Gene Grimm and son, Dave, repair, restore and customize at High Chapparal Gunsmithing.
In fact, from that very first gun, Grimm’s collection has grown to dozens of his own, as well as many more that he has repaired, restored and customized for clients through his gunsmithing practice. Grimm takes pride in being a certified and highly trained gun expert. “Some of my work is totally decorative and restorative, while other efforts may involve totally rebuilding the mechanical functioning of a gun,” he said.
Grimm is a National Rifle Association instructor. He also is a lieutenant in the Arizona Rangers organization and became a designated lifetime Ranger in the past year. Gene is highly focused on gunsmithing; he had to earn more rigorous certification from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and FBI. “Saying you’re a gunsmith doesn’t make you one,” he said. “You have to earn that right.”
Grimm has handled and worked with just about every type of firearm – handmade guns, single-shots, revolvers, automatic pistols and rifles, and a great variety of shotguns. He opened his gunsmithing shop in 1970.
Now he has two complete workshops with sophisticated machinery, technology and tools that allow him handle most any issue that arises. His son, Dave Grimm, is also a professional gunsmith.
“My son began taking guns apart when he was 15. He continued after high school and attended the Trinidad State Junior College degree program in Colorado. Dave apprenticed with master engravers and has the skills to work in a custom shop. I’m really proud of him – and he has taught me,” he said.
Much of that is because Grimm had a full-time occupation that kept him moving across the country for more than 42 years. He first was a parish pastor in a church in Ohio. He then became a minister in the American Lutheran Church in the same state, and then was called by the national church to consult with congregations in 38 states, seven days a week for several years. “I had weeks when I might be in my car 30 to 40 hours a week.”
Along the way, Grimm earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in theology.
Given his active church career, he says he could not plan on giving active gunsmithing time to service clients on a routine basis. “I never knew where I would be from week to week. But I always stayed contemporary in both disciplines.”
His friends called him “a straightshooter” in two directions – in the church and in gunsmithing.
When Gene retired in 2008, he and his son agreed having a partnership would make a lot of sense, especially because Dave had been trained to handle some really difficult situations in gunsmithing, especially for the high-end clients that they seemed to be attracting.
“At High Chapparal, we pay special attention to the guns people entrust us with. Some of the guns we get are genuinely classics and antiques – in some cases, one of a kind. For instance, one gun I am adorning for its owner is a priceless shotgun. I am currently creating a custom stock and fore stock, which will have large, ornate large animal carvings, inlaid checkering and a perfectly polished finish. The action and barrel and other metal pieces will be intricately engraved pieces of valuable metal art. I am becoming more and more involved in intricate engraving.”
Grimm says he often loses track of the time when he’s working on guns. “Much depends on what the owner wants: a showpiece? A museum piece that continues to grow in value? Something that can be used for hunting or target-shooting?”
He also works on bows and arrows.
Gene’s wife, Margie, also assists with the gun work. “She’s quite good. In fact, she can be considered highly skilled. What I want people to know foremost about High Chapparal Gunsmithing is that our family takes great pride in keeping a firearm functioning at its best level of performance and reliability. We are trained with the skills to do the job right the first time.”
MY FAVORITE STORY
J.R.R. Tolkien and his creation of an alternative universe in that fascinating book he wrote in 1954, “Lord of the Rings.”
MOST INFLUENCIAL BOOK
“Here I Stand,” the masterpiece biography of 16th century religious leader Martin Luther, who founded the Lutheran Church. Author Rolland H. Bainton blessed us all with that book.”
WHERE I HOPE TO TRAVEL
Margie and I had hoped to go to the Holy Land and then COVID-19 hit. If it’s possible in the future, yes. But my next favorite travel would be coming back into Arizona and returning to Prescott.”
MY FAVORITE MEAL
“A really good steak, seasoned and grilled just right, with baked potatoes and all the rest.”
BEST PET EVER
“Years ago, we picked up a recue dog – a malamute-shepherd mix we named Jack. He was about 4 and he captured our hearts. When he died at 13, he broke those same hearts.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information, visit www.highchaparralgunsmith.com or call Grimm at 928-925-6057
