Clyde’s Corner

Ralph ‘Buster’ Myer: Still open for business after all these years

by Clyde Whitaker

I was out the other day, doing what I love, taking pictures of the great outdoors, when I came upon the place of business of an old friend, Ralph “Buster” Myer.

I have known Buster, as most of us who went to school with him called him, since back in the ’60s. Buster was a proud 1970 Stockbridge High School graduate; while in high school, he participated in football and wrestling.

After graduation, Buster served in the armed services until the end of his service in 1974. Buster had a keen interest in firearms and decided in 1976 to enroll in a 2-year gunsmith course in Denver.

In 1977, Buster married the former Carol Schoonover in the Unadilla Presbyterian Church. That year, Buster also began his gun repair business, starting out in his basement. Buster still works full time, but now he “commutes” from his house to his outside workshop, repairing, refinishing and selling guns and accessories. Carol often is working with him.

Buster has customers calling from all over the United States, including New York, Florida, Illinois and Ohio.

I asked Buster if he had any unusual stories he could share with me. He said he had a few, but one stood out in particular. He told the story of two hunters who came from the Detroit area to hunt rabbits on the old Wilber Tisch farm. Apparently, every time they shot one of their guns at a rabbit, the barrel would go flying off in one direction and the rabbit in another. Finally tiring of chasing after the gun barrel, they came in to see Buster to find out if he had a solution. Buster looked the gun all over and determined that all it needed was a magazine cap to keep it all together. The hunters were elated!

Carol and Buster have eight grandchildren, and some are learning the trade. I asked Buster how much longer he would continue with his business. He said as long as he enjoys it, he “will keep on keeping on,” and Carol nodded her head in agreement.

Thanks, Buster, for 47 years of service to our community and beyond. You are certainly one of a kind.

All photos by Clyde Whitaker

Ralph “Buster” and Carol Myer still operate their 47-year-old business, Ralph’s Gun Shop, in Stockbridge.

Ralph “Buster” Myer repairs, refinishes and sells guns and accessories in Ralph’s Gun Shop in Stockbridge.

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.