Good Morning all.  It's been a while.  I'm finally in a place to re-visit my Martini Cadet rifle project, but may have run into a snag.  Hardcastle Custom Machine's website is down- Is Curt doing okay?  I wanted to confirm here, one way or the other, before calling the number I had for him.  

If Curt is no longer an option, is there a gunsmith that y'all suggest I get in contact with?

Hello Fellow members,
I am still here and enjoy seeing posts daily. As an update about my health issues. I have a fairly rare liver condition called PSC, it is an autoimmune disease that is untreatable except for a liver transplant and I am not eligible for one. For the last 16 Months I have rapidly declined and not had the energy to spent long days in the shop. On good days I am still working on small projects trying to complete those remaining in the shop. At 73 I feel blessed to have my wonderful family and friends that pray for and encourage me daily. All of this said I am not taking on new projects but still enjoy talking with people about single shot rifles and their uses in target work and hunting. Everyday is a blessing and I intend to enjoy each one. As long as possible I will be reading the forum daily look forward to hearing from the wonderful group that has given me so much pleasure  and support over the years.
Best Regards to you all!
Curt Hardcastle
AKA Single Shot Sam

Curt, I have always admired the professional way that you did business and have always been pleased with the outcome of the rifles you worked on for me.  What can I say?  My thoughts and prayers are with you but I am at a loss for words as how to respond to this news.  We are only given one life and I am sure that you have made a positive impact on the world!  Not many can say that.  I am 73 also and although fairly healthy I just take it one day at a time.  Just remember, it is hard to keep a good man or a bad oyster down.  Although we have never met in person I consider you a true friend.  Tom

Best wishes to you Curt. Hopefully your health will improve.

Curt, I always enjoyed meeting and hanging out with you at the Quigley shoot and am in your debt for the help you have given me on some of my projects.  I’m very sad to hear this news and wishing the best for you.

MrTipUp wrote on Jan 16^th, 2025 at 1:53pm:


As much as I hate to say it, probably age.  The Naval Hospital does NOT want to do an invasive biopsy on my dad because of his age... He's in his 80's.  He probably wouldn't survive the procedure.