I remember when I was 21 years old, just getting into firearms in a big way, collecting crappy Glocks and Tokarevs, shooting, hunting, even joining (and sucking at) the occasional competition shoot (IDPA, then USPSA).
One day I'm browsing the internet, and I came across a post with a few pictures of someone showing off their new Open 2011 by a company called Blackdog Gunworks. (below)
By god I had never seen something so beautiful, a perfect blend of form and function. The lotus cut was something that I have never seen, nor have seen since, on a firearm (and by God I've done my digging). Despite the risk of sounding absolutely cringe-worthy, it seemed like the firearm version of a sword crafted by a famous medieval blacksmith, beautiful to look at, but suited to purpose. Anyhow, I did some internet sleuthing and found Brad's website and gave him a ring, asked some questions, and he was as kind as can be. I wanted to order a pistol but I was a poor College student then, and definitely couldn't afford it, but the name Blackdog Gunworks and the image of the lotus cut open gun bounced in by skull for years (saved in my phone), and I swore that once I was financially stable, I'd bring that work of art home.
However, the Lord laughs at men and their plans, and I think it was 2018 I received an email that Brad was closing his doors. From there, it felt like a goal I was working towards evaporated, and soon after I gave up on firearms altogether and sold my collection (which really wasn't worth much) and focused on other things.
Now I'm 29, I have a good career, a great wife, a mediocre house and a pretty alright baby daughter, I'm finally ready to get back into competitive shooting and looking into purchasing my own 2011 and looking at my options. But I have to live forever with the fact that I'll never be able to hold a Blackdog gunwork open pistol, never own a piece of art that goes bang.
God I wish you were still making guns Brad, and I hope you're living a good life and successful in whatever you're doing.
One day I'm browsing the internet, and I came across a post with a few pictures of someone showing off their new Open 2011 by a company called Blackdog Gunworks. (below)
By god I had never seen something so beautiful, a perfect blend of form and function. The lotus cut was something that I have never seen, nor have seen since, on a firearm (and by God I've done my digging). Despite the risk of sounding absolutely cringe-worthy, it seemed like the firearm version of a sword crafted by a famous medieval blacksmith, beautiful to look at, but suited to purpose. Anyhow, I did some internet sleuthing and found Brad's website and gave him a ring, asked some questions, and he was as kind as can be. I wanted to order a pistol but I was a poor College student then, and definitely couldn't afford it, but the name Blackdog Gunworks and the image of the lotus cut open gun bounced in by skull for years (saved in my phone), and I swore that once I was financially stable, I'd bring that work of art home.
However, the Lord laughs at men and their plans, and I think it was 2018 I received an email that Brad was closing his doors. From there, it felt like a goal I was working towards evaporated, and soon after I gave up on firearms altogether and sold my collection (which really wasn't worth much) and focused on other things.
Now I'm 29, I have a good career, a great wife, a mediocre house and a pretty alright baby daughter, I'm finally ready to get back into competitive shooting and looking into purchasing my own 2011 and looking at my options. But I have to live forever with the fact that I'll never be able to hold a Blackdog gunwork open pistol, never own a piece of art that goes bang.
God I wish you were still making guns Brad, and I hope you're living a good life and successful in whatever you're doing.
