Leman trade rifle questions

[BP]

Had a thought this evening about using a spare barrel for a Leman. Looked at the TOW and PR catalogs and found that they have some conflicting info. One says brass hardware and the other says iron is appropriate. Likewise with flint vs. percussion locks. Can't infer anything about halfstock vs full. Don't have any references on Leman in the bookcase. What was typical??

 

[MikeChapin]

I guess I'll really muddy the waters. Most of the originals I have seen have been brass mounted but I have seen a couple of iron mounted rifles also. You can pretty much use either and be PC.

Most of the originals I have seen have been percussion but, again, there are a few flint models. The same goes for triggers. Most have a single straight pull trigger but there are a few with double sets.

About the only thing they had in common were the lines and stocks. The stocks were usually plain maple with tiger striping painted on using india ink.

Leman made trade rifles for the indian bureau and also for sale to settlers. So there was a lot of variation on what they offered.

 

[Extranero]

What Mike said. I'd say about 90% brass, but if you look at it for the early years, it was probably 98% or better. The TOW and PR catalogs are about the worst places to look for documentation. I'm really not sure where they are getting their info, but it doesn't jive with the originals I've seen. Their dates for the guns they are selling are way off too. TOW talks about the use of mixed iron and brass hardware and I haven't seen that on an original gun that I would put before the 1860's. The two screw capbox is also a very late item that probably didn't come into use before the late 1850's. A lot of folks buy these kits thinking they ar mountain man era correct and end up disappointed when they find out differently.. If its is important to you to make an early Leman, then consider using these from TOW:
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(p...14&subId=144&styleId=541&partNum=BP-LEMAN-1-B
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(p...14&subId=155&styleId=677&partNum=TG-LEMAN-1-B

An unengraved 4-piece patchbox and a 42" barrel will get you in the zone for the 1840's with a flint or percussion lock. If you are wanting a Leman because they are short, handy hunting rifles and don't care about the time period, then disregard what I've written and use whatever suits your fancy.

Also, take a look at Jack Brooks web page for info on building and striping Lemans:
http://www.jsbrookslongrifles.com/theclassroom.htm

Hope that helps and good luck with your project.

Sean

 

[Snow on the Roof]

FWIW, on a recent trip to Cody Wyoming I saw an original Leman in an antique shop. It had brass furniture. Additionally it had a full maple stock with stripping painted on and carried a percussion lock which appeared to be converted from flint. My understanding is such a thing { the lock conversion } was not uncommon on these rifles.

John

 

[Le Grand]

I have a question. Who is "PR?"

 

[Dan Goad]

I think that is Pecatonica River.

Jac S. Muell

 

[Le Grand]

Ah so... Thanks

 

[Le Grand]

BP, You could send that extra barrel to Matt Avance at TVM and he'd make you a good Leman kit around it. TVM has hardware options too.