doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Jules La Bantchni?

While at the Las Vegas show someone pointed out a rifle by a gunmaker I was unfamiliar with. The workmanship looked very good to me and appeared to be in the era of many stockmakers favored here. His name was Jules La Bantchni.

Other than the fact it appears he was born in 1909 and died in 1983 I can't find a lot of info about him. Can someone fill in the blanks?

Many thanks

Well known in the 60s and 70s, I think. Probably some of his stuff in Gun Digest custom guns sections.

Did beautiful work,both stock and metal. He was also a master engraver. Worked at Pachmayr's with August and Frank from the 1930's through the late 50's-early 60's. Went out on his own until his death. He was quite prolific, his guns appear with frequency and are steadily climbing in value. Hope this helps. Warmest Regards Jerry

I was fond of loitering in his shop in the mid-60s. At that time he was at 2202 Pico Blvd.in Santa Monica, CA. My last visit was in August 1966.

Here is one, quite gorgeous if a bit too much gold.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=156412563

A dumb question I have been meaning to ask, prompted by the rifle mkbenenson just linked us to: Is the style of front sight with the ramp set well back from the muzzle intended to protect the front sight? I associate this with British or British-styled rifles. Is that where it comes from?

Seems a sensible placement to me, if it actually protects the front sight from getting "clonked" against rock faces, etc. But many American rifles put the ramp and sight much closer to the muzzle. To me a recessed crown makes sense for the same reason--hunting in the Snake River Breaks, I've clonked a few.....sometimes you need to hug the rocks or take loooong step down into that Federal dam!

I was Jules' stepson throughout the 60's, what kind of info about him are interested in? I was a boy at the time so I don't know some of the more technical aspects of his work. I spent a lot of my spare time at the shop and, of course, we spent a lot of time together...