The Legacy of Lauck LongRifles

The story of Lauck LongRifles is one of craftsmanship, patriotism, and an unbroken tradition spanning nearly two and a half centuries. It is a story of resilience, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for the art of building and shooting muzzleloading rifles.

The Beginning: A German Craftsman’s Journey

Our story begins in Dautweiler, Sankt Wendel, Saarland, Germany, where my 7th great-grandfather, Peter Dee Lauck, was born. Like many seeking new opportunities, Peter made the courageous journey to the American colonies in the mid-1700s, settling in what is now Pennsylvania. It was here that my 6th great-grandfather, Simon Lauck, was born in 1760, in a time of great change and growing unrest in the colonies.

Simon grew up quickly in this historic era, coming of age just as the American Revolution ignited. Both he and his brother Peter Lauck took up arms, volunteering as riflemen and serving as Dutch Mess Members under General Daniel Morgan. They fought for independence, carrying the very spirit of the frontier riflemen—men who relied on their flintlocks not only to fight tyranny but also to survive in a rugged and untamed land.

The Birth of Lauck LongRifles

After the war, the Lauck brothers returned to Winchester, Virginia. Peter Lauck continued operating his Red Lion Tavern, while Simon set out to build something that would leave a lasting mark on American history—a gun shop dedicated to the craft of muzzleloading rifles.

Simon and his sons built Lauck LongRifles, beautifully crafted firearms with hand-carved wood stocks, ornate inlays, and detailed engravings in the metalwork. These rifles bore the distinct characteristics of the Shenandoah Valley Rifle, a style unique to the region and cherished for its fine craftsmanship.

In those early days, owning a well-made longrifle was more than just a necessity; it was a statement of self-reliance, independence, and American ingenuity.

The Fire Never Dies

Fast forward to the mid-1970s, and the Lauck tradition of muzzleloading had unknowingly found new life. My father, Pete Lauck, may not have known the full extent of our family’s history, but the passion for building and shooting muzzleloaders ran through his veins just the same.

From an early age, he fostered that same passion in me, ensuring the flame of muzzleloading never flickered out. I built my first kit rifle at the age of 10 and soon after harvested my first deer with it—a moment that sealed my lifelong commitment to the flintlock rifle.

242 Years of Tradition—And Counting

Now, in 2025, I, Terry Lauck, have built a shop where I will carry on this rich and prideful tradition. More than 242 years after Simon Lauck first crafted his rifles, I continue in the footsteps of generations before me, keeping alive what I believe to be the most patriotic and iconic firearm an American can own—the flintlock rifle.

This is more than a business; it is a legacy of craftsmanship, freedom, and American history. The same spirit that drove my ancestors to build and fight with these rifles still lives in me today.

At Lauck LongRifles, every rifle tells a story, every engraving speaks of the past, and every shot fired echoes the voices of those who came before us.