Bucks County Pbox Hinges

[Vaino]

Lately I'm into Bucks County LRs....not of any particular builder but just so that the architecture and other attributes of this style convey the "feeling" of the very graceful LRs produced by these talented builders. The side opening Pbox is more prevalent in this "school" than any other "school" and seeing I've never had the opportunity to examine any LRs from this "school", I need info on how the hinges on Pboxes of LRs depicted on pages 261,265 and 271 of RCA, vol.1 are made? Are the hinges on the side plates or on separate plates mounted vertically in the wall of the recess? All the previous Bucks County LRs that I've built had a Pbox that is similar to the Pbox depicted on p. 277, RCA, vol 1 and the hinge plate is mounted on the wall of the recess, but on the next Bucks County I'll be making a Pbox w/ side plates. I think either way could be made to simulate the side openers w/ side plates, but would like to be authentic if possible. Any info would be greatly appreciated....Fred

 

[CoyoteJoe]

I too admire the flowing curves of the Bucks County rifles and am building one myself. Track of the Wolf lists a side opening patchbox kit #PB-Kit-8-B in brass, iron or nickel silver. I have no idea how authentic it may be. I chose to go with a conventional two piece brass box of Rupp style. I can see a practical advantage to the side opener in that the hinge need not be bent to the curvature of the butt.

 

[Ed Wenger]

A few months ago (not sure of the month) Eric Kettenburg did a nice article in Muzzle Blasts magazine concerning side opening batch boxes. He showed examples of both hidden and visible hinges. On the visible hinges, if I remember correctly, they were constructed seperately and attached to the lid by rivets and/or soldered, then screwed to the side wall of the box cavity. None of the examples showed hinges on a side plate.

Ed

 

[Vaino]

Many thanks for the info in both previous posts. It's probably easier to use a separate hinge plate that's fastened to the recess wall and that's what I'll do. This is the same as I've been doing on the side opening Pboxes w/o side plates that have been done so far. Although the hinge of the "side opener" doesn't have to be bent in contour w/ the transverse curve of the butt, there are still some minor complications that have to be observed w/ these side opening Pboxes. IMO, Bucks County LRs are very esthetic.... their long wrists, slenderness and outstanding architecture combine to not only please the eye but are, more importantly, very comfortable shooters. I build these LRs w/ a curved comb line and a curved toe line, usually .54 cal. and they shoot w/o any complications......Fred