Another rifle done

[Lock Nut]

Finally completed my first attempt at a long rifle with raised carving, engraving and inlays.
This is a Bedford w/42" .50 cal. GM barrel. This is also the rifle I had with the aquafortis job that stayed green. I was able to save the project from disaster (more than once) but I think it turned out ok.
Constructive criticism from the PC gurus always welcome so that I will do better on the next one. :wink:

 

[tenngun]

very nice

 

[Billnpatti]

My only criticism is that I just wish I was good enough to finish a rifle like that. Good job. :hatsoff:

 

[galamb]

For a first attempt at the carving, engraving and inlays, if you keep it up it looks like you will become a contemporary gun builder to recon with.

Very nice work.

Anytime you want to check the architecture of a Bedford rifle for proper lines, especially the comb line as related to the barrel, you simply lay it next to a hockey stick :rotf:

Since you asked, I'll throw a couple items your way.

Your carving and engraving looks well done, but "simple" - more complex/fancy designs will come with time and practice.

A bit of scalloping in the curls behind the cheek piece would add some depth/dimension to the carving.

The only other thing that really sticks out to me is the (height) of your beaver tails behind the lock plates.

From your photo's, and it could just be the angle, they look to be about the same depth as the lock panels themselves. Often they should appear to kinda emerge out of the wrist area, maybe 1/16" deep and then taper up to meet the lock panel.

They just look "quite proud".

 

[wulf]

Very good work....Be proud...wait till it ages a
bit and see how really good it looks then...Keep
building....
Wulf

 

[Vaino]

First off and don't take this in the wrong way....take better pics w/ better lighting and closeup details.

Never built a Bedford ...too late for me, but you did a "bangup" job on this one. Stock architecture is good and the carving is reminiscent of a Bedford LR......these LRs do have flat carving, unlike earler LRs.

You've built a LR that you can be proud of....and evidently have talent for building "these things". What's your next project....we always have one....Fred

 

[TLanoy]

Beautiful rifle! Congrats on the great outcome. :hatsoff:

 

[Wes/Tex]

Nice "save" and much better than "OK"! :hatsoff:

 

[Rifleman1776]

Beautiful. Be proud. :thumbsup:

 

[house]

Absolutely beautiful! Wish I had a fraction of some of your guys talent.

 

[TinStar]

Beautifully done! Congrats!

TinStar
Soli Deo Gloria!

 

[tbarnes66]

I hope my third rifle looks as good as your first!

Nice Job.

 

[MSW]

great looking rifle!
:hatsoff:

 

[Blizzard of '93]

the only critizing you will get from me is that you should post more fotos of that fine piece of workmanship. :hatsoff:

 

[Lock Nut]

Thanks all for the compliments. I apologize for the bad pics. I'm not a good photographer. I'm using an old pocket camera and the fluorescent lighting doesn't help. Trying to take pics with out the glare isn't easy. Any ways if I get too close, you all will see all the imperfections :grin: :grin: :grin:
The "hockey" stick :wink: is not a copy of one particular rifle. It's more of a combination of Bedford influences from several builders. ( Border, Stoudenour, Defibaugh etc. Most Bedfords I have studied did not have very detailed raised carving. I was for the most part "flat and simple". Not detailed like a Lancaster etc. Most metal engraving was very basic as well. I know mine could use a little more detail but this was a first attempt and I didn't want to screw it up.
Here is a few more pics.

 

[wattlebuster]

I think ya did a darn good job :thumbsup:

 

[excess650]

Your carving is better defined, and more stylized than the carved Bedfords that I've handled. IMO, the Bedford 'smiths didn't execute carving very well at all.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Beautiful job! :thumbsup:

 

[agill]

Well done! :hatsoff:

 

[suzkat]

Really very nice and an awesome job for first time. Could I suggest a lighter hand on your engraving. Most originals have a delicate fine line. Impressive. Your inletting is nice and tight which is hard to do.