SMALL CALIBER RIFLE BUILD

Jetmech · Jul 5, 2024

Hello all,

I bought a .29 caliber x 39 inch barrel because the opportunity came up. Now I have to turn that purchase and the desire for a flintlock squirrel rifle into reality.

39 inches probably lends itself better to a half-stock cap lock but I already have several of those.

The Zachariah Luster rifle plans from MLBS look interesting but not sure if a 39 inch barrel will make it look disproportioned. Also wondering if a Bogle rifle could be scaled down around this barrel.

Anyone know of other flintlock rifle designs I should consider?

Jeff

RobertE · Jul 5, 2024

Recently finished this .29, 3/4” barrel, 41-1/2” length. I used the Luster plans for inspiration but drew my own plans also to fit my measurements.
39” will look fine.

Jetmech · Jul 5, 2024

RobertE said:
Recently finished this .29, 3/4” barrel, 41-1/2” length.
Used the Luster plan for inspiration, but still made my own drawings to fit my personal dimensions. 39” barrel length will look fine, just keep the gun skinny.

Thanks RobertE. If you have pics of your Luster inspired rifle I’d like to see it.

Jeff

Jetmech · Jul 6, 2024

Jetmech said:
Thanks RobertE. If you have pics of your Luster inspired rifle I’d like to see it.

Jeff

Beautiful rifle RobertE. The open grain in that stock is a look that I can appreciate.

Do you happen to know the weight?

Jeff

Flintandsteel · Jul 6, 2024

I’ve built three for grandkids with those plans. You’ll have to either make, or modify trigger guard to match the drawing.

RobertE · Jul 6, 2024

Jetmech said:
Beautiful rifle RobertE. The open grain in that stock is a look that I can appreciate.

Do you happen to know the weight?

Jeff

Jeff, Just a bit over 7lbs. I like open grain on walnut Southern guns. Don’t look right to me highly finished.
I wasn’t trying for a copy of the Luster gun, it’s just one of the only plans I’ve found with a skinny barrel so I used wrist measurements, etc., to draw my own.
Been getting a load worked up, think I’m close. Shot this target a few days ago. Six shots, first was low so filed a little more off sight, (was shooting quite a bit low the first time out). Next five were shots were pretty good,(two in one hole), 2” target on a paper plate at 25 yards off a sandbag, .285 ball, .020 cotton drill patch, 50/50 Dawn and water.
Not sure why my pics didn’t post right first time.

Pete G · Jul 6, 2024

You could shorten the forestock transition to keep the barrel in proportion

Jetmech · Jul 6, 2024

Pete G said:
You could shorten the forestock transition to keep the barrel in proportion

Pete G.

As I am not a builder (yet) I had to think about what you meant. It makes sense to me now and I appreciate the advice.

Given the low cost of the plans for the Luster rifle I think I'll order them and proceed.

Thanks all,

Jeff

longcruise · Jul 7, 2024

@Jetmech who has those plans?

Flintandsteel · Jul 7, 2024

Jetmech · Jul 8, 2024

longcruise said:
@Jetmech who has those plans?

Muzzleloader Builders Supply, although there may be other sources.

Gtrubicon · Jul 8, 2024

RobertE said:
Recently finished this .29, 3/4” barrel, 41-1/2” length. I used the Luster plans for inspiration but drew my own plans also to fit my measurements.
39” will look fine.

Awesome rifle in every way.

Rudyard · Jul 8, 2024

Jetmech said:
Hello all,

I bought a .29 caliber x 39 inch barrel because the opportunity came up. Now I have to turn that purchase and the desire for a flintlock squirrel rifle into reality.

39 inches probably lends itself better to a half-stock cap lock but I already have several of those.

The Zachariah Luster rifle plans from MLBS look interesting but not sure if a 39 inch barrel will make it look disproportioned. Also wondering if a Bogle rifle could be scaled down around this barrel.

Anyone know of other flintlock rifle designs I should consider?

Jeff

Oddly I once got given a 290 rifled barrel stamped ' G Tyler' slim Oct probably Cricks & Hollers depression job at a guess but no squirrels in NZ so shortened it to suit a' Baltic Bird rifle ' That looked elegant in an Auction Catalogue for the Visser Collection lot 160 I used a small Siler but made a curved Cock typical on these but giveing a much greater throw of the flint to Steel impac.t I suppose late 17th early 18 c its charge a huge 20 grains its ball under the 290 when patched . a quiet shoot forever pleasant affair ,Whether Ide say such a rifle is the way to go ,but its an alternate that sprang to mind .
Regards Rudyard

reddogge · Jul 8, 2024

I cut 4" off of a regular length barrel because there was a flaw in the rifling and made this rifle for my 11 YO at that time son. I don't remember what the final length was but it worked.

Jetmech · Jul 8, 2024

reddogge said:
I cut 4" off of a regular length barrel because there was a flaw in the rifling and made this rifle for my 11 YO at that time son. I don't remember what the final length was but it worked. View attachment 332524

Seems to be very proportional and a good looking rifle.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jetmech · Jul 10, 2024

Jetmech said:
Seems to be very proportional and a good looking rifle.

Thanks,

Jeff

So, I received the 5/8 inch barrel and it is very slim. It’s going to be a challenge to proportion a southern rifle properly for this but going to give it a try.

This might turn out to be more of a youth rifle but with the correct LOP. Should be a joy to carry in the squirrel woods.

Jeff

Jetmech · Jul 24, 2024

Flintandsteel said:
I’ve built three for grandkids with those plans. You’ll have to either make, or modify trigger guard to match the drawing.

Hello Flintandsteel,

Would have any pics of the rifles you built for your grandchildren?

Jeff

Flintandsteel · Jul 25, 2024

Jetmech,
It does not appear so. Been several years.
On the last one, I found an old Paris barrel. ¾” x 38” . Worked very well with the drawings.
The key to layout is to draw your own, using the actual parts you are using. You then know everything fits and works together.
Where in the world did you find a ⅝” barrel.
Two of mine were ¾”, one was an “A” weight swamped. All work quite well with the plans.

Jetmech · Jul 25, 2024

Flintandsteel said:
Jetmech,
It does not appear so. Been several years.
On the last one, I found an old Paris barrel. ¾” x 38” . Worked very well with the drawings.
The key to layout is to draw your own, using the actual parts you are using. You then know everything fits and works together.
Where in the world did you find a ⅝” barrel.
Two of mine were ¾”, one was an “A” weight swamped. All work quite well with the plans.

Thank you looking for the pics and for the advice.

I bought the barrel from someone who special ordered from FCI, I think. I believe he waited quite some time for a special order to be made.

This will be my first build above kit level so I'm excited but hope I don't muck it up.

Jeff

Flintandsteel · Jul 25, 2024

Measure twice cut once.
You know the old saying. I’ve cut it 3 times, and it’s still too short.

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