearms returned. They had done nothing wrong, but when you're dealing with beaureaucratic thugs, you have to suffer until they've finally exhausted all of their tricks and leave you alone. He got the Wilson Trade Gun back and continued on with life. I got a call from him last fall and he had wrecked his 4-wheeler with the Wilson in the gun rack. It pretty much destroyed the gun and he needed a new stock and numerous parts. He wanted me to supply the assembled-in-the-white version for him and get it all put back together. I said I could do it, so he sent me the "remains" and the parts to work up. I have a commitment to my customers and I ALWAYS want them to look at the gun in their hands with nothing but good thoughts and feelings. So here he had suffered the abuse of the Canadian police and the legal system and was going to have to pay for the same gun twice. I could hardly see how he could ever view this gun with positive feelings unless I did something to change the course, so to speak. Even though he had originally purchased a kit, I wanted to overcome, as much as possible, any negative thoughts about this firearm. So I have built him a totally factory finished gun (at no additional cost to him above the assembly) and also installed a fine brass English fowler thumbpiece to accent the beautiful brass lock plate. This has turned out to be an exceptionally fine piece and I hope he can now look at this firearm with good, positive feelings. Always doing the right thing turns out "right" in more ways than one. It's enough to know you can help someone and make a difference. I got a picture of the partial remains and the finished gun so you can see how it turned out.

2-14 I have been working seven days a week trying to get caught up around here and not get too far behind. I have been getting a few calls from customers wanting immediate delivery on guns, but I work off of a waiting list and have to honor the orders as they have come in to be fair to all those customers. If I do get extra guns occasionally for immediate sale, they are always listed on the "Current Flintlocks available" page. As I was standing in the shop today, I looked at all of the different models I'm currently working on and was surprised at the diversity at this point in time. I've got everything from 24 inch Northwest guns to 12 gauge English Fowlers to small and large caliber Southern Mountain rifles. Click the link below to see a small part the diversity. And this is not even close to all the models produced here. I'm going to count up all of them one day, including the left hand models and I'm sure it will surprise even me. And they all incorporate standardized interchangeable barrels systems, which complicate the production even further!

2-7 Well, we got a foot of snow last week and its finally starting to melt down a bit. It's safe to say that I've put the new shop construction on hold for bit. It is so mucky and cold that outdoor work is about as inviting as crawling through an alligator pit with raw steak clinched in my teeth. I think I'll wait a bit for the birds to start singing and serenade me while I'm out working. It has been a really cold, snowy wet winter here and I think it has been unusually cold everywhere this year. Building guns is sometimes hard dirty work, but at least I do get to work indoors. I am blessed! I've currently got 6 guns in the works and will start shipping a few next week when I get a couple of them totally final assembled. Thanks for your patience out there. I got a bit behind after a small bout with the flu. It didn't really hit me too hard, but I think everyone in northwest Arkansas got a "treat" with it. The fishing will start up soon, so I'm looking forward to getting out there and breathing fresh air. We're giving away a Norhwest Gun with 2 barrels and also a beautiful Doug Hall framed print (value about $850) as grand prizes at the September 55th Annual Saunders Memorial Shoot in Berryville. The shoot is in a way off, so start making plans and saving your pennies now to join us. We're plannin' on havin' quite a good, little, old time and might even crack open a few ice cold barley pops sometime during the 4 day shoot??? Stranger things have happened! Everybody stay warm out there and give me a call if you're thinking about a fine new flintlock, I think I know where I can get you one...Cheers~

12-28 We're creeping up on the New Year and I can't believe how fast this year has passed. It's been a very good year in many ways and I'm thankful for all of the true blessings in my life. When you have good health, family, friends and faith, you are truly blessed. The twists, turns and bumps we all face on the road of life are nothing but tests. We all face them and learn from them. I quite often think of the old German saying: "So smart, so late." I'm just thankful I do eventually learn and find myself in much better circumstances because of that. Here's wishing you a strong, wisdom-filled and blessed New Year! I'm going out this afternoon for the last day of deer season. It has been extremely cold here and the deer have been extra slippery this year, especially lately. I'll be carrying the .62 English Game gun and forsaking the long range of a modern scoped firearm. It just doesn't seem right to betray the old flintlock that has brought me so many good memories and plenty of freezer goodies. I'll let you know if the Goddess of the Hunt, Dianna, smiles on me. It's is snowy and icy, so I'll be dressing extra warm this afternoon. God Bless each and every one of you. Oh, and Cheers~

12-21 The holiday season has snuck up on us again and its been hectic around here. What happened to fall? I was supposed to get some time off and now its Christmas time? Who's in charge around here~

At the end of the year it is especially important to me personally to thank each and everyone of you out there for your support. Its been a good year in many respects. As many of you know we lost our house last January, but I have a deep, unshakable faith that everything happens for a reason. When bad/scary/unexplainable things happen in our lives, we must reach deep to restore our faith. I have been so blessed to follow my path in life, however rough and rocky it might have been. Counting my blessings every day is as important to me as breathing. I have always found that if I just believe that these things happen for a reason, it becomes apparent to me later why things did happen that way. We are all faced with obstacles in our lives, you just can't escape that hard reality. What we do with those obstacles is "the measure of the man" as they say. In other words, its not so much what happens to you, its how you handle it. When you look back later, can you say with confidence that you did the right thing to deal with hardship? If the answer is "yes", then the next obstacle will be that much easier to handle. With the help of family, friends and faith, we can all make our way successfully through the difficulties that we are handed. My hope for all of you is that your obstacles are not too difficult and the blessings you receive are abundant. I know I've been blessed and much of it is because of all the wonderful people out there. Thank you for your support. May the higher power continue to bless all of us in the most wonderful ways and help us through the rough times. May you all have a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a very Happy New Year!

And be assured that the job here at Caywood Gunmakers is to continue to build the highest quality firearms possible!!

We finally have some extra 20 gauge barrels for all of our guns. Give us a call for details on prices and delivery times. We ended up with one 20 gauge rifled barrel for either the Northwest Gun or a Wilson Chief's Grade Trade Gun. SOLD. This barrel is 41 inches, so if you have an older gun with a 41.5 barrel, it will require shortening your stock just a tad. If you already have one of these guns, it will drop right in with just a little tang height fitting. Or we can build you a brand new gun with a light powerful .62 caliber rifle barrel in it.

12-7-2009 Well, our gun season is over with and although I did take one deer, I didn't see many this year. I went out yesterday morning and saw a nice 8 point and a smaller buck. I also had doe tags and saw 5 does that I could have taken. Unfortunately, I was on the far side of a very steep mountain and had a long drag back to the car if I did shoot one. I would have taken a big buck if the opportunity had arisen, but I was too lazy to do that work for a small deer. Besides, I had a customer coming in at noon, and didn't want to have to deal with a deer while doing business. But we have a later 3 day muzzle-loading season, so I'll be out there then and have another go at it. Hope you all had a good season and have taken a few flintlocked critters to help fill your freezers. I got my deer with a .62 caliber English Game gun ( 30 inch barrel), which I'm writing an article on. It has the interchangeable 12 gauge barrel, so I'll be doing some testing and experimenting with that barrel also. This gun will come up for sale when I get all this done, so if you're looking for the ultimate in power and versatility in a short light gun, consider this one.

12-3 2009 Back in the shop now after a short absence. I apologize for the inability of customers to contact us. I have been returning calls for the messages left in our absence. If I haven't called you back, I may not have a full phone number to allow me to contact you. Please give us a call and we'll help you out. Cheers~

We've been out working on the new shop and have gotten quite a lot done. It's slow, but we're getting there. At least we've had fairly decent weather to be working in. We're going to try and get all the roof and wall steel on before really cold winter weather hits. But we're still building your guns as steadily as we are able. We've got a few extra stocks cut, so check out the Current Flintlocks available page and we'll get you fixed up! Thanks~

11-3 I have been putting the roof ( beautiful burgundy color) on the new shop this week, so we've missed some calls coming in. We are planning on being here Thursday this week, so you can call us then if you need to ask any questions or place your order for a fine new flintlock. It looks like the economy has finally recovered, so we can all breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy our "woods" time this year again. It has certainly been a time for America to re-awaken and hopefully reset their priorities so that we build upon the values that make this country the greatest country in the world. We thank you for all the patience you've shown in waiting for delivery on your guns. We're getting caught up slowly and are pretty much back on schedule, although we are going to get some of that "woods" time in about mid-November when our rifle season opens. I am going to hunt with my flintlock, the only type of gun I EVER hunt game animals with. I might add I've never taken a big game animal with anything but a flintlock. Bear, elk, deer and turkeys always present themselves when I willingly limit myself to "primitive" weapons and don't indulge myself with a shortcut like the technology of modern firearms. I do own modern firearms, but they are tools for other kinds of varmints, not big game animals which I RESPECT too much to use modern firearms on. Whatever form of hunting you choose, be safe and take a kid hunting, too. Just give us a call and get on the list if you're needing a Christmas present for yourself or a love done.

Just a short aside on another note. You and I hear the word "value" tossed around like a rag doll sometimes and it gets me thinking about the true meaning of the word. Value, to me, means that you appreciate the thing, service or product every time you use it. A bargain is sometimes the most disappointing thing you can "acquire", because though you may have saved some money, the product just never brings that level of satisfaction and appreciation that a "valuable" item might. We can "value" friends, family and many other things in life, but when it comes to objects where I actually have a choice in the matter, I often dismiss any of the bargains offered because they almost always disappoint once in hand. When you carry a disappointment, you never say, "Well, at least it was cheap and I love it!" Quality costs more for a reason, because it delivers "value" that brings satisfaction each time the item is used. I save my money for "value" in whatever I purchase and end up NEVER regretting those few extra dollars used to acquire it. It doesn't matter if its a knife, a firearm, a car or any other thing where you have choices. Value is something you know when you see it. And it matters~

10-23 We've been out of the shop almost all week putting in electricity at the new shop. We now have power! Our deer season started last weekend and I've had very little time to get out. I've been a few times but have not seen a single deer. I plan on going sometime this weekend since its over tomorrow. I'll keep you posted if I have any luck with the .62 caliber English game gun. Good luck out there and be safe~

We built a very nicely maple stocked English Officer's fusil with our 1,000th 20 gauge barrel. We received a letter from the proud owner;

My Officer's fusil arrived while I was on vacation. I could hardly wait for my vacation to end to see it. We just got home and I was stunned. It is the finest firearm I have ever owned. The fit and finish is superb. The stock grain matched patch box lid is beyond belief in the figure and character of the stumpwood. This is going to be one fine hunting season.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures taken. I lost all my studio lighting/photography equipment in the fire and I don't have much of a set-up with my new unfamiliar camera either. I'm working to get a new set up so this won't happen again.

9-30-2009 We got another 2 shipments of barrels finally and are back to full production on everything. We have barrels for our French rifles and smoothbores, English rifles and smoothbores and Southern Mountain rifles in stock. I've got extra stocks cut ready for assembly, so if you've been waiting for us to get geared up again, give us a call and we'll give you details on delivery times. Sorry for the horrible delay. We just hope this never happens again!

We had a great Berryville shoot last weekend. It kept us out of the shop for 5 days, but we had a good turnout and everybody had fun in the SUNSHINE and complete lack of mud. We had 114 shooters and 30 smoothbore shooters on the trap/sporting clays ranges.

NEWS: Luther's Long Hunters (our local club and shoot sponsor) has taken steps to give away a Caywood Northwest Trade gun with 20 gauge and .58 rifled barrel for the first place FLINTLOCK shooter next September. The gun will feature our 41 inch barrel model, jug choked 20 gauge, sling swivels, sling, brass sighted rifle barrel and full factory warranty. Stay posted and we'll get pictures of the new prize gun posted on the Berryville shoot page soon. Tell all your friends to start making plans now to come have a "shot" at a new flintlock. We look forward to seeing old friends and making LOTS of new ones. Get fired up!!!!! This will be the 55th anniversary of the shoot and we want to make this special and memorable!!

9-17-2009 We received another shipment of barrel blanks today! If you have called recently concerning information on ordering a firearm and I haven't returned your call, here's why; We have had an extensive delay in getting barrels and I wanted to make sure that when I returned a call, I had current good information on delivery times on any gun ordered. We have promised delivery and not been able to accommodate it sometimes and I just want to be extra sure that I have something to base a prediction on. So I'll be returning those calls soon for those wanting to get a gun ordered. We have plenty of parts, locks and wood, so we're good to go on most any model we offer now. We appreciate everyone's patience on this matter which was out of our control, but frustrating nonetheless for everyone. THANK YOU! We feel like we're finally back on track now.

We have our new shop building frame up with the doors all framed in, too. We're expecting to get electric service soon and have the well drilled. Our main efforts are going to be getting our ordered guns built and delivered. The shop is going to have to wait a bit, but we're quite excited about getting relocated in our beautiful new spot. So Mike and I are working steadily on firearms and also looking forward to our black powder season. It has been extremely cool here this season and I know the bucks are going to be active early this year. I heard that there were 3,000 cool weather records set in the U.S. this summer, so so much for global warming?!?!? It's been nice, but I'm not ready for fall/winter...we've got way too much to do before winter sets in! Yikes! You guys have a good fall, practice a lot and shoot straight when that fine creature finally presents itself this fall. We should be thankful for all the good things in life and never miss a chance to enjoy time off with friends and family. The days you work all blend into one fuzzy memory. The days you take off and spend time in the woods or on the water with friends are the memories you will never regret...do it.

I've found the walleyes again and have managed to slip away a few evenings to put a few really nice fillets in the freezer before the fall scattering makes them almost impossible to find. I don't know where they go, but once cooler temps get here, I really have a hard time finding them. They're very hard to catch, but they're usually big fish, so it makes the efforts worthwhile. And its good to get away from the office/shop for a bit, too. Kind of clears the head! Good Shooting out there!

8-3 We got the new tooling delivered to the barrel manufacturer, so we should be getting our 20 gauge barrels in soon, so Mike can do his machine work and breeching on this end. I realized I should have been more clear after talking to a customer last week. The impression was that we are completely out of barrels. We have lots of barrels on the rack , we are just out of 20 gauge barrels which are the most popular and also what most of the orders require. We've got lots of different calibers and the smaller gauges which all fit into our interchangeable barrel system. So to be clear, we have barrels in stock, just not the 20 gauges and also .62 rifled barrels. But they're a comin'.

8-3 Got the pad all finished and the building frame should be up this week. We'll start putting on the roof steel and wall steel as soon as we get some guns built. The building is just going to have to wait a bit. Thanks for your patience!!!

We have contacted our barrel supplier repeatedly and have decided that we are going to build part of the tooling for his new lathe so we can get SOME BARRELS. We have done everything we can to fix the problem and hope this truly gets it fixed so we can get back on track again and get some guns built. We CANNOT show our appreciation enough for your patience in our efforts to resolve this problem. I know its been frustrating for many of you. It has certainly been frustrating for us and I think we're finally making progress. Stay cool out there and thanks again~

I have been working on the new shop for the last 2 weeks, forming up the floor pad and pouring cement and finishing the surface. It 's been a typical hot Arkansas summer with plenty of humidity to keep us warm. Of course we also have to keep our old tractors and backhoe running too, so we end up with plenty of dirt and grease under our fingernails. Its going to be a beautiful shop in a great place, so we're excited about getting it finished and moving into it as soon as possible. Everybody stay cool out there and do a little shooting every weekend so you'll be ready when that venison on 4 hooves finally walks by this fall. Be safe and Good Shooting!

The Berryville Shoot is going to be held September 25th, 26th and 27th. We have men's, lady's, junior's and old timer's matches to go along with the shotgun shooting and general whooping and hollering. Come join us for a great time and see old friends and make lots of new ones. Electric hook-ups, showers and a large gathering cabin available. 60 point covered firing line. Yeeehaaaaa!

6-11-2009 It may be hard to believe but we've been very hard at it around here even though I've been lax in keeping everyone updated out there. We finally got a few barrels in last week and got them finished out. One of our suppliers had promised barrel delivery in the first of April period and we finally got some last week! His lathe had broken down and he just sent the blanks to us and I got them turned in our lathe. Our delay has caused a fair amount of concern among customers who've ordered a while back but we're leaning on the problem and will hopefully be receiving some long delayed barrel orders soon. We REALLY appreciate everyone's patience in waiting us out and we will try to make up for the delay with extra nice work and make it worth your wait.

While we were waiting,I got a really nice .62 caliber with interchangeable 12 gauge English Game Gun fitted up and finished. This is the gun with the 30 inch barrel and it really has a nice balance and weight. I'm going to shoot it to see how it performs with the .62 at long range and also work up some loads for the 12 gauge shotgun barrel. The 12 gauge is jug choked full and should really perform well. I'm also going to shoot some 12 gauge balls through the smoothbore for those guys sitting over a bear bait that really want a thumper. It can certainly be used for elk and other large beasts, also. We'll finish our testing and experimenting and probably offer the gun for sale. Although, I may like it too much to sell it!

We're getting on with the new shop construction and should have it finished in about 3 or 4 months. We can't wait to get out there because we'll have more floor space and also a shooting range on site. We enjoy shooting and it will make it much easier to do any adjustments to a customer's firearm if necessary. We'll keep you posted and let you know our progress. Oh, and its not too early to order a gun for hunting season. By the time we get to your order, get your gun built, delivered and you work up a load and learn to shoot it, it will be hunting season. Time flies and we don't like working too many hours overtime to deliver fine guns in time for season. We're always behind and now is no different! Cheers~

We've had pretty good luck lately fishing and have quite a few bags of white bass and few walleyes. The biggest walleye we have caught so far was about 4.5 pounds, but it wasn't for lack of trying. We've been going out quite often and occasionally catch quite a few. It's been a long winter and cold late spring. We kind of like the occasional shaft of sunlight fighting it's way through the cloud cover. It won't be long before we can float King's River and enjoy the beauty of that fine water.

Our turkey hunting was non-existent this year. Most of the hunters recognize the extremely low populations and have backed off accordingly... thank you. The main reason is we've had BAD hatches for at least 3 years in the northwest corner of the state. We had 12 floods last year and lots of nests were destroyed. Hopefully we'll get a good hatch and the hills will be ringing with gobbles next year and in the next few years. We hope all is well with everyone out there and you're catching a few fish and maybe having a little luck with the turkeys, too.

4-6 I've just begun cutting another run of stocks for barrel channels. I'll have English fowlers, French guns, English guns and Southern Mountain rifle stocks. It's taken me a while to get enough quality wood delivered to start the process, but its here now and I'll be making messes for a few days for sure. We have been overwhelmed a bit since the house burned down dealing with insurance agents, lawyers and the 1,000 other things that must be taken care of to even start re-building a normal life. We're hanging in there and having a little fun along the way. We've been out fishing and even caught few walleyes and some nice white bass. But this cold weather keeps running the fish back down and chilling out the catchin'. Spring is almost here and we ARE ready for it. We're going to jump back on the new shop, so we'll be hitting that pretty hard to get the building up and dried in. Everybody be safe out there and good luck chasing those gobblers. Our season starts Saturday, but I'll be working on your guns instead! OUCH!

Kurt V., your stumpwood English fowler with sliding wood patchbox....GORGEOUS and coming right along!

Mike and I worked on the new pad for the shop on Monday, Tues. and Wednesday so that's why you didn't reach us on those days. We got more pad work done, got the septic tank put in and also the line from the shop to the tank installed. During which of course the tractor had a flat, I blew a hydraulic hose and then the tractor died, yet to be revived. Luckily Mike's back- hoe just ran out of gas once. Sound pretty typical to me...

The Christmas season is upon us and it sure feels like it here in Arkansas. I only remember it being this cold here this early one other time. It was back in 2000 ( Dec.19th) when I shot my 6X6 Arkansas elk. When we got up at 4 a.m. that morning it was about 60 degrees and blowing HARD. I shot my elk about 8 or so and about the time he hit the ground it started snowing! We finally got him dressed out, transported to the trailer and taken to the A.G.& F. check station and back to camp by 4 in the afternoon. By about 9 that night it was probably 0 degrees and the wind chill was about minus 25 degrees. It started snowing, icing and freezing hard the next day and that accumulation stayed on the ground for over a month! It is unseasonably cold ( global warming... yeah right!) but we're indoors building guns today and we are VERY thankful for that. We wish to extend our best wishes and Christmas greetings to all of our friends and customers! What a treat it would be to meet each and every one of you personally and shake your hands. The real world demands too much of our time and we can only dream about standing around a huge campfire with all of you passing the jug and enjoying the life that the good Lord has given us. We are all so blessed to live in the greatest country in the world and we should give thanks on a daily basis. We hope that this day finds you and all your loved ones in good health and spirits and some time off to enjoy the fruits of your labors. I am so blessed and thankful for all that this world has provided and even though we, like you, struggle with life's problems, it's good to know that we're all in this together. I may not have had the opportunity to shake your hand, but know that we are there in spirit with all of you! I would also like to recognize the HUGE SACRIFICE of the brave men and women of the armed forces who protect our freedom. Most of these brave souls will not spend the holidays with their families and we need to put their welfare and safety in our prayers! God Bless you and God Bless America! Merry Christmas!

12-17 We got some new house pictures taken last week and wanted to show you the almost finished project. I've still got some closet work, cabinet work and trim work to do, but it's getting there. In another 40 or 50 years, I'm planning on having it finished. Click the link below.

12-16 We got "weather sidetracked" last week on the new factory. I got a lot of pad work and road work done, but we didn't begin digging the footers. Tomorrow we will get a break and be out at the new site scratching dirt. I'll get a few pictures taken so you can verify that we don't just lay around gathering up road kill for dinner. The deer hunting has been REALLY spotty with quite a few of my friends not having any luck.

12-2 I'm are getting ready to go full bore on the new building starting sometime this week. I've got the pad about finished, so we'll start digging the footers and tying re-bar for the pad. I'm sure we'll have a really long cold winter with lots of rain, snow, ice, sleet, wind, power outages and other blessings since we've started a construction project. It's been unusually cold this year so far and I see no end in sight. We had record cold across much of the nation and continent last year...I see a trend. Come on spring! Check out the "Current Flintlocks Available" page for some spring turkey hunting guns we are building. We're going to keep producing guns as much as possible because some days it will just be too cold to work outside. We'll shut it down when we start moving machinery, so get your new gun soon if you can convince your "boss" ( wife) that you can't live another day without a high quality flintlock! Happy Hunting and Happy Holidaze! Cheers~

11-18 I went out hunting last Wednesday after working at the shop all day. I had been sick, so it was my first go at them this year. I had built a natural ground blind about 3 weeks prior to this trip, so I had a nice place to go and get set up quickly.

11-3 I'm going to finish the pad for the new factory this afternoon and we'll start digging the footers and laying steel for the pad soon. I've got the building designed and we can get the steel ordered to keep this project moving along. We'll keep you posted on our progress and if you're looking for a new hunting piece, go to our "Current Flintlocks Available" page and pick one up before they're all gone. Good hunting and remember; the Goddess of the Hunt, Dianna, always smiles on those who carry flintlocks! We'll sure be out there on Saturday morning!

10-30 I have almost finished the pad for the new building. I've been going out after work and working on it until dark every night. Mike and I are going to dig the footers and start laying the re-bar for the pad. We hope to have it poured in about 10-12 days. The new shop is going to be set in a beautiful place amongst the pines. I've already got the shooting berm built. We have already used it for practice and it will make a great addition to our facilities once we get up and running again. I'll take pictures in progress and post them on the page below; New Factory.

We had a great Berryville Saunders shoot with 113 shooters. The weather was great and we didn't hear any complaints. Make plans to attend next year and we'll have even more fun. We are also going to have a different division for flintlock shooters and old timers, on the main aggregate only. If you would like to get on our mailing list, just give us a call and we'll send out a program when we print.

10-1 I'm getting ready to start building our new slightly larger factory. I'm going to do it all except the concrete finishing on the pad. I've got the pad cleared and ready to level. We're going to build a steel building to keep our costs down and then finish out the inside with standard construction to have a nice interior. I've got a front end loader on my tractor to lift those heavy beams. If you are needing a gun, look on our "Current Flintlocks Available" page and see what we've got offered. Its going to be a while before we're up producing firearms again!!! I don't think the few available guns will last long...and your wife won't notice a new gun if you also purchase our fake lampshade and cord kit! We like to think we're a full service company, serving all of our customers needs~.

9-4 We got a letter from another satisfied customer and have it posted below. Thanks Devin!

It is Thursday the 4^th of September and a day that will always have a special meaning to me the day my English Fowler arrived! To some this might not be such a special event but to me it has been a long time coming since I first set foot in your show room in Berryville 10 long years ago! I had been on vacation and someone told me about your shop so my friends and I stopped to look around just to pass the time of day. What I saw hanging on your walls changed the way I looked at black powder rifles I had a Hawkins kit gun in a percussion format as a teenager and loved to shoot it but it didn’t have the appeal that I was looking for. As a kid growing up watching Fess Parker portray Daniel Boone and Brian Keith in the Mountain Men left me fascinated with the allure of a flint lock smoke pole and now I was holding one of your guns wishing somehow I could get one. After I went back home to Texas I spent the next several months searching out black powder gun makers but I never found one that captured the beauty and the perfect handling qualities of your guns! Well in April of 2008 I was back through Berryville and I stopped at your shop and fell in love all over again with the beauty, and craftsmanship of your guns this time I had the opportunity to visit with you and decided to order a 20 gauge English Fowler. After going home I called you a few times and added things to the order including a .54 caliber rifled barrel, sling swivels, sliding patch box etc. Every time we spoke I became more appreciative of your desire to ensure that I would be happy as a customer! Your attention to detail was evident when we spoke and you always took the time to listen to my concerns and questions. As I waited for you to complete my gun I have spent numerous hours researching the history of these magnificent guns and as you had told me regarding the historical accuracy was proven time and time again!

And now here I am looking at this awesome work of art feeling the superb handling qualities and observing the magnificent attention to detail and craftsmanship. I can’t see any place where the fit and finish are not perfect! My very good friend Keith is with me and as a trained engineer in the weapons industry he can not get over the finish work done even on the inside of the lock! High praise indeed!

It took just a moment to place the lock in its place and the trigger “pull” is beyond description. As a retired Texas peace officer with numerous hours in training of new officers with their firearms I do know something about the function of guns and to say that this trigger is fantastic is putting it mildly.

The overall appearance, quality and workmanship are of a true museum quality firearm!

To say that I am happy with this gun would be absurd yet I can find no words to describe the joy that I have just by looking at this gun let alone handling it and I cant wait to get out to the field and start the sparks flying!

As our forefathers were prone to name their rifles I have followed with tradition and named this beautiful work of art “Lillie Bell” after my maternal grandmother. I chose to name it after her because of her stalwart character she was a dependable hard working farm raised women gracious in everyway and always a Lady! I want to thank Caywood Gun makers for this wonderful gun and I will remain a customer for years to come!

Everybody get out there and get your shootin' iron fired up for this season. It never hurts to get back in practice and sharpen your skills before you drop a flint on a live animal! I saw two nice bucks standing on the food plots this morning...nice fat healthy animals with really nice racks. They've already shed their velvet, too. Practice now will pay off later! Good luck and enjoy the time off and the fall season!

8-29 We've built a 30 inch barreled Wilson for a gentleman and it is a really nice and handy little gun. Mike has it assembled right now and I've got it photographed so you can see it. It has two thimbles and is fitted up with sling swivels. We've offered this model for a while and after putting this one together, I think we'll have a lot more requests for this particular barrel length. It is really cute~

We have made some changes in the Berryville shoot program concerning the shotgun matches.

The shoot flyers you received have an insert detailing the changes, but I want to post them here for those of you who don't have a copy of the flyer.

Chokes may not be changed once you have started a match. Example; (Matches 39, 40 and 41 or any re-entry or protection match.)

Original and flintlock shotgun re-entry matches will be $5.00 for the match and $3 for each re-entry.

Shotgun protection match will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and will be $2.50 per shooter. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place plaques will be awarded. This match will be shot on the 14 yard line. Ties, if any, will be shot on the 16 yard line.

Please come join us for a great and fun shoot on September, 26th, 27th and 28th.

8-27 NEWS!!! We are making plans to build a new larger shop at the land at King's River. We built this shop we're in with a good guess as to required space needs, but we are just a little cramped. We had to add numerous pieces of machinery along the way to build a better product and they all take up a lot of space. We have stock production/woodworking equipment, shaper for grinding barrel flats, slotting mill, lathe, large metal working mill, grinders, barrel-polishing machine, 2 sandblasters, 4 workbenches, wax shooting/investment casting facilities, presses, 5 drill presses, etc., etc.. The new factory has a planned 10 foot ceiling, along with a nice showroom and office, all planted under some beautiful mature oak trees. We will also have a shooting range at the new facility for those who wish to try out their new gun, if they come pick it up in person...what a nice bonus! We are going to custom build the room's spaces for our purposes and be a little bit more efficient. The new building is only going to be 200 sq. ft. larger, but we should have more space available to not bump into each other or knock out light bulbs when we're swinging guns around! We're going to get the pad poured a.s.a.p. and get the building up and dried-in before winter sets in. Yes, we have a lot of work to do, but we'll get the current orders filled before we start breaking down the production facilities. If you need a gun soon, I'd suggest ordering now, before its too late! We'll be (HOPEFULLY??!??!??!??) back in production a little before the first of the year? I've got the tools from building the lodge on hand and Mike and I will be working full time to get it plumbed, wired and all interior construction completed while its not snowing. We have a lot of work to do, but its going to be so nice to have that extra room.

We have two guns available right now that are finished, so give us a call if you want either one of these very fine pieces and yes you can see the pictures!

8-25 We had just shipped a new Southern Mountain rifle to a customer and got this reply from him. We always appreciate the very nice comments we get. When you hear it from a non-biased customer, you know it has some level of credibility...unlike us!

Danny; I met the Fed Ex delivery man on the front porch when I got home the
other day. Thank God I had a pocket knife with me, as I could not sign
the paper work while searching for a knife in the kitchen.

While I was pulling the packing out of the box, I did my best to ignore
the gun within…when I took the time to look, even without the lock in
the mortise, it was obvious I was looking at a masterpiece. I was very
reluctant to take the time to put the lock in place, as I could not seem
to take my eyes off this beautiful and unbelievably slim flint lock rifle.

After some moderate fumbling to insert the lock, I shouldered the gun
for the first time…the sun seemed to ignite the stump wood stock, the
figure was so spectacular. I was absolutely shocked at the lightness of
this rifle; it was almost like the barrel was not in the gun yet… just
what I had hoped for. The metal to wood inletting is superb, the lock
and triggers just right for the gun.

All thing considered, I now own the prettiest, lightest almost dainty
like .32 caliber Southern Mountain rifle I can imagine. I could not have
asked for anymore quality, and then there were the goodies (barrel pin
tool, touch hole picks etc), everything in top quality, well
thought-out, superbly designed for function, and constructed with what
looks like infinite care.

Thank you Danny !!

Sincerely
Dick C.

Check out the "extra" Southern mountain Rifle we have pictured on the "Current Flintlocks Available" page. It has a very fancy upgrade maple stock along with some incised carving!

Things are looking up on the economic front for sure. With the price of oil falling dramatically and a 2% growth in the last quarter, everyone is feeling much better about the strengthening economy. I've not really noticed any decrease in people traveling. Everywhere we look there are folks pulling campers, boats, atv's and motorcycles and enjoying life and summer vacations. We never did have a single quarter of negative growth ( a recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth) and with the Republicans finally getting on the pro-energy agenda, oil prices will continue to drop and fuel the world's best economy. The home foreclosure rates have been a bit overemphasized I think. The last figures I heard were 1 in 174 homes being foreclosed on. I know that it's painful for the individual facing this problem, but it's way less than 1 %? Why is the press giving this so much publicity? Anything to make us feel miserable? I guess its not too difficult to see how enamored the press is with Obama and the Democrats, but I'd take it with a bit of salt, as they say, and realize that all things considered, we've had 7.5 years of good economic progress. When you consider the shockwave we suffered on 9-11-01, the recovery is remarkable and is a testament to the will, ingenuity, dedication and adaptability of all the hard working Americans who make this country great. Tough times are absolutely part of any long term economy as the markets dictate supply and demand. We have seen strong figures on all fronts and I'm sure that with this fall's election finalized, everything will get right back to normal.

If you are considering a fine new flintlock for this fall's season, just give us a call and we'll get the project going! Cheers and have a great weekend~

8-1 If you'd like to join the Luther's Longhunters club, come on by in September and we'll be happy to fill you in on the details. We have a lot of fun and welcome all to come join in. These are the greatest and most fun bunch of people to spend time with. We're looking forward to another great shoot at the end of September. You can come in and camp as early as Tuesday Sept. 23rd. Shooting starts Friday at 9 a.m.. Abuse of shooters is immediate and non-stop! LOL!

I took a quick break last Friday ( between working at the shop here and the house on the weekends) and went walleye fishing in our "new" 21 year old fishin' boat. It is an older boat but in very good condition and certainly gets us safely out there and back. We only caught one walleye, but she was a good one.

7-25 We just moved our furniture into the lodge yesterday and will get some pictures posted soon. The work is not all finished, but we're getting close. I know I haven't posted any new pictures for a long time, but I've been very busy attempting to get as much work done as possible here at the shop and also at the house. Stay tuned...~

7-23 Our foundry made a little mistake in pouring 5 Wilson trigger guards in brass instead of iron. If you'd like to upgrade your Wilson, we'll let you have these really nice guards for $28. (shipping $9) Brass has gone up tremendously lately, in case you haven't noticed! If you send in your old guard, we'll give you free shipping on the new one and everybody's happy. We drill all the holes on a drilling jig, so they will be completely interchangeable. Or if you're ordering a new Wilson, we can save one back for you. Just give us a call and everyone have a great and safe weekend!

If you haven't heard, all of us who embrace freedom scored a victory today in the Supreme court ruling allowing legal ownership of firearms in Wash. D.C.. I would like to point out however that there were 4, yes 4, justices who voted against your right to self-defense and you can see how perilously close we are to anarchy by the government. The Supreme Court justices swear to uphold the Constitution and yet 4 of them IGNORED the very plain and unambiguous wording of the 2nd amendment. The original framers of the Constitution wrote the Bill of Rights in common language so that it could not be misinterpreted and yet these 4 took it upon themselves to re-interpret those very simple words into something totally different from the real meaning. Folks, this is not settled and it takes eternal vigilance to retain the rights enumerated in our most brilliant republic's writings and beliefs. We are very proud to have contributed to this cause. We donated part of our #8 Limited edition Crockett Rifle for the recent N.R.A. I.L.A. auction which raised an additional $26,000 to support this important cause. Without the 2nd amendment, the rest of the amendments are just so much ink and paper. If you are asked to fight for our freedom, please pause and realize that it is up TO ALL OF US to fight the daily battles against liberalism and those who would rule us with complete dictatorial power, given the chance. "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing". I don't know who originally said that, but it really rings true today! I am sure that I aggravate people when I fight little battles in trying to inform others about what is really going on in this country, but my son fought with the Marines and its the least I can do to preserve the rights that way too many have fought, suffered and died for. We must all put forward those stubborn little facts that refute liberalism. Sometimes not pleasant, but real men don't back down from a fight worth fighting. I never have and I never will.... Semper Fi.

6-24 We have toed the line on price increases even though we have ( as everyone else has I'm sure) suffered price increases on all of our supplies and components. Everything from barrels to wood to castings to insurance has gone up, some substantially! Our solution, at least temporarily, is to just work harder to make up for the increase in the cost of doing business. No, we can't sustain it forever, but I know a lot of you out there are doing the same as us, working harder! So we'll just have a go at it and see how things settle out. Business has been very good, so we'll be thankful for all that we do have and wish all of our customers continued prosperity and good health! The lodge is almost done, with me being on the verge of "tired", and will allow me to finally spend more overtime here at the shop in the coming months. Then I can take off a little time when the leaves change and get a breath of fresh air. I'm sure we're all looking forward to that special time! Cheers!

5-30-2008 We have one of our "new" replica flintlocks hanging on the gun rack in the showroom. Twice we've had customers in the showroom discussing the various models and looking them over really well. One customer had inspected almost every gun in the showroom, taking almost an hour as we discussed various features. He really liked the light weight and balance of all the models and couldn't believe how nicely these light guns handled. Finally, I bet him that the bottom gun weighed less than 3 pounds. He looked at me like I was crazy (hey, we're not going to discuss that here!) but didn't take out his $5 bill. I finally picked up the gun and handed it to him! He almost threw it through the roof! He got a smile on his face and said that he remembered about us building the new replica but was totally fooled by this authentic looking piece. The other customer who had also stood right in front of the display for awhile was similarly fooled and couldn't believe how much the gun looked like a real firearm. We are offering this fine gun with wall mount form for $300. We are also offering a full 3 dimensional ( finished on all four sides) for $400. We will also offer a model with fully functioning lock/ trigger assembly for $600. This model can be used as less expensive firearms in movie making, etc. These are such a realistic looking 18th century piece that you won't have to ruin a real gun by hanging it over the fireplace or risk gun law restrictions in an office building etc. We're a bit behind so if you're needing a fine replica for any need, just give us a call and get on the list!

Then I'm going after a giant catfish in our fishing hole. I've had 4 large catfish, up to 7 lbs. torn off of a metal stringer by this behemoth. We think he weighs about 50-60 lbs and it's going to take some stout gear to bring him in. He's ripping the clasps off the metal stringer and tearing my limb lines off and we're using 150 lb. line. I'm sure he appreciates the easy meals we've dished up on the stringer, but there might be surprise waiting for him quite soon. The river is really a big river now after all the spring flooding and these big fish have really piled up in the river. We floated the river last Sunday and two friends floating with us saw an estimated 4 foot long catfish, probably a blue cat, swimming along fairly shallow, one hole down from below the lodge. I caught the biggest brownie, smallmouth bass, I've ever caught. She was over 4 pounds and quite a fight on 6 lb. line.

We just returned from the Annual N.R.A. I.L.A. convention and auction in Louisville Kentucky. We saw a lot of interesting things and met an awful lot of nice people. We had a great time but are glad to be home... a bit tired and worn out! The auction was a great success and the #8 Crockett Rifle brought $26,000 for the I.L.A. The gun will go on display in the new Anheuser Busch distributorship in San Antonio, Texas, pretty close to the Alamo. The I.L.A. is the legislative branch of the N.R.A. and they are primarily responsible for the preservation of the 2nd Amendment and our so very important rights to keep and bear arms. John Barrett had built a beautiful bag, horn , double-bit belt ax and knife to compliment the Crockett Rifle and it really opened a few eyes. Click the link below for a look at the display.

John Lott (of gun control research fame) has just done a survey of about 12,000 news segments, print and media included. The report is 56 pages and you will do a lot of wading through to find clear stats, but it is a very telling report. Keep in mind that 92% of correspondents/reporters are registered Democrats and his findings become quite understandable. His findings were that the media does 71% more negative segments when the economy is good under a Republican than it did when it was actually a bad economy under Democrat leadership. I think it is safe to say that the media is doing everything it can to sabotage the current administration so the Democrats can regain total power. Things were actually going rather well until we got a Democrat majority in the House and Senate both. Gas has climbed over a dollar a gallon, unemployment has gone up slightly and consumer confidence has gone down. We are still about 5% unemployment which is a better average than the 70's, the 80's or the 90's! And 10 million new jobs have been created since 9/11/01! My point is not to knock anyone, but to simply say, look at reality and take these scare tactics with a grain of salt. They also just did another poll of average Americans and I believe 74% said they were personally doing very well, but 62% said the economy was doing poorly?!?!? I guess it shows the power of negative press ( kind of like the old country song); Don't believe your lyin' eyes. Cheer up folks, the economy is doing fine and the capitalistic system will smooth out. We're still working our little fingers off here and enjoying some fine spring weather. I still want to take some time off and go fishing though! Grab your flintlock and go chase some gobblers. It'll do you good and restore your faith in the worthiness of the struggles of life! It sure beats the alternative! O.K., somebody help me down off my soapbox, I need to go make another mess here in the shop. Cheers!!!

4-30-2008 NEW PRODUCT! We are also trying to address a problem/solution which we have encountered through the years. People love to hang antique and new-made guns over fireplaces as decorator items. The problem with this is that the guns will be damaged from the dry and hot atmosphere. Our solution, to keep from ruining real firearms, is to produce flintlock replicas which are totally made from wood. The only non-wood components will be a steel hammer and frizzen. These replicas will be stained and painted to give the viewer the effect of a real gun but without the cost ( and possible damage) of a real gun. These can be used over fireplaces, on fireplace mantels, in shadow boxes, as door or wall appliqués or any other application where a gun would add just the right atmosphere. We will be finishing a model for photos and get them posted a.s.a.p. These will be suitable for museums and historical displays with great accuracy in detail and authenticity. And of course, the price will be considerably less than real firearm. I just got the prototype/first replica built yesterday and it looks fantastic. From 10 feet away, it looks like the real thing. I have stained the wood our standard stain color and the lock, butt plate, barrel, trigger and trigger guard an ebony black color. These are going to be collector's items because of their quality and uniqueness. I will get it photographed tomorrow and posted. Call for details and price. Awesome piece of artwork...it will look great on any wall or fireplace!

4-23-2008 We just finished a museum-grade, curly maple, stump wood English game Gun. The gun is built in .62 caliber rifled and fitted up with iron furniture. This is a blank that cost approximately $500 and it is truly a magnificent piece. I am sorry that my photography isn't top notch, but you can still appreciate the beauty of this fine piece. If you would like to order a similar (or even a less expensive grade) blank for your new gun, just give me a call for details and delivery times.

4-21-2008 We just finished an Officer's Fusil for Mr. Mike Church, who is a radio personality on Sirius Patriot channel 144. Mike wanted a custom job done and we have a few photos of the extra work we did. Mike Rowe did a beautiful tang carving, carving around the lock panels and I did some extra engraving on the butt plate. We fitted the gun up in a beautiful piece of maple stumpwood and it made for an extremely fine piece overall. I didn't take pictures of every view because you already know what this style of gun looks like. It will also take you to a page on his website so you can see the pictures he took of the gun..

I realize I haven't posted anything "new" for over a month! I apologize for the lack of "news", but I'm sure your wife had you cleaning out the closets and you wouldn't have had time to mess around on the computer looking at stupid gun pictures, anyway! We have been totally consumed in trying to get the #8 Crockett Rifle built for the N.R.A./I.L.A. convention in Louisville, Ky. The convention is in mid-May and we pretty much had to put everything else aside to get the rifle finished and delivered for photography. Mike did all of the barrel, lock and trigger polishing. He did a fantastic job as usual! I had to finish the relief carving, incised carving, engraving and finish work. We had been working on and off on this gun for about 7 months, so we had it pretty much assembled,, contoured and final sanded, but there was a lot of detail/finish work to be done. I did manage to get some of my somewhat-less-than-professional photography so you could see this fine piece of Americana. New pictures are now posted.

Here is a new Southern Mountain Rifle that we are shipping out today. The customer specified a curly walnut blank and some nice incised carving in the cheekpiece area. I carved along the lower belly from the toe plate to the trigger guard. I also carved a border on the cheekpiece and also along the whole ramrod groove. I engraved the barrel and also the toe plate, butt plate finial and the trigger guard bow. If you would like a full dress southern like this one, just give us a call and we'll fix you up!

I also carved my wife Karen's gun and have a couple of pictures of it for you to peruse...

We'll be attending the N.R.A.-I.L.A. convention in Louisville KY, in mid-May. We are in the process of finishing the number 8 Crockett Rifle to be auctioned off during the convention. Mr. John Barrett is building a beautiful bag/knife/horn, double-bitted ax combination to go with the Crockett Rifle. I will be a knockout set-up and all proceeds go to the N.R.A. to protect the 2nd amendment. If you would like to support our gun rights, see all the newest outdoor/hunting gadgets and gizmos, this should be on your docket! It should be a lot of fun and you need to get motel reservations soon if you're planning on attending. Cheers!I

1-3-2008 If you use the internet search engine "Google", just below Caywood Guns website are a couple of links for articles published in "GUNS" magazine. One article deals with the French Type "C" and an English Fowler. The other article is on the Southern Mountain Rifle. Both have great pictures and text from an independent author. Great articles for free and you don't have to listen to my bloviating...

Here are 3 pistols we just got finished and sent out. 2of the 3 are English walnut and one is very nice curly maple.

O.K.! I've finally gotten new pictures posted and here they are at the bottom of this page. Just click on the link above...

11-30-2007 I arrived back from deer camp about 2 weeks ago (yes, I'm late getting this posted, but we've been BUSY!) and can say that I ran into a couple of blind, deaf deer. I got a little 5 point with the .54 caliber English Game gun and a nice doe on the last evening with the .40 caliber Southern mountain Rifle. I had passed up a very nice buck with about a 16-17 inch spread on the first afternoon. He came in behind my stand and fed on acorns for about 15 minutes ( I had my gun cocked, finger on the trigger, sights on the lungs) before wandering off in search of true love. I knew that I was probably looking at the biggest buck I'd likely see during my trip and I was right. I saw a total of 13 bucks , including 4 spikes. The reason I shot the small 5 point is that he was crippled in his front leg and I didn't want to see him suffer. I shot him through the neck with the .54 and he's in the freezer. When I got back to camp, I explained to all the members why I'd shot the small buck ( we have a camp agreement not to shoot small bucks) and it was unanimous that I'd done the right thing. He probably wouldn't have ever recovered to good health from his wounds and I felt like it was the only humane thing to do. The last evening a nice doe came in to feed, then walked off into the brush. I had wanted to take her, but she almost got away before I got through just watching her. When I realized she was leaving, I got serious and placed a bullet between her ears. That little Mountain Rifle went off like lightning and dropped her in her tracks. I was glad to have the set trigger on that shot for sure. I'm hunting a big buck at the house ( I wouldn't, but he's tearing up my pine trees something awful) and haven't seen his carcass yet. But we've got a few days left, so I'll keep you tuned if I get lucky. Karen saw him one day and said he's bigger than the one she got last year, so he's a good one! Good luck with your hunting and enjoy your time with a flintlock in your hands, success or not! God Bless!

We get questions about premium wood quite often. Our main wood supplier is Mr. Freddie Harrison from Tennessee. He cuts wood exclusively for gunstocks and has spent his whole life working his large sawmill. He really can't explain why wood is "curly" and shakes his head when he ponders the question.. He said that some of it grows in low areas that are almost swampy. It will also grow up on rocky, infertile ridges. There might be one "curly" tree in a stand of 7 or 8 other identical looking trees, so it probably isn't genetics either. He says there are a lot of theories out there as to what causes curl in a tree, but none of them hold true according to his experiences. They are just some of the many miracles of nature and we're very glad that they are there. Freddie "hunts" curly maple trees like we hunt critters. They are like arrowheads, they are where you find them and there appears to be no pattern to their location. But Freddie is good at finding them, however rare they are. When he does find one, he has to bring in his logging gear, truck, loader and saws and cut it, load it and transport it back to his sawmill. He sometimes finds a few in one area, but quite often a curly tree is all by itself and he still has to do all the work for just one tree. What separates Freddie's wood from most suppliers is that he knows how to cut it and dry it. Most suppliers buy a large skiff ( 40 to 50 long planks) of whatever type wood they are trying to sell, maple, oak, beech etc. But those planks are all board sawn. This causes whatever curl might be present in a blank to be on the top and bottom of the gun. You will see that quite often in cheaper guns and it is not all that attractive. Freddie quarter-saws most of his blanks and the result is curl and figure on the sides of the gun, where you can actually see it!. It is much more difficult and wasteful to quarter-saw a tree, but it yields the most beautiful stocks to build a gun from. When we offer upgraded premium blanks, these quarter-sawn blanks are what we are talking about! He also has built special drying sheds so that his wood dries slowly. When a blank is kiln dried quickly, it almost always twists and curls. It is also more prone to crack . Freddie slowly dries his wood for about six months before he puts it in the kiln. That lets most of the moisture slowly leave the blank before it's kiln dried. Freddie's blanks stay straight and rarely, if ever, crack. Yes, it is more time consuming and slightly more expensive, but when you see the finished gun, you know why he's gone to such trouble. Freddie is also the only supplier that I know of who cuts stump-wood. It is the most beautiful form of figured maple that I have ever seen. We offer this unique product occasionally and we ALWAYS have satisfied customers when they see their stump-wood gun! One of the things I learned long ago about doing "hand-work" is; DO NOT scrimp on materials. It takes just as much time and effort to build a gun or knife (or anything else) from less expensive materials and you end up with a much less valuable piece. We never scrimp on our components, from gun-barrel quality steel, to quality wood to the finest flintlocks. You can be assured that a premium grade blank is one of the best ways to insure your firearm's value; "Mother Nature" never makes two of anything the same, so the beauty and uniqueness of your gun will shine amongst the cheaper, plainer guns that sometimes don't maintain their value very well. The unique beauty of upgraded wood adds greatly to the pleasure of owning a fine flintlock. Flintlocks are, by their very nature, a piece of artwork, so when you combine fine wood with fine craftsmanship, you elevate the aesthetic value to a high level. A fine flintlock is a pleasure to own and shoot. Those who invest in quality never look back in regret and wonder "Why didn't I buy a better piece?", they've got the results in their hands!

The two main types of maple that are often sold are red maple and sugar maple.

Sugar maple is a harder, sometimes less vivid wood. Red maple is a softer, more vivid wood, as far as figure is concerned. When you are trying to carve wood, the harder the better. On an un-carved gun, the red maple is fine and sometimes you get more stripe for the buck. We seal all of our gunstocks (after they are stained) in a hardening, penetrating sealer so that they all resist denting, shrinking, twisting and moisture invasion. If you are considering a fine firearm purchase, just go to our "current flintlocks available" page and see the choice of fine guns available.

We spare no effort to make the most trouble-free and high performance firearm in the industry. From fine wood selection to the last fire blued screw, you know we have concentrated on EVERY detail, so that you can "load up and go" and never look back. We offer a lifetime guarantee on all of our finished guns because we know we have built quality into your gun from top to bottom. Rest assured, that when you "Grab a Caywood, the sparks will fly"!

Our son, Andrew Caywood, had a successful hunt this opening weekend of muzzle-loading season. He joined a few friends for the weekend at their cabin near Pettigrew, a rough, steep, bear-infested area in the northern mountains of Arkansas. Andy shoots a .50 caliber Wilson with a 41 inch barrel. Since the area around his 2 tree stands had possibly been contaminated by other hunters in the area, Andy decided to hunt a thick pine/cedar area on foot. He set up where he could see about 35 yards into the area where he thought the deer would come through. Naturally, he heard a sound from behind him, presumably downwind and saw a nice buck, just briefly. He moved to a spot where he thought the deer would travel and had just gotten settled in when the buck came out. He made perfect heart shot at about 35 yards. Click the link below to see this nice flintlocked buck!

We had delivered another English Game gun in 12 gauge to a customer and wanted to post his comments.

The stock wood is absolutely stunning! Such exceptional depth and color in the figure throughout the stock's full length; it almost appears three dimensional. If this is an example of some of the stump wood you currently have available, anyone who orders one of these stocks for their gun is in for a real treat.

The quality of materials, plus the meticulous care and attention to detail evident in every part of this gun is a testament, not only to the skill, but pride of craftsmanship that goes into every Caywood gun. Thank you.... Danny, Mike, and everyone else at Caywood Gunmakers for creating this one for me.

9-7-2007 Look for a new article in this month's Muzzleloader Magazine. It features our new Southern Mountain Rifle. Muzzleloader Magazine is a VERY high quality magazine and we urge you to subscribe for the very best in historically correct and knowledgeable articles. Call Bill Scurlock at 903-832-4726. Please just don't tell Bill I said something nice about him...

1-3-2008 We are building a Crockett Rifle for the 2008 N.R.A. I.L.A. benefit auction in Louisville Kentucky. The Crockett Rifle features a sterling silver plate inscribed with "David Crockett-Freedom Fighter". This fine piece will be engraved N.R.A. I.L.A., #8 in 2008, and will be the centerpiece of the auction and should be a fitting statement when so many politicians are trying to take our freedom and our guns away. Also featured will be a fine bag, horn, ax and knife combination built by the talented John Barrett. We will keep you posted on the dates and ticket prices if you would like to attend and support our freedom and gun rights. The auction will also feature many fine customized firearms, hunts and associated products that would make any outdoorsman drool!

6-1-2007 We received a customer's comments on a recently delivered English Sporting Rifle and wanted to post his very nice comments. I work very hard to consistently produce our quality firearms and really appreciate all of the great feedback from our customers. These comments came from one of our fine friends from Canada and we thought you might like to read his thoughts on his newest "toy".

Dear Sirs;

I don't know of another superlative that adequately describes the magnificent piece of gunmakers' art that arrived a short while ago, today. The English fowler you built for me far and away surpasses my expectations. Its true what they say: the best things are worth waiting for.

The rifle's balance between the hands is perfect. It hangs perfectly when held and aimed offhand. I can hardly wait to get it out to the range for a sight-in session. Unfortunately, that may have to wait for a few days.....job, and other unnecessary obstacles in the way.

In closing, allow me to extend my warmest thanks and gratitude to you and everyone else involved in the crafting of my superb rifle. It is a masterpiece which I will be proud to cherish......and brag about endlessly to anyone who will listen. Including my pal in Saskatchewan, who owns a Hatfield. I think he'll be eating his liver, when he sees my Caywood. Sincerely, C.A. McKellar

Thank you Mr. McKellar and all the other special people who take the time and effort to express their fine comments. We really do appreciate you and it makes our sometimes dirty job a little easier! Danny

1-3-08 One of our really great friends, Mr. Mike Church who hosts the "Mike Church Show" on Sirius Radio, Patriot channel 144 is having us build him an English Officer's gun. We are going to custom carve and engrave it for Mike. You have to listen to this man if you have Sirius Radio. We have a membership whereby we can listen to him over the internet. Mike is a brilliant man, a very knowledgeable historian and extremely talented. I guarantee his parody songs will make you pull over to the side of the road you'll be laughing so hard. Mike really analyzes current events in a humorous way and he will entertain you like no other. Share this man's talent with your friends, they will thank you for it!

5-4-07 We just finished building a customer's Southern Mountain Rifle using a blank of Oregon Western walnut that he supplied. This blank is full curl and hard. I did some incised carving on it and it carved beautifully. A blank like this will run about $350 or so and it can get even fancier if you like! Click link to see this fine little .45 caliber thumper.

4-23-2007 Well, even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while! I finally loaded up my 12 gauge English fowler on Saturday, the second weekend of turkey season, and took to the woods after a particular big old gobbler. I'd been watching him since last year (when I didn't hunt at all) and figured that I might as well have a go at him as to leave him to the other hunters. Click the link below if you want to see him.

4-16-2007 We are proud to have contributed to the N.R.A.-I.L.A. benefit auction. We supplied an English fowler and several additional pieces which brought two and half times the retail price. These monies go exclusively to fight the gun grabbers and all those parties responsible for attempting to take away our 2nd amendment RIGHTS. These are not privileges people, they are RIGHTS We are proud to protect them, now more than ever. Please join the N.R.A. and do your part. Your grandchildren are depending on you!!!

We have hooked up with the N.R.A.- I.L.A. again and supplied an English Fowler, a tomahawk/belt axe, a large roach belly knife and turn-screw for their fundraising benefit in St. Louis next Friday night. If you are attending, you'll have a chance to take home this fine package and help support our gun rights at the same time. The English fowler and knife are hand engraved with the N.R.A. I.L.A. logo to commemorate the event. The English fowler is a premium curly maple blank, with hand-carved tear drop lock panels. The knife blade on the knife is hand satin finished, something we don't normally offer and really came out beautifully. Our gun rights matter and dollars to the I.L.A do tremendous good in fighting the gun grabbers.

Mr. Mike Emery, proprietor of the Northern Rifleman gun shop in Woodbury MN., is handling a lot of our products and has them IN STOCK. Mike has kits available, barrels, belt ax/tomahawk kits and will have locks and knife kits available soon. Stop in and see Mike if you're in the area. He's a fine fellow and will work hard to see you are fitted up with only the highest quality products. Mike has a website, www.northernrifleman.com. You can cut and paste this address in your browser box to check it out.

My father, Charles "the Elder" Caywood took on a gun-building job from the infamous Robert "Wileeeee" Wiley, which had laid on Robert's bench for around 30 years. It had apparently laid there after his attempt to build a fine gun from a blank. When he was through doing all the damage he was capable of, he laid it aside and went on to girl-chasing, something he's moderately skilled at doing. He shifted the aborted gun making project to the undisputed dean of Arkansas gunmakers, the above mentioned C.C. Caywood. Even with C.C.'s prodigious skills, undoing the damage which Bob had levied on this project took it's toll on the skill, patience and steel nerves of the practiced gunsmith. Please click on the link below to view the devastating results...

1-3-2008 With the rapid increase in copper, steel and wood prices, we had a slight price increase for 2007, but will hold the line for a while in 2008. You can be assured that we will not cut corners on the quality of your firearm, but we have no control over the world market and it's prices on materials. The price of brass has almost doubled, because the price of copper has tripled! Steel prices keep going up and wood prices creep up steadily. We buy wholesale amounts of material to keep our prices down and will keep working hard to bring you the absolute best quality for the price. That is our guarantee! Another aspect that is well worth considering is our EXCLUSIVE use of barrel quality steel. See new page on home page for additional info.. Yes, it does cost more to use certified gun-barrel quality steel, but it gives all parties involved an extra level of safety. Whether you are standing on the shooting line or 25 feet up a tree in a deer stand, you can rest assured that your barrel WILL hang together when you touch it off. We love for the sparks to fly, but ONLY out the end of the barrel where they're supposed to. I don't think this is really an area where discriminating people want to cut corners...the cost could be WAY too high. With a "Caywood", you can rest assured...

3-7-2007 If you've got a brochure and you'd like a new updated price list, just give me a call and we'll get it right out (free). The full brochure is $3, check, cash or money order. Sorry, no plastic here at Caywood Homewreckers..er..uh...Gunmakers! (That's how some wives apparently refer to us.) $8 for the collector's item brochure, David Crockett's First Rifle. Number 7 stock is cut and available. We have #7 Crockett Rifle assembled and are beginning to do the extensive handwork. Call now for the expected delivery schedule on #7.e?!?!?.

Semi-finished kit $1045 $1150 $795 Assembled white $1195 $1350 $995 Finished $1395 $1595 $1250

The Game guns come in either a 12 ga./ .62 cal interchangeable barrel system or a .45, .50, .54 rifled/ 28 smoothbore.

We will institute our increase on March 15th, so if you were planning on getting a fine firelock, now would be a good time to consider placing your order.

We just finished a fine, matching pair of French pistols with English walnut and brass barrels. These have 20 gauge barrels and are extremely light and powerful. We still have one brass barrel available, so grab it before its gone...

3-7-2007 Well, spring is just around the corner and the turkeys are about to start gobbling here.. We have two 12 gauge guns listed for sale on the "current flintlocks available" page. If you are looking for the absolutely most satisfying way to hunt turkeys, try a beautiful, light, quick-firing flintlock fowler. Spring will be on us in a heartbeat, so plan ahead now for flintlock delivery in time for the season opener. We are running about 2 months behind, but can build a few additional 12 gauges in time for the season, IF YOU ORDER NOW! Your wife will never know what you're up to, if you also order our accessory lamp shade and fake cord...we ARE a full service company! Gobble, gobble!

One of our fine customers and a great guy, Mr. David Higman, sent in a picture of his first turkey, taken with one of our 12gauge English Game guns. We jug-choked it to full choke and it patterns beautifully. He took this beautiful bird while hunting with his father in California. Click link below and if you have any good pictures of your ""flintlocked" game, give me a call and we'll get them put up.

1-4-2007 I'm going to go back after another white squirrel with the little Southern Mountain Rifle this weekend. They are so beautiful and should not end up in a coyote's droppings! 1-7-2007 I actually had some luck...see pictures below...success!

12-28-2006 We hope everyone had a fine Christmas and maybe got out into the woods with a fine flintlock and had some fun chasin' critters around. I was able to get out and enjoy some squirrel hunting with our new Southern Mountain Rifle. The gods of the hunt blessed me with a VERY special and unique trophy...a white squirrel. I had been up on the mountain ( and I mean a rough, steep mountain) seven times trying to get within range of this spooky old squirrel. He finally made a mistake right at dusk and I was able to get a clean neck shot on him. This squirrel would not stay on the ground very long and would often climb to an overlooking limb and just stay still for 20-30 minutes at a time looking for predators. I could not gain ground very often for fear of spooking him. After numerous trips and watching where he worked most often, I was able to get within range and make a shot with the .40 caliber Mountain rifle. I was using 23 grains of 3fg., a very light load, since I wanted to save him for mounting. He is the second pie/bald white squirrel I have taken and both will be mounted for the new lodge on King's River.

I also got a picture taken of some of the new knives for size comparison. Have a look on the link below.

11-22-2006 I've just arrived back from my short vacation at deer camp. I was successful taking in deer with our little .40 caliber Southern Mountain Rifle. One shot to the boiler room did the trick. I also took another deer and a wild hog with my .54 caliber English Game gun. Both of those were also one shot undertakings. I'm back at work this week and we're building guns as fast as we can.

5-17-2006 We've got a mis-print on our printed brochure that shows the .62 caliber rifled barrel to be $260. It is $295 for all the interchangeable barrel models, whether they're an English Fowler, Officer's Fusil or English Game Gun. Sorry for the mis-print! It is posted correctly below on the price list.

3-2 We also now have in production our 12 ga./.62 rifled bayonets for the big bore Officer's fusil. We didn't know what the demand would be for this bayonet, but we learned rather quickly that it was a losing proposition to hand modify the large number that were being ordered. So the new custom one is soon to be available...the waxes are at the foundry now. Just waiting to get the castings back.

12-30-2005 I have posted a new price list on the Current Guns available page and below. These prices will include the price of the lock. I'm moving the price increase back to Jan. 1st, 2006. If you'd like to order a new fowler or squirrel rifle, jump in now because we are looking at an approx. 10% increase due to the nature of economics and trying to make a living! I'll get prices posted BEFORE JAN. 1st...DONE!

All prices below are WITH locks and include smoothbore barrel w/o rear sight. (Mountain rifle is rifled.) The English Game gun is also priced with rifling.
                                                                                                                    Breeched  (interch.)  Breeched (interch.)
                           Basic kit Semi finished kit Assembled-white Finished-warranty Smoothbore bbl. Rifle bbl.
Northwest gun          $780       $850                    $970                  $1195                   $275                   $325
Wilson Chief's          $805       $875                    $995                   $1225                   $275                  $325

French Type "D"      $995       $1045                  $1195                 $1395                   $275                  $325
French Type "C"      $1060     $1150                  $1350                $1595                    $275                  $325
French pistol             n/a          $795                    $995                  $1250                   $125                  $150

English Fowler          $1095      $1150                  $1350                $1595                  $275                  $325
12 Ga. Eng. Fwl.      $1095      $1150                  $1350                $1595                                 62cal. $325
Officer's fusil            $1200       $1295                  $1495                $1750                                            $340 (w/bayo. lug) Officer's fusil, 37 inch barrel, with bayonet lug, end cap, palm swell and sling swivels.

Guns highlighted in green have interchangeable barrel system with these choices; 50, .54, .58 rifled & 20, 24, 28 ga. smoothbore.

Mountain rifle (NEW product) $1350                  $1625              $1995 (Brass or iron patchbox $200) $360
Prices above with lock, see below for more information.                                                                                                   Call for additional fitting prices on second barrels.                                                                                                           Game Gun includes rifled barrel, rifle sights and sling swivels as standard features. Subtract $80 if ordered in smoothbore and no rear sight.
English Game Gun- $1175   $1250                    $1450              $1695      28 ga.-$225

Interchangeable barrel system; .45, .50. 54. and 28 smoothbore. French pistol available with 20, 24, 28 ga. and .45 rifled interchangeable system
All locks $130 except English Fowler and Mountain rifle lock-$160. Add $20 for finished lock price with fire blued screws and blued parts. (only on factory finished guns). Full lifetime warranty.

Shipping-$55. Includes full insurance of product.
We'll be printing new price sheets, so if you'd like a current updated price list, give us a call. Thanks. Our 2nd barrel fitting, including factory blueing, has increased to $80.

12-30-05 My oldest son, Andrew Caywood, got a nice buck on the last day of our late muzzleloading season with his .50 caliber Wilson trade gun.

Here are 4 of the latest Southern mountain rifles we've sent out. From .32 up to .45 caliber, some with patch boxes, some without. They all came out very nicely.

8-16-2005 We are currently building the molds for a new line of knives (3, blade lengths from 3.5 to 7.5 inches) , a small belt hawk ( that's a tomahawk fer' you pilgrims...) and a new knapping hammer/screw driver. We are going to offer the knives and hawk in finished form or as kits. Don't know the prices on anything yet, but we'll sure try to offer high quality at a fair price . We'll keep the smoke signals coming on these new projects. 9-8-2005 Mike now has the molds built, so we should have some of the first products coming down in about 6-7 weeks.

Danny: Just a short note to tell you how pleased I am with my new southern mountain rifle. Everything is perfect on it. The upgrade on the wood is more than I had pictured. You really have to hold it and shoot it to really appreciate the craftsmanship that went into making this rifle. (It also shoots a heck of a group at 25 and 50 yards- accuracy is great) Everything is just perfect on this rifle. Note; The frizzen to pan fit is so good that I can turn the rifle upside down, then right side up and still have my pan full of priming powder-sure can't do that with my production flintlock. Ignition is instant. Again, thanks for an excellent rifle. Tommy S., Texas

4-5-2005 Here are a few of the turkey guns that just got shipped in time for turkey season.

3-28-2005 Check out the "current guns available" page for some English Fowler/Sporting rifle stocks that are available. If you are wanting a fine quality big bore or small bore fowler/rifle, these stocks are ready to be fitted up. Call for details.

We now have the updated info. sheets on the Mountain Rifle. Just give us a call.

3-10-2005 New optional patchbox for our Southern Mountain Rifle. Click below for picture and details.

3-2 We have received a couple of quite interesting books lately and wanted to inform our customers of their availability. The first, by Ian McCulloch & Timothy Todish, is; "British Light Infantryman of the Seven Year's War, North America, 1757-63." It is quite well illustrated and contains extensive and very interesting information on that period of history, at least as it pertains to British infantry. The 64 page color and black-white illustrated book is $16.95 plus $3.50 book rate or $4.50 priority postage. Website-www.timtodish.com

3-2 The other book is "Success In The North American Fur Trade" by Barry "Buck" Connor. This book apparently has all of the latest, extensive information on the Northwest trade gun.This book is a must-have for all serious students of the Northwest gun and traces it's lineage up to the 1900's. The book is 167 pages with 300 plus pictures illustrating the differences in the various models from various countries of origin. It also conains many small vignettes, references and educational information about the times and history of this most important of early American guns. The book is $21.95. Contact; Sitting Fox Agency-14071 W. Amherst Court, Lakewood, CO., 80228. Phone-303-914-0367.

Our new 62 caliber rifled barrel, which fits the 12 gauge model, will be available in the standard fowler pattern with 41.5 inch barrel, the Officer's fusil with 37.5 inch barrel and the English Game gun with 30 inch barrel. We are going to build up an English Game Gun SOLD!with the 62 rifled interchangeable barrel and jug choke the 12 gauge for turkey hunting. We are going to build this with a sliding wooden patchbox and premium wood. The 12 gauge will weigh about 5.5 lbs. and the 62 rifled about 6.5 lbs. All your friends will hate you if you buy this gun! (If you have any friends left after shooting that big buck last fall!) We also offer this in a 20 gauge smoothbore version if you just want to shoot 20 gauge roundballs. Pictures below of .62 rifled English fowler.

3-7-2005 We received a very nice letter from a customer who purchased our very first .62 caliber rifled English fowler. I'll let you read his quote verbatim; Danny et al; The rifle was received yesterday, Monday. It is a delight to behold and handles with surprising light grace, particularly for a rifle of such large bore. I have always been partial to simple elegance, and this rifle epitomizes that characteristic. It is certainly a unique piece destined to glean lusting praise from all at my first event of the year at Ft. De Chartres in April. I hope to shoot it before the week is out. I am sure this is a rifle destined to earn a suitable 18th century sobriquet. Thanks for a superb product that has exceeded expectations. YMOS, G.S. Missouri

3-7-2005 We have received our rifled 20 gauge barrels for the 12 gauge English fowler. We think this will put the weight of the .62 caliber gun (with 41.5 " barrel) at about 7 1/2 pounds. This should make a tremendous elk/bear/deer rifle and then you can drop in the 12 bore for some turkey and duck chasing. If you want a special order gun, please give me a call and we can get your fine piece in on this run of stocks. We can also offer this for the Officer's Fusil or even a 30 inch barrel English Game gun! The Game Gun should weigh about 6 1/2 in the .62 rifled version. This will make our entire line of firearms available with interchangeable barrels. This should make a very light and EXTREMELY powerful round ball gun for hunting everything from elk to griz. If you have a 12 gauge fowler, we can factory fit a .62 caliber or you can order and we'll send you the barrel, (all fitted up with lugs, sights etc.,) and you can do the final fitting yourself. These are available now. Cost; $210, smoothbore (plus lugs, sights) and $265, rifled, (plus lugs sights). What a powerful and light little gun this will make. We have LOTS of premium wood in stock, so give us a call.

Jug choking! 3-7-2005 Please click on "target" below for a pattern with a 12 ga. jug-choked barrel. Awesome performance!

Danny just returned from deer camp in south Arkansas where a mature 6 point fell to the .54 English Game Gun. Danny passed up a 10 point and several nicer bucks, but elected to take the old 6 point which had genetically inferior horns and left the other bucks to pass along their bloodlines. Just as good a' eatin' and helps the herd to boot...

Danny took this nice 6 point (old buck) with a shot between the eyes. These locks are so fast that the gun fires before they can blink. Check out the shot.

4-9-2004 Danny is joining the Governor of Arkansas, the Honorable Mike Huckabee, on April 18th and 19th for a turkey hunt with the Governor's new English Officer's fusil.

July 29th. We have just finished another Crockett Rifle which will be shipped out today. Will get pictures posted of the new gun, a.s.a.p..

8-8 We have just delivered the latest Crockett Rifle and the customer's comments are as follows. We are very pleased with the end result; customer satisfaction and workmanship performed.

The box arrived right on time this morning at 11AM. It is simply a work of art Danny. I am very pleased and happy I did this (happier that you guys did this). I am very impressed with everything I've seen so far. I love nice wood on firearms and this is as good as it gets. You did an exceptional job on the wood to metal fit and also on the carving -- and I am comparing this with some well known European makers. You guys also delivered it when you said -- something that doesn't always happen.

Due to numerous requests, we have completed work on another project. We are now to building a right-hand, southern style mountain rifle, iron mounted and blued, in calibers;.32, .36.,40 and .45 (yes, interchangeable barrels) for you small game enthusiasts. The 38 inch barrel with 7/8 inch breech, will be swamped and of extremely delicate profile, with a sterling silver front sight.. The lock will be the high quality 1820's hardware store styled lock produced by Quality Locks, Inc. The gun will feature hand-forged style iron furniture, toe plate, end cap, entry thimble with tail-piece, double set triggers and lollipop tang.
We will offer this in 4 pull lengths, 12.1/2,13 3/8", 14" and 14 3/8 inches. The rifle will also feature a stepped wrist, which creates a nice slimming effect. If you would like to reserve an order, just give us a call. We have this rifle in production in now. We will require a deposit of 20% because of the custom pull lengths. Price is $1995. We build this rifle to the very high standards of our past production to provide you with an heirloom quality firearm. Some of the features are styled after a very nice Elisha Bull rifle. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to call at your convenience.
These are going to be very nice pieces and should go quickly, so get your order in now. Price; $1995... (First seven taken...) We have one (.40 caliber)SOLD! available and it is pictured on "current guns available" page.

4-30-2004 Danny went hunting with the Governor last weekend and lo and behold, the birds outsmarted us. We were only able to goad one bird into gobbling and he walked directly away and kept going. The governor got all of his accoutrements and a nice aluminum hard case to carry the Officer's fusil in. He fired the gun 4 times to get familiarized with it and check the very tight pattern. We had a great time and the weather actually cooperated somewhat, but the birds did the usual thing and left us shaking our heads. That's why they call it huntin' and not shootin'! The bag, shot flask and horn were by October Country and they were very nice. The Gov' loved all of it. See pics below.

We have a new updated picture straight form the Governor's photographer posted on the Governor's Gun page. It looks much nicer!
Michael Lea has a line of flashguards available for our guns, including LEFT-HANDED guns. If you would like to get more info. or place an order with Mike, just give him a call at 614-291-4757.
Danny went bear hunting with the new Crockett rifle during Arkansas' short 4 day bear season. Click below for details.
bear hunt
Crockett rifle presentation to President Bush, Governor Mike Huckabee has arranged for the #1 Crockett rifle to be presented to President Bush on November 10th. Danny will be attending the fund raising luncheon at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock for the presentation. We will post pictures a.s.a.p.! 11-17-2003. I attended the fund-raising luncheon for President Bush on November 10th. We presented him with the #1 Crockett Rifle and a certificate of authenticity, along with a bag mold, screwdriver and a gorgeous bag and pair of horns by John Barrett. President Bush absolutely loved his Crockett rifle. I offered to come down and show him how to load and shoot the gun if he ever wanted to give it a try. He asked if I meant in Crawford, Texas and I said "Yes". He just smiled and said maybe we could shoot a deer or turkey with it. Although he is the most powerful man on earth, he is also one of the most down-to-earth people I've ever met. It was a tremendous thrill to meet him and it sure was fun, too!
2003 deer hunt with Crockett rifle
JUG CHOKING
10-28-2003 We've spent the last two days building a tool for jug choking barrels and it does a spectacular job. We are now offering jug choking which is much easier to deal with than choke tubes. The cost is $95 for the choking work and we will offer different constrictions for different purposes. We just worked up a nice load (1 3/8 oz. shot) with #6's and they patterned great. We also worked with 7 1/2's to see how well they would pattern and they were also very tight. We will soon have one right hand 12 gauge built and a load worked out for the customer.( SOLD!) We are experimenting with the amount of jug choking to see what results we get. This system is very simple to load and deal with in field conditions, so the hunter who does a lot of shooting and hunting will have a great asset Call for details. Look out gobblers! 8-24 The jug choking system works beautifully. The results are better than we expected and we can predict fairly closely how much pattern tightening will occur with the amount of jug depth that is reamed in the bore.
12-8-2004 NEW! We now have jug choking available for the 20 gauge guns. We can choke a barrel to any degree a customer desires and amazingly enough, they seem to still shoot balls well. Call for details. The charge for jug choking a barrel is $90.

Also, the bag, horn and knife on the Sept/Oct. issue of Muzzleloader was made by John Barrett. There were no credits given on the inside cover, but John does such fantastic work that we wanted people to know who built this great combination. It's the same bag/horn that is in the Cowboys/Indians magazine drawing.

10-14-2003. I made a trip to the range to shoot the new Crockett rifle. It performed beautifully and we were more than impressed with the accuracy. Check out the pictures of the trip. Crockett Rifle test firing

Check out the newest Crockett rifle, finished (and shipped) on the Crockett page.

New price sheets are printed, call or write for free updated price sheets.

                                           The Crockett Rifle with bag/horn combination built by John Barrett.


                                                   At the Grand Canyon on return trip home.

Danny had an invitation to go turkey hunting with Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and try to help him take a bird with a flintlock. The governor didn't get a bird, but here he is shooting Danny's left hand 12 gauge English fowler after the hunt. The Governor is an extremely enthusiastic outdoorsman and has a finely- honed sense of humor, a good thing when you're in the company of turkey hunters! The event was in conjunction with the National Wild Turkey Foundation hunting videos. Governor Huckabee says he would like to try it again next year when he can spare more time. Hopefully we'll be able to help him "smoke" a big gobbler.

Zoe Caywood was a guest on the show and was able to take a fine 22 pound gobbler with her 12 gauge flintlock, on camera too! It will be aired in the coming year and we will keep you updated on the station and date. Zoe looks on here, after the Governor's first shot with a flintlock, as he looks at the pattern. Zoe is the first woman to ever take the world slam (6 species) with a black powder gun and she did it with a flintlock! Good job, Zoe. I know I wouldn't want to be a turkey and have her after me. Gobble! Gobble!

    Danny, Zoe and Governor Huckabee. I know we look blurry, but we got up at 4:30 for Pete's sake. The trees behind us are not blurry because they got to sleep in until first light.  An article on Zoe and her World Slam came out in this month's Turkey Call magazine. Pick up a copy, I'm sure you'll enjoy reading about her exhaustive exploits chasing these hard-headed, stubborn birds. On Friday, July 18th, the Governor and his lovely wife, Janet, (accompanied by State Trooper Security) visited our factory for a look around. We had a nice visit and made plans for some upcoming activities that could be very exciting and beneficial for the company. Once again, we were highly impressed with the Governor's graciousness and willingness to help. He is a very down to earth person with a great sense of humor. I hope to get more chances in the future to spend time with him in the turkey woods and elsewhere.
We have built the governor an English Officer's fusil which will be displayed in the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock. We built it in 12 gauge so the Governor will have a "real" turkey gun to chase 'em with. The gun will feature a gorgeous piece of stump-wood maple with a sliding wooden patchbox, special carving and a few other custom touches.

                       First elk taken with a flintlock rifle in modern times in Arkansas. Danny used a left handed .54 Game Gun., and shot bull on the run, in the rain. Instant ignition and the ball passed all the way through bull exiting far side..
  New pictures of French pistols are up. Also, new pictures up for the mold and screwdriver set for Crockett Rifle.

Thank you to our valued customers!
         1-3-2008 We are proud to say we've been in business for 15 years now. It is due to you, our customers who have had faith in our abilities and many times ordered our products sight unseen. We really appreciate your confidence in us. We have tried to build our business slowly but also keep adequate inventories so that any gun ordered could be fitted up without a long wait for a barrel or other part to come in. It is very difficult to run a business and maintaining high quality on every piece keeps one on their toes. We always appreciate your letters and calls thanking us for our quality and we are glad we haven't let you down. We have supported the shooting sports industry and firearm rights from the very beginning. We believe that the 2nd amendment is the most important . It insures the other amendments will be honored. Thank you again for your patronage and best wishes for the coming years.
.                                                        Danny Caywood & Charlie Caywood                                                             NEW!

We are now offer our Northwest gun in a shortened canoe-style gun. The gun will be offered in a 24" barrel version and will still retain our interchangeable barrel system. Call for the many options and choices!

1-3-2008 We are offering our English fowler in the officer's fusil version. The gun features a 37.5 inch barrel (can be left bright) with bayonet lug, sling swivels, palm swell and brass end cap along with the crossed scepters stamp at breech. We are also producing an optional 10 inch bayonet which is compatible with the lugged barrel. The price will be $1750 and a separate charge of $60 for the bayonet. The 10 inch bayonets are now available!
bayonet