doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com A Thank You to Steven Dodd Hughes

I posted a couple of weeks ago looking for advice on gun shops to poke around in and around Bozeman, MT while I was out otherwise fishing around Montana’s Paradise Valley and Yellowstone NP. My post caught Mr. Steven Dodd Hughes' eye and he was kind enough to post back and offer a shop tour if he was to be around during my visit. Being a great admirer of Steven’s custom A.H. Fox guns, books on crafting fine double guns, and Shooting Sportsman column “Fine Gun Making”, I convinced my girlfriend, and fishing partner, that like experiencing Montana’s world class fly fishing, that there are few opportunities in life to meet a world class craftsman, writer, and gentleman - and that we’d have to cut a day of fishing a bit short so we could make it back to Livingston at a decent hour to meet up with Steven at his home and shop.

We were greeted by Steven in his shop, got acquainted, and had a great conversation about his career as a custom gun maker, a few of his special clients and their guns, Montana, and of course what drew me in from the beginning, 'Hughes Fox' customs which Steven showcased as a featured project of his own "Fine Gunmaking, Double Shotguns". Then came the shop tour and there on a small gun rack was my chief inspiration for indulging in A.H. Fox doubles - Steven's 12 gauge Fox.



The gun is simply magnificant in all respects and undoubtedly has equally superb handling qualities. I was simply in awe and reluctanly put it back in the rack to continue the shop tour which ensued in a rich discussion of photography and writing of which has made Steven such a valuable resource to the fine gun community. Our visit ended with Steven signing my copy of "Fine Gunmaking..." and a new copy of "Double Guns and Custom Gunsmithing" which I read on the flight back to Dulles. Well, I want to say thanks agian, Steven and that I hope our paths cross again and that someday we can discuss a project of my own or just fine doubles and gun making.

Best Regards,

Jerry

Nice Note. Steven has always been helpful in his comments here and I to enjoy his books.

Jerry

So that's what he looks like!

Thanks Jerry, It was a pleasure to have you and Clayborn in the workshop!
I'm glad that your trip to Montana was rewarding and the trout were cooperative. I have a feeling I'll see you again in the west!
Best,
Steve
P.S. Please expedite with the flood maps! :'>

Steve,

I'll send you an email regarding your post script above! I'm doing some digging now and think I may have some better news for you.

Best,
Jerry

I find Steve's books totally useful and interesting. His willingness to share his extensive information here with us low-lifes is legendary. He's just one of those few really good guys. Thank you Steve and thank you Jerry for sharing that with us.

Always satisfying to find out that our heroes are also nice guys!

And don't you love the paper towel dispenser. I wonder if Steve holds a patent on that!

I invented the PT holder more than 20 years ago, one of my more successful designs. It has been in constant workshop use ever since and has held-up under the most punishing of genuine gunshop experiences in two western states.

I did research patent applications but my extensive marketing analysis concluded that the just wasn't going to meet the cost to retail margin necessary to employ Ronco.

For those seeking to duplicate this engineering marvel I have attached two views: a close-up and a view showing the PT holder in its larger workshop design context.
Parts include: One (1) genuine cowhide strap 11/32" x 22 1/8", two (2) 3d finishing nails. Installations tools required: hammer, 6 oz. .
Please feel free to duplicate for your own personal or professional use.
Also note Magnavisor© holder and custom designed curtains, mechanical drawings available.




So, thanks for the kind words guys, but please... the hero business just ain't me.

Steve, love your blue curtain holders!

Great post, thanks Jerry.

JC