Featured Seller: Laurence “Lars” Wood
A Man of Science and Sport
Laurence “Lars” Wood was a man whose life bridged two worlds. On one side, he was a brilliant scientist and innovator with multiple patents to his name. On the other, he was a marksman who could handle a revolver with a speed and accuracy that left even seasoned shooters in awe. What made Lars remarkable wasn’t just his achievements in each field—it was how he carried the same dedication, precision, and curiosity into both.
The Fastest Revolver Man in Montana
In the late 1980s, Lars took up competitive shooting and quickly rose through the ranks, qualifying for the 1987 U.S. Olympic Trials in pistol shooting. While he didn’t make the Olympic team, the experience sparked his personal mission: to combine Olympic-level precision with the raw speed of combat shooting.
He became known in Montana’s Flathead Valley as “the revolver guy.” At local ranges, shooters would stop and watch as Lars emptied a revolver so fast the muzzle blasts blurred together into one continuous roar. When the target came back, there was no spray of holes across the paper—instead, there was a tight cluster, often no bigger than a thumbprint.
The Flathead Beacon captured this moment in 2017 when Lars prepared for a Guinness World Record attempt. Using a snub-nose .44 Magnum—a revolver known for punishing recoil—he practiced until the rubber grips tore apart in his hands and the skin on his trigger finger had to be taped to keep going. Witnesses at the range recalled his focus: listening to music through Bluetooth ear protection, tuning his revolvers by hand, and refusing to accept limits.
Read the Beacon Article Here: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2017/04/11/aiming-world-record/
One friend, Mark Cahill, recalled stepping in to help Lars manage the Guinness process. “He’s as fast as anyone I’ve seen,” Cahill said, “but it’s not just about speed. It’s the way he keeps everything inside the group.”
A Collector and Craftsman
Lars wasn’t only a shooter—he was a gunsmith and craftsman. Holding a Federal Firearms License, he spent countless hours tuning revolvers, adjusting timing, polishing actions, and crafting custom wooden grips to tame recoil. His scientific background and engineer’s mind gave him a unique perspective: firearms were not just tools, but mechanical marvels to be understood, perfected, and pushed to their limits.
Over decades, his collection grew into something extraordinary: a mix of powerhouse magnums, rugged guide guns, and finely tuned Performance Center revolvers. Every piece was either customized or hand-selected to meet his exact standards.
Featured Firearms from the Laurence “Lars” Wood Collection
This year’s Fall Montana Sporting Auction offers the rare opportunity to own pieces directly from Lars’s personal collection. Among the highlights are:
? Marlin Guide Gun 1895 Pre-Remington Blued .45-70 Government
? Custom Marlin Guide Gun 1895 Stainless Survival Rifle .45-70 Government
? Custom Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum 8x Performance Center Revolver
? Custom Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum 8x Performance Center Revolver (Model 627)
? Custom Smith & Wesson Performance Center .357 Magnum 7x Revolver
Each of these firearms is more than just steel and wood—they are artifacts of a man who devoted himself to pushing the limits of what was possible with a revolver.
More Than Firearms
Those who knew Lars describe him as approachable and generous. At the range, he was just as likely to spend time helping a new shooter tighten their group as he was to be setting records of his own. His presence elevated those around him, blending intellect with humility. Even his personal style reflected his unique character—from his handmade grips to the chain and leather bracelets he wore daily.
Carrying on a Legacy
The Laurence “Lars” Wood Collection is not just an auction—it is the continuation of a story. Every revolver and rifle tells part of his journey: the scientist’s mind, the marksman’s hand, and the craftsman’s touch. For collectors and sportsmen alike, these pieces represent the chance to hold history, precision, and passion in one.
? Explore the full catalog and place your bids at National Auction USA.
