Tom Turpin

The 7mm Mauser, also known as the .275 Rigby, was an influential cartridge. Paul Mauser's creation went on to hold sway over the design of both military and sporting cartridges in the 20th Century.

There is perhaps no more ubiquitous round than the .22 rimfire. It is a pretty safe bet that the first round most shooters sent down range came from the petite, yet practical cartridge.

There are all sorts of cartridges, with all kinds of applications. But when the rubber hits the road, what makes a great cartridge? Well, dear readers, that is a complicated subject, but not one devoid of an answer.

The best custom gun work ever done is being accomplished today, writes Tom Turpin, author of Modern Custom Guns, 2nd Edition. Judge for yourself in this stunning photo gallery featuring 20 of the most amazing custom and engraved guns ever assembled in one place.

A look at 10 drool-worthy custom and engraved guns from Gun Digest 2014.

Learn about the three kinds of barrel rifling in this article about custom rifle barrels.

As investors flock to collectible guns as safe havens in these unstable economic times, we take a look at examples of some of the finer engraved and embellished guns.