.36 vs. .40 for Squirrel Rifle

[mikemeteor]

I've been looking at Pecatonica River's Tennessee Classic and it only comes with a straight barrel, I'm not sure if they would inlet the stock for a swamped barrel or not.

Call Pecatonica and Mr. Greensides will gladly cut an inlet for any barrel. Tell him what barrel you have, or will have - maker, length, profile. He has the templates for dang near all of them.

 

[Stophel]

First flintlock rifle I built had the 13/16", .36 cal. barrel. The whole gun weighed 7 pounds, which ain't bad at all. Unfortunately, all that weight was WAY out front, where it doesn't belong (I never will understand why people like heavy, and front heavy guns...). I found it quite unwieldy. I figure a .40 caliber gun with the same size barrel would be at least somewhat easier to handle. Plus, you get to use a 3/8" ramrod! :haha:

A properly balanced swamped barrel would take care of weight problems, of course. :wink:

 

[Thomas S]

I would like to have the late Ketland, but their site says they inlet for the lock (components) that's appropriate for that kit. At least that's the way I read it. Of course I've been known to read something and come away with a different conclusion than someone else.

"We are not able to inlet for components other than those we have specified for particular styles of firearms."

At least that's the way I interpreted it.

 

[Billnpatti]

Actually there is not very much difference between the two. Many target shooters seem to prefer the .40. The .36 can be a light weight gun if you choose a swamped "A" weight barrel. Plus, a swamped barrel not only feels better at your shoulder, it looks better than a straight barrel.

 

[Birddog6]

I would like to have the late Ketland, but their site says they inlet for the lock (components) that's appropriate for that kit. At least that's the way I read it. Of course I've been known to read something and come away with a different conclusion than someone else.

"We are not able to inlet for components other than those we have specified for particular styles of firearms."

At least that's the way I interpreted it.

Just tell Dick you want the stock shaped, barrel inlet, RR groove cut & hole drilled, and you will do the lock & other inlets. That way you can use the lock you want.
Personally, if using a swamped barrel, I would get the barrel from them or I would send my barrel to them to check the inlet fit. All swamped profiles are not the same, even if the barrel makers may state they are. Have had up to .020" dif on 2 dif barrels of the same manufacturer !

I would have them send you photos of Both sides of the stock at the wrist area for Your approval, before they ship it to you.

Keith Lisle

 

[mikemeteor]

Trapper -

Pecatonica custom inlet my own barrel for me on 8 different pre-carve stocks in the last 5 years, when I was doing precarves.
And happily so.
now maybe things have changed at Pecatonica, but I would be surprised if that were so.

my recommendation: call them; Dick Greensides is as friendly a man as you'll ever talk to - tell him what you want.
I think you'll be satisfied.
As far as having them switch lock profile inlets, I wouldn't know, because I always ordered NO lock inlet from them.
If I were you, I would request/order NO lock inlet - just barrel and ramrod hole (3/8" or 5/16" depending on what caliber you decide on) and nothing else.
Doing your own lock inlet is relatively easy and gives you 100% control.

This rifle started with a Pecatonica TN Classic piece of wood, inlet by them for a 44" .40 B weight.
/mike

I see Keith weighed in with much of the same advice while I was typing.

 

[MSW]

I agree that swamped is definitely the way to go ... by the way, that's a mighty fine looking rifle!

:thumbsup:

 

[Thomas S]

That's one fine piece of art. I don't know if it's because I live in this part of country or what, but I've always been partial to iron furniture on longrifles.

Anyway, I received my catalog from Pecatonica today so I called and spoke to Dick. He told me it wouldn't be a problem to inlet for the late Ketland and swamped barrel, he said they would do about anything I needed. Now I just need to decide whether to go with a straight or swamped barrel.

 

[Bruce Bogart]

I reccomend swamped

 

[jamesthomas]

+2 on the swamped barrel, I hear the balance is better, the next rifle I make will have a 38" A weight .40 cal.