Shotgun Barrels by Ed Rayl for Fred Michel

Photography by Jan Riser.

Contemporary Makers Portrait: Ed Rayl

Ed began making barrels in 1975. He no longer builds rifles.

Hudson Valley Fowlers by Kenneth Gahagan

Alan Sandy Rifle

Damascus Barrel for George Suiter

Shotgun Barrels for Fred Michel

Ken Netting Fowler

Ed photographed at the 2012 Tennessee Kentucky Rifle Show, Ken Netting fowler photographed at the 2011 Lake Cumberland Show and Alan Sandy rifle, George Suiter rifle and Fred Michel shotgun were photographed at the 2011 CLA Show by Jan Riser. Photos of Hudson Valley Fowlers supplied by Ken Gahagan. American Traditions ads by Art Riser.

Barrel by Ed Rayl for William Whitley Rifle

Ed Rayl delivered the barrel at the 2012 Lake Cumberland Show for the William Whitley Rifle that will be built by Frank House, Ian Pratt and Jim Kibler for a future CLA Live Auction item.

Photographed at the 2012 Lake Cumberland Show by Jan Riser.

Ron Scott After John Bonewitz for Mike Wilson

"This is an interpretation of a John Bonewitz rifle from 21 photos emailed me by Henry Bishop. The original rifle is located in the Minneapolis Museum of Fine Arts. I made an album containing 21 8 by 10 inch photos from Henry and sent this to Ron Scott. 

The flintlock has a 43 1/4 inch barrel in .54 caliber made by Ed Rayl. The stock blank came from Freddie Harris. Jim Brooks made the bag, Ed Long made the priming horn, and Ron Scott put everything together including the horn strap, knife, and sheath. Special thanks for Henry for taking the time to supply me with the photos."

Copy and photos supplied by Mike Wilson.

Ed Rayl

Photos supplied by Robert Weil.