Looking to buy but don't have a clue about this long rifle. Please help! TIA!

[oldyellerdawg]

If you want an appraisal and great advice, as mentioned by someone above, post your pictures and info over on Americanlongrifles.org in the antique rifles section of the forum. Theres a wealth of knowledge there.
Good luck and welcome to the collecting world.

I appreciate the tip. I’ll definitely do that. I’d like to buy it asap before it gets away. I just need to know more and the owner wants me to make an offer as he hasn’t a clue! Lol!

 

[poker]

Simply tell the owner that you sure want to make an offer, but need a little time to research it, and if he would please save your spot in line for a few days. Id bet he says Sure I will. Honesty is always the best play.

 

[russellshaffer]

Drop a shiny object like a 9mm round down the bore. It will reflect your light and greatly help in seeing the bore.

 

[appalichian hunter]

I do not think I would drop anything down the bore especially a 9mm round, if it would get stuck now you have real problems, use the rammer check to insure if the gun is loaded or un-loaded use a mini mag type flashlight to see as much of the bore as possible and ask the guy what he wants for the rifle or make an offer and go from there. From the pics it looks like a nice old rifle being an old rifle it is going to have some bore problems maybe, but if solid and you want to shoot it there is always the re-bore that can be done. If the seller will not set a price start at 1500 if no go up the price until you reach your limit. He is selling the gun it should be up to him to know what price he wants.

 

[Captjoel]

After viewing your pictures of this rifle I just have to comment. First off, more pictures are needed of the lock close up.

I will share a bit of my background before giving you my opinion. I have been a collector, builder, and student of the Pennsylvania Kentucky rifle for over 25 years. I have owned several originals from many "schools" including western PA to the Lehigh Valley.

IMHO, your pictured rifle is an old piece that has been extensively "worked on" in modern times. The cheek side incised carving looks to be the work of a complete novice with not much knowledge or skill. The depth and lack of ware of said carving is also a clue as to its more recent birth.

If I were you Oldyellerdawg, I'd pass on this rifle and save yourself a lot of hard knocks education! Whoever is trying to pass this gun off as being totally original is either a crook or just plain unknowing of just what it represents. If you are looking for a nice longrifle to shoot, your money would be best spent on a custom piece available here on these forums.

Just sharing my experienced honest opinion here. Good luck to you sir, Joel

 

[TFoley]

Get yourself one of these little bore lights - just over 2" long and 3/8th inch diameter - always assuming that your bore is actually bigger than that, okay?

Hopishly, you'll see something like this -

 

[oldyellerdawg]

Simply tell the owner that you sure want to make an offer, but need a little time to research it, and if he would please save your spot in line for a few days. Id bet he says Sure I will. Honesty is always the best play.

I agree with your thinking. It’s just a little nerve racking. A wad of cash in the face at the right moment and it’s gone. I do feel that the owner wants to make an educated sell so that should work in my favor. He has not offered it to anyone else either that I am aware.

 

[oldyellerdawg]

After viewing your pictures of this rifle I just have to comment. First off, more pictures are needed of the lock close up.

I will share a bit of my background before giving you my opinion. I have been a collector, builder, and student of the Pennsylvania Kentucky rifle for over 25 years. I have owned several originals from many "schools" including western PA to the Lehigh Valley.

IMHO, your pictured rifle is an old piece that has been extensively "worked on" in modern times. The cheek side incised carving looks to be the work of a complete novice with not much knowledge or skill. The depth and lack of ware of said carving is also a clue as to its more recent birth.

If I were you Oldyellerdawg, I'd pass on this rifle and save yourself a lot of hard knocks education! Whoever is trying to pass this gun off as being totally original is either a crook or just plain unknowing of just what it represents. If you are looking for a nice longrifle to shoot, your money would be best spent on a custom piece available here on these forums.

Just sharing my experienced honest opinion here. Good luck to you sir, Joel

Thanks for your honest opinion. Hopefully today I will be able to provide much better pics! To be clear, the owner knows nothing about it and is not attempting to screw me. We are trying to establish a fair market value which would determine wether I can afford it. The rifle was passed down to the owner and that is all that is known.

 

[oldyellerdawg]

Better pics of the Lancaster/Christ rifle. Inscription on the lock is illegible. Does anyone have an idea what it says?

 

[oldyellerdawg]

Top of the barrel view…