1805 Virginia Manufactory Rifle

[Va.Manuf.06]

I do agree. The ordinance made at the Virigina Manufactory is almost forgoten. I think their early rifles are the most elegant and stylish of all the US military flint rifles. One of my good friends owns 3 of the 2nd models. All 3 saw use in the war and all are percussioned. Speaking of your musket barrel - it would great to see it on a finished piece. No one I know has one,yet. I'm surprised that prior to the 150th of the civil war, no major manufactor has made a type 1,2 Virginia musket since thats where most of them finally saw use. I had thought of reworking some repro 1795 Springfields into V muskets, but I've got plenty to do for now. When I get a chance I will scan the 35MM's of the Rutherford rifle and post them. Actually, both of these rifles were not difficult to make. I could just make another one sometime. The trigger guard is from Tracks stock -its part #TG-MA-121.B. One of my friends has foundry capabilities, but this was just more efficient time wise. My friend who has the 3 rifles knows Mr.Cromwel and had suggested we all get together someday. Don't know if I'll ever find the time? It's great to here from someone who appreciates southern military firearams. GS. PS, At some point in the future, I'll post my M1819 Hall. It's still in flint but saw use by our southern troops. It's got a Leech&Rigdon 4 square stamp on the receiver. I still shoot it.

Someday when these cataracts get taken care of I'll do it. The parts for the 1st Model as well as the 2nd Model are available from TRS but I have to be able to see well enough to be able to get back into building.

Incidentally, the Virginia Manufactory muskets, especially the 1st Model, are very much different from the various Springfield and Harpers Ferry muskets.

 

[krolick]

Yes, you are quite right. The repros of the 95's and the French muskets aren't even that close to the originals much less a Virginia musket. I was trying to find an economical but good way to make one for demonstation and re-enactor use and a shooter. A reworked used 1795/Charleville would fit this. Restamp, reshape the pan and frizzen, remove as much of the flute in the stock as possible. Also, the trigger guard would require work. But, if I could do this for say around $500.00(cost of used gun) I could live with the discrepancies. Just food for thought. GS

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

Could be done, but a lot of work. Almost as much as starting out from scratch with a blank. Here are two pics from the Virginia Historical Society:

 

[Odentheviking]

Quote: "If you should decide to rework your musket to a Virginia musket, which would be a neat project, I can help with the restamping. I've already done a few. GS"

I was doing a search and found this post! I have been a student of the Virginia Manufactory of Muskets for many years and have dreamed of building one for re-enacting and living history. I even drove to Richmond once so Mr. Cromwell could sign his book for me.
Mr. G.Smith, would you be willing to help me? I think i have the correct stamps for the "Richmond" and date, on the lock plate but not for "Virginia", I would guess that the "Manufactory" would be done by an engraver. Many years ago,(when no one cared about M1816/22 conversions and I could pick them up cheap!), I started buying flint conversion muskets, parts and pieces, and started to rebuild them. I came across a very early 1st model stock that nothing seemed to fit! Over the years I have found a butt plate, trigger guard, etc..... and hope to put these together to make a VMA musket. The lock has been the hard part, I have a few locks and other parts, but clearly they were all hand fit and do not match. I have the Master Machinest next door working on turning out a lock plate for me that will fit my stock..... as well as use the internal and external parts from an old Navy Arms "Charlie" 1766 mdl.
So can you help me?

 

[msuspartan]

What parts did you use and from where? I have been looking for something exactly like this as I do 1812 time frame. I would like to build this.
What books have pictures of this rifle? Or could you email me more pics?
Thank you for sharing this very nice replica.

Cheers, DonK