This noted Southern California gunsmith originally emigrated to America from Germany with his family when he was a little boy. He went on to begin his career in gunsmithing during the beginning of the Great Depression.
He made a name for himself by being the first to modify the U.S. Military Model 1911A1/Colt Government Model into a modern combat pistol. He was among the first to customize double-action revolvers into improved target guns, and he originated the modern rubber recoil pads and neoprene pistol grips that still bear his name. In addition to being a creator of beautifully engraved and gold-inlaid rifles and shotguns, he was also a supporter of wildlife conservation.
The gun shown here was the result of his idea to take a worn-out Parker Bros. shotgun and retool it into his own version of a Parker Invincible. Click here to learn more about the gun and its manufacturer. It’s just one of the many fascinating treasures on display at the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va.
