IS THIS A SAFE SHOOTING BARREL?

[Grenadier1758]

@Rudyard, very roughly translated, "Don't allow adversity from others to make you give up when you are in the right." The shorter version is more fun.

 

[bpd303]

wow, welcome Kate to the internet party. I got told that almost 30 years ago. Heeded it too.

Run to the roundhouse Kate, the boy's can't corner you there.

 

[bigted]

Crud. Hate to see you go away friend. Sometimes a thick skin is required with us ol Koots. Seems you have a lot to offer and I for one would like you to stick around.

 

[sturmkatze]

Run to the roundhouse Kate, the boy's can't corner you there.

Yep, I can see typos trigger you, as this is all you have to do in life.

 

[Nor'Easter]

What gets under my skin is some people's need to publicly 'correct' other posters. Don't be a twit, send them a friendly PM. Being civil towards other posters is the standard.

 

[th1840]

Siler lock all day long

 

[bpd303]

Yep, I can see typos trigger you, as this is all you have to do in life.

I didn't realize it was a typo, but I see you edited to correct it. It reminded me of an old Buck Owens song, that had what I posted in one of the lyrics and it brought back some good memories. Thank you for that. Now that I think of it the girl in the song was named Nellie, oh well. Now that I'm retired I have no where to go and all day to get there.

 

[Rudyard]

Thanks for the all the friendly replies and suggestions. Bought a borescope as recommended earlier and scoped it - the rifle has never been fired. Will have someone test it before I pass it on - safety is a real concern of mine - I do not shoot - just collect and preserve historical artifacts.

Really disappointed with all the negative criticism of my using caps when I first started. Read the rules and missed that part. My bad Rules are rules. Operated two Internet businesses for over 20 years with everything set to cap letters and never had a criticism.

I have dozens of late 1700's and early 1800's Kentucky style flintlock and cap lock rifles in my historical preservation addiction. Have never fired a one of them. Thought this forum might be a way of sharing my avocation.

No more postings - thanks again for all the friendly replies

A' student of arms' which is complimentary not a negative even if you don't shoot them. There are lot on this forum have an interest in such guns. Not my cup of tea though I have made them and have related books if tend to like the ethnological stuff & 17c & before pieces .
.Regards Rudyard

 

[Eterry]

What gets under my skin is some people's need to publicly 'correct' other posters. Don't be a twit, send them a friendly PM. Being civil towards other posters is the standard.

My Grandfather always said "never correct a man unless it will cost you money."
I think that's great advice, but very few, including myself, often remember to follow it.
But, as far back as the written word goes, people have always rushed to correct others. Just human nature I guess.

 

[Twisted_1in66]

Looks like a pretty nice rifle. Make sure it doesn't already have a load in it before you load it. pointed in a safe direction, prime the pan and spark it off to make sure it doesn't fire from someone leaving it loaded. It's also pretty easy to see if there's a load already in it by using the ramrod to see how far down the barrel it will go. Put the ramrod in all the way, grab it at the muzzle and then lay it beside the barrel. If it reaches all the way to the touch hole, you can be reasonably certain it isn't loaded.


You might try reading the forum rules before going much further... You obviously haven't...

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/forum-rules.108881/

*** 32: Do not type in all UPPERCASE - it is the Internet equivalent of SHOUTING.

One of the safety checks we do at Reenactments is "Spring Rammers". That has to be done on all rifles, muskets, fowlers, etc. before you can participate in the reenactment.

It's a simple test. Pull your ramrod out and put the flared end or jag end down the barrel. Most ramrods will have an inch or two sticking out the muzzle. Grab the end that is sticking out; pull it up about 8" and toss it down quickly. If it's empty, it will spring right back up. If there's a lead ball in there, it won't. Makes a bit of a thud as it hits the soft lead ball and won't spring back up into your hand.

 

[cjgregory]

I think this rifle should be sent to me for extended testing time. We should be sure.

 

[bpalbee]

THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSE. WILL ORDER AN ENDOSCOPE FOR MY PHONE. ANY INFORMATION ON THE BARREL MAKER OR BUILDER WILL BE GREATELY APPRECIATED. ATTACHED ARE SOME PICTURES OF THE RIFLE.

I would be proud to own that rifle. Enjoy!

 

[FlinterNick]

RECENTLY PICKED UP A CONTEMPORARY FLINTLOCK - A BEAUTIFUL TIGER MAPLE BUILD. BARREL IS 42.5 INCH, 50 CAL, 7 RIFLD MARKED OL RELIABLE, 2019 #6, 71966 WITH "JAM" ON TOP OF BARREL. DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE EVER BEEN FIRED. MY QUSTION IS WHO MADE IT AND IS IT A SAFE SHOOTING BARREL?

First, i respect your safety first approach, always important.

Second, most of this forum is made up of hobbyists, not engineers or barrel makers. While they’re a few on here that i would call experts, I would not expect them to give you advice.

Lastly, Why in the world would you ask anyone on this forum if a barrel is safe to shoot ? You’re going to get at least a dozen or more different answers of which many could be outright dangerous advise.

If you’re concerned about barrel safety, remove the barrel from the gun and send it to a barrel maker or a general gunsmith shop should be able to give you an opinion on the health of the barrel. I send my barrels to Bobby Hoyt and Jason Snyder at Rice barrel co. If they find something wrong they’ll will give an expert opinion.

 

[reddogge]

I was curious about the rifle's beavertail finial on the lock panel, but it appears not to have one on the side plate panel. I've not seen that ever, unless I'm not seeing these pictures right.

 

[bpd303]

One post said if it's loaded shoot it (paraphrased), it just dawned on me no one has warned about shooting an unknown load. It would be catastrophic if someone had loaded smokeless powder. Never shoot an unknown load. If it is loaded pull the load or use a C02 discharger to clear it. Even if the OP does not see this it may save someone else.

 

[cynthialee]

Looks solid, but I always remote fire a new to me firearm the first time and I do it with a stout charge. Not saying do a full proofing load, but a tester is always a good plan.
But on casual inspection it looks solid.