Jim Trueblood was born on February 1, 1946 and grew up in Yreka, California. He began building flintlock rifles in 1973 and became a full time builder in 1990. He was an apprentice to Ron Paull of Hamilton, Montanna in 1980 and 1981. Specific pieces made by Jim include Lancaster, Southern Mountain, and Hawkens style rifles and many one-of-a-kind rifles. His trademark is his initials, J.W.T. and dovetailed toe plates.