I had the enjoyable opportunity to stay with John and Neola twice in all the years i worked on his projects. My son and I were at his house for several days both times, and we had a great time. We spent most of the time just chatting, but we did visit the range (his private range right out in his yard!) several times, and always with one of his creations that was in the "prototype" stage. He welcomed someone to shoot his creations, as he was a stickler for function as well as beauty. I remember him telling me each little secret to finally achieve the consistency he was seeking on each caliber type. He stated that the only caliber that really gave him fits was his Luger conversion of the .22 mag!!!
He had all but given up on it, and refused to sell it as it was in his mind, snake bit? But as a last resort, he started to shorten the barrel, I believe nearly an inch at a time and at some point after a couple of cuts, the thing started to work! And did so consistently. He stated that it was the only one, and he would not go down that path again... I wonder who has it now as many of his customers were not necessarily Luger collectors, but more into the artful creations John was producing. Long time ago now, seems like somebody else was there and not me. Still, I have the memories, and the satisfaction of being able to call him my friend... Best to all, til......lat'r......GT...
