Curtis Smith grew up in Covington, Virginia and began building Kentucky rifles in 1979 as a hobby. He stopped building in 1984 but started building again in 1993. Curtis became a full-time gunbuilder in January 2005. He is self-taught in his technique and building skills and won Best of Show in the Journeyman's class at Dixons Gun Fair in 2001.

Specific pieces of Curtis' work includes six Lauck Family, Winchester, Virginia; eight Lancaster style but the majority of his work has been Tennessee and Southern Montanna.