Make: Taylor’s & Co., Inc. / Armi Sport – Italy

Model: Kentuckian – NRA Charlton Heston Commemorative

Serial Number: 55551

Year of Manufacture: Circa 2002, ATF Antique

Caliber: .50 Caliber Black Powder Only

Action Type: Muzzleloading Percussion Ignition, Single Shot

Markings: The top flat of the barrel is marked “Kentuckian.” The left barrel shoulder is marked “Armi Sport – Italy Black Powder Only CAL .50.” The right barrel shoulder is marked “Taylor’s & Co. Inc 761 of 925.” The right side of the patchbox-inlet buttstock is engraved with “From My Cold Dead Hands / 761 of 925,” signed “Charlton Heston,” and features the NRA emblem. These features commemorate Heston’s role as NRA President and defender of the Second Amendment.

Barrel Length: 35” Octagonal, 13/16” Across Flats, 1:28” Twist

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch dovetailed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle features a P grade European walnut full-length stock in the traditional Kentucky long rifle pattern. Brass furniture includes a pierced patchbox, crescent buttplate, and brass hardware throughout. Fit is factory tight with strong wood-to-metal transitions. There are faint handling marks consistent with display or careful storage, but no cracks or chips. The length of pull is 13”, overall length is 50.5”, and the rifle weighs 7 lbs. The stock rates in Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued Barrel, Color Case Hardened Lock, Brass Furniture

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its original finish. There is no evidence of firing, and only faint storage marks can be seen on the wood and metal. The screw heads are sharp. The brass is clean and lightly aged. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The factory color case hardened percussion lock is activated by a single trigger. The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a photo of Charlton Heston, the original manual, and NRA documentation confirming its inclusion in the NRA Member Rewards Program.

Our Assessment: This Taylor & Co. “Kentuckian” is not only a functional .50 caliber black powder rifle—it is also a tribute to one of the most iconic defenders of American gun rights: Charlton Heston. Produced in a limited run of 925 rifles around 2002 as part of the NRA Member Rewards Program, it combines classic 18th-century frontier aesthetics with modern commemorative significance.

Manufactured by Armi Sport of Italy for Taylor’s & Co., the rifle features a 35” blued octagonal barrel with a fast 1:28 twist, optimized for conical projectiles or sabot rounds. The P grade European walnut stock is inlaid with brass furniture, including a pierced patchbox engraved with Heston’s defiant “From My Cold Dead Hands” quote, his signature, and the NRA seal. The factory-engraved color case hardened lock adds mechanical and visual appeal.

This rifle stands as both a shootable traditional muzzleloader and a patriotic symbol. Whether you're a black powder shooter, NRA supporter, or collector of limited-edition firearms, this example offers excellent craftsmanship, strong provenance, and a bold statement of Second Amendment heritage.