Back action rifles

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

As far as I know, the only back action rifle replica ever produced is the Pedersoli Tryon rifle. During the mid to late 1800's, many rifle makers used back action locks on their guns and according to some, proved to be an improvement over the front action since less wood had to be removed from the fragile breech area making them inherantly stronger. In the book California Gunsmiths 1846 - 1900 there are quite a few fine examples of back action rifles which was the inspiration for this .54 cal I built several years ago. I wonder if there would be a market for this type of gun today? L&R still makes the lock I used.

 

Nice looking rifle! I have never decided whether or not I like the backaction style, but they were common in the 1840-1860 era. A bunch were made down in the Miss-Ark area. They make fine late plains rifles. I personally am into the F&I War period, but I don't see why they would not be desirable for hunting season, especially one as nice as yours... :thumbsup:

 

[SCATTERSHOT]

I like them, and have two. One is a fowler, and the other is an English sporting rifle. Both are smooth as silk and good looking, to boot. I think there would be a market. Nice rifle, BTW.

 

[weirdjack]

As far as I know, the only back action rifle replica ever produced is the Pedersoli Tryon rifle.

Do the Mowery versions of Hopkins & Allen rifles qualify as "back action"? True they do not have a separate lock, since everything is contained in a brass wrist box. But the mechanism itself is about the same as a separate sideplate back action lock.

Jack

 

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

:hmm:

I don't think so.

 

[Erzulis boat]

Liver Eatin Johnson-

Is the lockplate parallel to the bore, or is it angled with the wrist?

 

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

It's parallel with the bore but contoured slightly to flow with the wrist.

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Greetings Liver Eatin Johnson and All,

Check out THE PLAINS RIFLE by the late Charles E, Hanson, Jr. on page 47. Plate 25. This is one of the most beautiful original Plains Rilfies I have ever seen.

The rifle marked S. O'Dell uses a back action lock, profusely figured birds-eye maple stock. German silver mountings, and engraved German silver cap box. I saw this rifle in the real in the 1970's, and this photo does not do justice to the rifle. Ar one time, a full size photo was available from the musuem.

I have comtemplated many times about replicating this rifle. Should I ever win the lottery, the best gunsmith that can be commissioned for this job will be most handsomely rewarded in cash for recreating this rifle.

Pages 87 and 112 contain brief text information about this rifle.

And yes, it will go afield and to the range on a regular basis.

Check out the following pages for more back action lock rifles:

page 108, rifle owned bt Kit Carson,

page 115, Joe Meeks, 'Old Sally".

Many pistols and most shotguns used back action locks.

In addition, a number of Campbell, Hoffman, and Hoffman & Campbell rifles used back action locks. Campbell and Hoffman were St. Louis contemporeries of Jake and Sam Hawken.

And my apologies. Forgot to mention, that is indeed one handsome Pedersoli rifle. What is the rifling like; twist and groove depth? And how does it shoot?

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

 

[canyonman]

As far as I know, the only back action rifle replica ever produced is the Pedersoli Tryon rifle. During the mid to late 1800's, many rifle makers used back action locks on their guns and according to some, proved to be an improvement over the front action since less wood had to be removed from the fragile breech area making them inherantly stronger. In the book California Gunsmiths 1846 - 1900 there are quite a few fine examples of back action rifles which was the inspiration for this .54 cal I built several years ago. I wonder if there would be a market for this type of gun today? L&R still makes the lock I used.

I personally would love to see anything that would spark more of an interest in sidelocks in general! Your gun definatly qualifies in that regard, two thumbs-up :front: :front:

Larry

 

[Donny]

They say backaction locks are faster, But I don't know why that can be...I am debating the backaction lock on a rifle I am building, deHass .40 cal 36" halfstock plains rifle. Walnut, It will be somewhat like the O'Dell. ::I do not know what the sideplate side looks like on backaction guns???, photo's just show the lock side. :hmm:

 

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

Most side plates I've seen are small and simple since there is only one lock bolt going through the stock. The back of the lock plate is held by a wood screw.

 

[Donny]

I think most backaction sideplate panels are straight? Like a trapdoor, just smooth, no panel at all??? I have seen a couple pics with various panel designs. I just wonder how many designs were used on the sideplate side of a bactaction gun?? :hmm:

 

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

In the book I have it shows about 50% paneled and 50% smooth. There are some ornate side plates but they are on schutzen rifles. I prefer to see a raised lock pannel design that is carried over to the other side. :m2c:

 

[matchlock]

Hi
There are two other back action lock replicas that I know of, one is the Beretta over/under muzzleloading shotgun, one of which I have and the other is an over/under percussion rifle in 50cal which was sold both by CVA and Iver Johnson in the 80s.Basicalliy it carries the same lock
as the Beretta.



Jeff

 

[thomas]

Liver eatin Johnson,

Very good looking rifle!

Thomas

 

[clayfeld]

I keep going back to your photos, Larry, and I think that your back action half-stock might be the most appealing percussion rifle I've ever seen! What components did you use other than the lock you described? Are plans available (or copies of yours)? Any suggestions for would-be builders? I would like to build in a target caliber, though, say .40 or .36.

Thanks,
San Jose Clay

 

[davy]

Its ah beauty no doubt! I would like to know about it as well! :bow:

Davy