We came across this cool YouTube video from Vice News this week highlighting the work of part-time dishwasher and full-time gun engraver Arturo Rojas.
Arturo, a Dallas resident, sells his custom pieces to buyers around the world for up to $60,000 While he has a deep reverence for the 2A and the liberty it secures, he sees firearms as being deficient in one particular way…
“The gun, thanks to it, we have certain freedoms. But it lacks, let’s say good taste,” explains Arturo. “A custom gun looks pretty. It removes the ugliness.”
Given the loot he is making as a gun artist, why does he need to work in the kitchen of a restaurant called, Revolver Taco Lounge?
SEE ALSO: An Art Gallery in Your Hands! Cabot’s $99,000 1911 – SHOT Show 2018
He doesn’t. He is helping out the fam.
Revolver Taco Lounge belongs to his son, Regino. And Arturo doesn’t mind picking up the occasional afternoon shift at the sink to spend more time not only with Regino but also with the restaurant’s head chef — Arturo’s wife — Juanita.
Arturo is the son of a blacksmith. At 77 years old, one can say he’s is a master engraver, doing all his work by hand with a chisel and hammer. Though, it’s clear that when you ask the man himself, he remains humble in his pursuit.
“I don’t consider myself a proper craftsman, I’m barely an apprentice. If I were to live 500 years I would feel the same way,” he says. “The longer time goes by, the more you find it. You’re always learning.”
But I’d argue his breathtaking work belies his modest depiction of his abilities. Check out the vid and let us know what you think in the comments section below.
All I can say is WOW!!!, to those that prefer something of perfection done by a lazer…. you don’t understand craftsmanship. I only wish I had the funds to have such work done on a hand gun of mine. Truly beautiful pieces of art… add to that the deep Family connection between father, mother, and son …. it’s something you just don’t see very often these days. To the entire Rojas Family I applaud you all
I thought his work was wonderful. The man has a gift as an artist. For those whom were negative to his work, i see people who would go to a lazer shop to get their fancy work done. This man uses his hands. As for his English. I hear many people born and bred here who cant speak it well. He is giving to his community and country and through his art, his metal work giving to America. He has raised a family of hard workers, try to work in a restaurant it is hard . Just my thoughts. Everyone is entitled to their opinion on art. I wish i had just a tiny bit of the skill of this apprentice. He is truly a master craftsman in his field.
This is one of the best things I’ve seen on the Internet. God bless America and it’s people. Truly inspiring.
When I get my next gold AK, I’ll look him up.
You have a very rare talent my friend. Keep up the good work. Each of your firearms are a work of art.
Beautiful work Sir, Thank you for keeping your craft alive
Perhaps all you critics who opined without watching the video should give it a look see. You bring to mind one of my favorite sayings- “Better to sit silently and be thought a fool than to open your big mouth and remove all doubt”.
Feel free to post some pictures of your own fine work and enlighted the rest of us mere mortals.
No, just no. The ram head on the AK looks like some kind of cancerous growth.
Not for me. I guess beauty is in the hands of the beerholder.
Great work for a cartel hitman weapon. Follow these guns and find the FBI’s Most Wanted. Can he speak English????
I agree with Christopher, That is not very attractive work by any means.I certainly wouldn’t pay 60 k for something that looks like a 3 year old scribbled on a piece of paper.
I did not watch the video. But, the picture shown are some of the ugliest grips I’ve ever seen. And standing out like a sore thumb are some pretty marred up grip screws. I wouldn’t even put those on my 1911. But you keep on chooglin Art, I’m glad you are making some good money.
Uuuuuugly.
All that fine work and all I can see is buggered up screw heads on grip panels. A buggered screw head is like a turd in a punch bowl.
Fine work.
Your dog needs a comfortable place to lay down. With water close by.
ALL DAY.
EVERY DAY.
Sir.
God given talent
Inspiring, and humble! Thanks for the share