A C. Gibson Flintlock .36 Caliber Rifle

[Dave Markowitz]

Today I picked up this left handed flintlock rifle at Dixon's.

Greg Dixon wasn't sure who built it but after getting it home I found it marked "C. Gibson '08" in the stock behind the patchbox. It's not signed on the barrel.

Some googling has not revealed any contemporary makers by that name, so I'm thinking it was put together by a talented hobbyist. Regardless, it's pretty well built and appears to have been fired very little.

Greg had actually done the engraving on the patchbox and toe plate, so I asked him to note that on the receipt.

The major components are all good stuff:

• Barrel: Green Mountain 42” long x 13/16” octagon
• Caliber: .36
• Twist: Unknown (I'm guessing 1:48)
• Finish: In the white
• Lock: Large LH Siler flint
• Triggers: Davis double-set
• Stock: Unknown wood, pretty plain grain but with some nice carving and a cheekpiece inlay.

Although a smallbore it's no lightweight rifle:

• Weight: 8.7 lbs.
• OAL: 58”
• LOP: 14”

It came with a vent pick attached with leather thong tied to trigger guard.

This is my first muzzleloading rifle smaller than .45 caliber. Along with the rifle I bought suitable ramrod accessories, a box of Hornady .350 balls, a bag of 0.018" ticking patches, and a bag of 0.015"

The rifle came with a 5/16" ramrod but the channel in the stock is sized for 9mm or 3/8" rods, as are the thimbles. The top two thimbles have thin pieces of leather glued inside to keep the rod snug.

Depending on the weather I maybe able to get it to the range tomorrow, else it'll have to wait.

I'm looking forward to figuring out an accurate load and using it for target shooting, woods walks, and maybe small game.

 

[JamesT]

Well I guess you get the pick of the litter when you shoot with the lock on the wrong side. Hahaha. Just kidding ya. Nice looking rifle. You gonna squirrel hunt with it? You live in the vicinity of Dixons?

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I may take it after squirrels. I live about an hour's drive from Dixon's.

Greg Dixon mentioned to me that if it had been a righty, he would have sold it months ago. He said that he regularly gets calls at the shop inquiring about .32 and .36 caliber rifles.

 

[JamesT]

Very nice. Enjoy

 

[Hermit Tim]

I love it. Tis a beautiful rifle and I hope you enjoy it.

 

[TDM]

@Dave Markowitz that is beautiful, would it be considered a pure Lancaster style?

 

[Dave Markowitz]

@Dave Markowitz that is beautiful, would it be considered a pure Lancaster style?

I believe it would be considered an early Lancaster. 1770s-ish. I think it was built from an Isaac Haines kit from Track of the Wolf. That's based on comparing the lines of the buttstock and the trigger guard with pictures I've seen online of those kits. An original from that era would more likely to be a larger caliber, though. At least .50, I'd think.

If I am incorrect I'm sure that someone who is more knowledgeable than I about the different schools will jump in to correct me.

 

[olskool]

looks like a goodun,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[TDM]

I believe it would be considered an early Lancaster. 1770s-ish. I think it was built from an Isaac Haines kit from Track of the Wolf. That's based on comparing the lines of the buttstock and the trigger guard with pictures I've seen online of those kits. An original from that era would more likely to be a larger caliber, though. At least .50, I'd think.

If I am incorrect I'm sure that someone who is more knowledgeable than I about the different schools will jump in to correct me.

That's what I thought, but wasn't sure. And yes, somebody with more knowledge will set us straight! Again, beautiful rifle.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

So, never having owned or even fired a .36 caliber rifle, what do you all recommend for a starting load? I was thinking 30 grains of 3Fg with a max of 50, per the load chart on the Goex website. Anyone shoot less than 30 grains in a .36? I am more concerned with accuracy than power and if I can accomplish that with a light charge that will stretch my powder supply and reduce fouling.

I have a variety of patch lubes to try as well: pure neatsfoot oil, Track's Mink Oil, October Country's Bumblin Bear Grease, Hoppe's No.9 BP cleaner, and of course plain old spit. I plan to swab between shots.

I am fully aware that each rifle is an individual but I'm curious to see what has worked well for others.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Urban Coyote]

Very nice, sweet find good for you. I'll bet you have fun with that cutie.

 

[Grenadier1758]

The nice thing about these small calibers is that you can start with much smaller powder charges and still get good accuracy. Starting loads of 20 to 25 grains, volume measure of course, can give acceptable accuracy. Based on the pedigree of the parts, that should be a fine rifle.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Over the years I did very well with a GM .36 caliber barrel. I use a .358 ball, .015 ticking patched lubed with spit and 35 grains fffg out to 50 yards, 60 grains at 100 yards.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I shot the rifle today and a load consisting of a .350 ball, 0.020" patch lubed with Bumblin Bear Grease, and 40 grains of Goex 3Fg shows promise. I started with 30 grains of powder and also tried 0.015" and 0.018" patches but they don't group as well. Recoil with 30 grains was on par with a .22 while 40 grains has slightly more push.

Once I settle on a load I'll adjust the sights so POA = POI at 50 yards. Currently it's shooting 2" or 3" to the right.

@Uncle Miltie Where did you source .358 balls?

NVM, I see that Track carries them.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

I use a .358 Lee mold.

 

[Don Steele]

Nice find, Dave. I'm sincerely happy you found it before I did. I'm also Left-handed and lately I've been thinkin' about a .32 or .36 in a "Lancaster style" rifle. The weight on that one might have kept me from carrying it home, but sometimes the LH flintlock rifle you have in your hand is more appealing than the one you think you want, but will have to wait a year to have it built. Who knew being wayyy off down here in Florida could actually save a guy some money..!!??

 

[hanshi]

Congratulations on a really beautiful rifle. With my .36 I started with 20 grains of 3F and went up to 40 grains while looking for an accurate load. I shoot a .350 ball cast from a Lee mold and a canvas patch, .024"; and anywhere from 20 grns to 30 grns of 3F makes a one hole group with 5 shots at 40 yards. I've even fired the 20 grn charge at about 80 yards and had no problem hitting soft drink bottles consistently. I shoot lots more .32 and .36 than the larger calibers - just being frugal (cheap). If I ever want more power from my .32 or .36 I pick up a larger caliber rifle.