I first came across Joe on another site which shall remain nameless. I found him again on this site when the Classic and Single barrel forum topic was first opened.
In the initial discussions of all the old craftsmen gunsmiths of the 30s I mentioned I had lusted after a G&H style Springfield for at least 50 years. Joe said he would like to do the rifle and he intended to make it one he would want to sign. We acquired a double heat treated action with a Lyman 48, a Green Mountain barrel and a nice piece of English from the Richters and Joe added a Jaeger sidemount with rings. Ken Hurst agreed to do engraving. He did the Barney Worthen bolt lock on the action and modified the trigger guard floorplate with a clever hinge that kept the original release with an added button. the stock has been rough shaped and it looked like it was going to be a very handsome rifle.
Now it may never be finished and that is sad. If I can recover the parts I would like to have it completed but I would trade it all and start over to have Joe back.
Jerry Liles
