[Ron Smith]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the kind words. I just wish I could make it worth while, but you almost have to be a member of the Gun Maker's Guild before you can charge the big bucks.

R.G. "Bob" West and Larry Brace were both locals from Eugene, and world renowned stock carvers (both are deceased). Neither one of them would touch a stock for less than $2000 - $2500. I received some very valuable mentoring on techniques from both of them.

My first attempts were, let's say, less than satisfactory, at least to my eye. I still see one now and then pop up at local gun shows.

Ron