Dave Norin

 Dave started working in a gunshop at the age of 15. He worked under Jerry  Mathews at McHenry Gun Center, in McHenry, Ill. It was at this time Dave decided  he wanted to be a gunsmith. As a good friend and mentor, Jerry discovered Dave's  talent and love of guns and recommended to Dave he should attend the  gunsmithing school in Trinidad Colorado, Jerry's Alma matter. Dave graduated  from Trinidad with a degree in Gunsmithing in 1972. Other well-known alumni from  Dave’s class include Maurice Ottmar, Dennis Erhardt, Chuck Grace, John Pell, and  Mark Stratton. Dave has been a full time professional gunsmith since 1972.

 In 1994 Dave moved his shop to its current location, on the premises of Shrank’s  Smoke and Gun, in Waukegan Illinois. Dave is not an employee of smoke and gun,  he is an independent “on site” gunmaker and gunsmith. This business association  works well because of Dave’s thirty plus year friendship with “The Shrank’s”.

 In 2001 Dave was admitted as a Regular Member to The American Custom Gunmakers Guild. He has  served as editor of the guilds publication “Gunmaker” since mid-2004.

 Dave is a member of The Kenosha county conservation club (shooting range), the NRA, SCI, and is a  member of American Handgunner Magazines “ Club 100” gunsmiths.

 Dave has written numerous articles for “Man at Arms” magazine, ”The Single Shot Exchange”, and as  editor for “Gunmaker”, the Guilds publication.

 Dave is a dedicated Whitetail hunter, along with quail and ruffed grouse. He enjoys calling in turkeys and  has hunted eight western states for bear, elk and pronghorn antelope.

 But creating fine custom made sporting arms is his passion.