Decision Time

[Hoyt]

Which long rifle and caliber to build next. I would like to have it finished by Nov. so have to get at it.
The gun will be used for hunting only... whitetail, hogs...possible elk and black bear.
I had previously decided on .54cal. but am having second thoughts at maybe going a little bigger due to elk possibility.
I have a .62cal. smooth bore that I will use on occasion with round ball.
Probably go with Pecatonica for parts and right now am considering either the Virginia or Lehigh style. I read a post from a barrel maker that the Lehigh style gun is not a pleasure to shoot...anyone got any info. on this?
I would kinda like a 38" barrel..but may go to 42" max. and want the long rifle to be as lightweight as possible...that's a big priority as I don't like hunting with heavy guns. Also having a hard time deciding on which swamped barrel...my first choice would be Rice if I can find one without a long wait..however they are $60 something more than a Colerain which I could probably get pretty quick. Any thoughts on this?
If I go Virginia style I'm going with the Chamber's Round Faced Colonial lock..if Lehigh..Chamber's Deluxe Siler. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I read a post from a barrel maker that the Lehigh style gun is not a pleasure to shoot...anyone got any info. on this?

Depends not only on the architecture of the rifle, but your own. Someone with close-set eyes and bony cheekbones might have to lay his head too far over the cheekpiece, instead of laying beside it to get his eye over the sight-line. Jessie Jackson would like a Lehigh, George Bush would not. If you get the stock right, and shoot moderate loads, it's not bad. You won't see many buffalo hunters carrying Lehighs.

The butt is nice and wide, and lightly curved, so it's not the shoulder push that gets you. The Lehigh is best shot with a very upright stance. If you hunker down on her it will rise in recoil and plant a kiss on your cheek every time. Having a long barrel absorbs some of the lift. A carbine Lehigh would be a bad idea.

Love hurts.

If you shoot a lot from a bench or load hot, go with a Lancaster/Lebanon. The Lehigh is an offhand, moderate load rifle.

 

[Finnwolf]

Stumpkiller,
I gotta love your logic. Just can't get my head around seeing Jesse Jackson shouldering a Lehigh or any rifle for that matter. I always figures Jesse's eyes are that widespread so as to allow him to look directly at you no matter which side of his mouth he is talking out of.
Finnwolf

 

[Hoyt]

Stumpkiller...I just talked to Dick at Pecatonica and decided to kinda split the difference and go with the Andrew Verner