Turner Kirkland

Born in 1920, Turner E. Kirkland was an American collector, writer, and entrepreneur whose lifelong interest in antique firearms began in childhood. That passion eventually led him to found Dixie Gun Works in 1954, a company that became widely known among black-powder shooters, reenactors, and collectors.

Kirkland also wrote and compiled books drawn from his own collecting and research. His works include Southern Derringers of the Mississippi Valley and Civil War Veterans' Organizations, Reunions, and Badges, books that show his strong interest in both the objects themselves and the stories surrounding them.

He wrote in a direct, practical way that appealed to hobbyists as well as serious collectors. Even when focusing on specialized subjects, his books carry the energy of someone who clearly loved tracking down rare pieces, preserving their history, and sharing what he learned with others.