Contemporary Makers Portraits: Allen Martin

Since opening his business in 1989, Allen Martin has established himself as a highly regarded master gunmaker, specializing in the recreation of fine American Longrifles.

Using only the finest raw materials available; highly figured curly maple, individually customized  flintlock, buttplate and other fittings, Allen individually hand crafts each of his rifles to the highest standards, producing a  custom fitted firearm to his client’s specification. Thus making his work an authentic recreation of a true American icon, the flintlock rifle of Southeastern Pennsylvania, from the period 1750 to 1850.

As a consummate student of his art,  Allen meticulously studies the history of original longrifles, perfecting architecture in his own work, while capturing their often overlooked details to produce rifles and fowlers that are highly sought by both collector and hunter.  From a Golden Age Lehigh to a humble Schimmel, each of his rifles sets a standard that few can achieve.  His work has graced the cover of Muzzle Blasts Magazine and has won numerous awards at the Dixon’s Gunmakers Fair, held annually outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

A true descendant of those Swiss German settlers that settled the frontier of Pennsylvania in the early 1700’s,  Allen, his wife Pauline and their five children live in the beautiful mountains of central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River Valley, about 40 miles north of Harrisburg.

More photos of this rifle can be seen here.

Allen with Paul Gosnel

Allen Martin, Twenty-Five Years a Gunmaker

A Silver Jubilie

Display at the 2013 CLA Show by Paul Gosnel

Copy from Allen Martin Rifles. Display photographed at the 2013 CLA Show with all other photos from the 2013 Tennessee Kentucky Rifle Show. All photos by Jan Riser.