Another good one gone

Rico says he was lucky enough to meet Fred Wells in his prime, some twenty years ago, at the Wells gun shop in Prescott, Arizona. There's a website about him and Rachel, his wife, who did marvelous engraving on Fred's amazing rifles. But Fred died in 2006, and Jeff Cooper (who else) wrote an obit for him in Guns & Ammo:

We note with profound grief the passing of Fred Wells at 85, the famed gunsmith of Prescott, Arizona, who put his name on the map as a true artisan of distinction. The artisan is one of the credits to our culture, who elevates handicraft to a level above that of the tradesman. His rifles are works of art. Be grateful if you own one. Few people make any difference, but Fred has left his mark. He will not be forgotten.

Fred (photo) wasn't overly impressed by his clients:
“The Prince of Bavaria used to come down to Prescott all the time to hunt. He used my rifles, and he wasn’t the only prince on the mountain using them.”

Rico says he got to hold the rifle prepared for the Prince, and Rico and the Prince are the same size...