About dave
Not the average Gunsmith
Dave accurized and blueprinted his first rifle at the age of 10 1/2 under the tutelage of his grandpa, a very notable tool and die maker.
He has worked in many different fields and under many different hats, but one thing never changed, his love of firearms, which would inevitably come full circle.
Education and Background
- graduated NHTI with a degree in Applied Science at the age of 17
- served honorably for 12 years in the United States Navy first as a Gunners Mate Gunner, then specializing in CQB
- GM R&D Laboratory specializing in diesel engine performance
- GM Performance
- Tool and Die maker to legendary engine builder Keith Vance (NASCAR)
- founded Hillside Speed, a custom race shop
- looking for a change of pace, he sold HillSide Speed and moved to Texas where he fell in love with the Cutting and Reined Cow Horse and succeeded in winning several championships.
- graduated American Gunsmithing Institute with honors
- completed the Precision Rifle Building course at Extreme Accuracy Institute taught by legendary custom rifle builder Gordy Gritters
When is good enough good enough? Never!
Dave is always pushing himself to be better and has always sought out exceptional craftsmen to learn from and collaborate with. From legendary pistolsmith, Gene Shuey, pictured above, to Masters of custom rifles like Darrel Holland and Gordy Gritters. Dave has never settled for just good enough.
He has also gone on to help and mentor other gunsmithing students, gunsmiths, and "hobbyists" that aspire to the same levels of excellence.