by SEAN KIMMONS

Stepping inside the Windwalker Primitive Weapons shop is like walking back into the ol’ wild west. (Photos by Sean Kimmons)

There’s a new business owner in Buda. And this one is packing.

David Stewart, who opened Windwalker Primitive Weapons this month, sells just about anything tied to the ol’ wild west, such as black powder guns, knives, bows and arrows and leatherwork.

In addition to vending old-time arms, Stewart reworks and refurbishes primitive weapons to their former state.

“This is a niche business,” Stewart said. “My real business is restoration.”

The shop, behind the Carrington House on Main Street, also serves as something of a museum. Besides the weapons, there are historical artifacts and photographs of the city.

The shop's prized black powder gun is the “Carpetbagger Sniper Rifle,” a six-shooter 1851 Colt .44 caliber replica pistol that can be shot separately or attached to a rifle’s housing.

Stewart says that since Buda does not have a museum, he wanted to bring a little history to the people.

“I just want to get people back into the history where we all came from,” he said. “If you’re not into history, then this stuff is boring.”

His shop can also be a respite for men whose wives are browsing the nearby antique shops, he quipped.

The shop’s biggest intrigue is the black powder guns, perfect for collectors, re-enactors or hunters seeking a tougher hunt.

“With black powder guns you take your time to stalk and hunt,” Stewart says. “You only have one shot.”

He says that he knows hunters who use these guns for feral pig and bird hunting.

“It’s more of a challenge for the hunter,” he said.

His prized black powder gun is the “Carpetbagger Sniper Rifle,” a six-shooter 1851 Colt .44 caliber replica pistol that can be shot separately or attached to a rifle’s housing.

Stewart claims that the rifle can shoot 100 yards accurately and original rifles similar to his can sell for more than $5,000. Although his is not for sale, customers can buy other black powder replica guns for $135 to $475.

It takes roughly three or four minutes to reload a six-shooter black powder pistol, Stewart says. First, the shooter has to fill the chamber with black powder, put a wad and ball into it, then pack it down, cover the chamber with wax and finally place a cap on it.

“Anything can go wrong,” Stewart says of the process.

The shop also sells hand-sewn leather gun holsters for $40. One can even get a rattlesnake-skinned gun holster for $135. Knife scabbards can be custom made for $35 to $55.

“Prices usually depend on what it is,” Stewart says. “I’m not here to make a million dollars. As long as I can make the rent I’ll be fine.”

Windwalker Primitive Weapons
320 N. Main St. Suite 201, Buda, Texas
(512) 426-5517
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.