About Us

Black Diamond Gunworks is a full-service gunsmith and custom shop located in Maria Stein, Ohio, specializing in fine guns, rifles, and vintage side-by-sides. In 2022 Black Diamond Gunworks moved into a brand new 5000 sq. ft. facility complete with an indoor range for patterning guns.

Matthew Begley the owner, got his gunsmithing start at Trinidad State Junior College completing a program in Gunsmithing. After Trinidad, he began working as a gunsmith for Heritage Gunsmiths. He then left Heritage to go out on his own, founding Black Diamond Gunworks LLC. in 2018. In 2023, Begley was awarded entry into the American Custom Gunmakers Guild. In the spirit of the ACGG, Begley also brought in Matthew Horninger as an apprentice stockmaker with plans to expand the business and pass on the legacy of gunmaking.

Matthew Horninger has been working on guns and rifles since 2021, but early in 2024 came to work at Black Diamond Gunworks as an apprentice stockmaker. He plans to finish his apprenticeship by the end of 2025 and to continue working at Black Diamond as a stockmaker.