Need Help Deciding on Flintlock Longrifle

[tg]

"That rifle weighs 9.3 pounds."

My .62 Chambers smoothrifle is just under 9# earlier guns might run heavier than the Golden age ones I am not sure what thre gun on TOW is it says it has an early buttplate, but the inletting, bore size and wire work seem to me to place it at the end of the 18th century if not a bit latter, it is a beautiful gun but to me it looks to be closer to one of the "New School" guns rather than one from one of the 18th century, just how it comes across to me, the "new School' guns are not a bad thing and some of the most expensive ML's you can buy now are from this "style." I find the cheekpiece interesting it looks to me to lean toward the English style, rather diminuitive compared t many of the bold Germanic ones, well enough I have shown how little I know about Leihigh guns for now.

 

[Twisted_1in66]

Someone please explain what a swamped barrel is. Thanks.

Rick

An easy way to picture it is to think of an hourglass turned on it's side but the waist is not nearly so radical and the thinnest part of the barrel is about 1/4 of the length (or so) back from the muzzle.

The cool thing about them is that they make for a very nicely balanced longrifle that is very easy to mount and hold on target. I have a longrifle with straight barrel that's almost 4" shorter than the one I have with a swamped barrel, and the rifle with the swamped barrel is much better balanced.

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:

 

[Bob J]

For many years I have wanted to own a period authentic flintlock longrifle. I do not intend to build one but rather purchase a rifle from a reputable gunmaker. But, I need to do some research and decide on a time period and regional rifle style.

I need some help with the following:

4. Any recommendations on gunmakers who specialize in period authentic rifles.


Rick

Roger Sells of Monterrey, Tennessee built both my custom southern mountain flintlocks. One is a .36 with straight 42" barrel that was named "Shadowmaker" on this forum (member "Two Shadows" referred me to Roger). The other is a .54 with swamped barrel I named "Zilpha". Dixie Gun Works had a sells rifle for sale, they called it one of the best examples of a southern rifle they had ever seen. If you would like his #, PM me. An example of his work can be seen at contemporarymakers.blogspot.com

 

[Mulebrain]

Here is a link to a sweet looking .40 cal http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(r...&subId=81&styleId=280&partNum=AAG-860[/quote]


I like the direction your leaning. That is one sweet smoke pole! If green backs are available, why not! That rifle looks like a good investment as well!

I agree with others, in regards to a larger bore size. Easier to reload, and you can take some larger game as well!

 

[Rick Nelson]

Mule Brain,

Ain't that Hatchet Jack?

Del Gue

 

[tg]

"I like the direction your leaning. That is one sweet smoke pole"

Gotta agree it is pretty but what is it? a lehigh, Bucks, Bethleham, or one of the other traits in has? about 4or5 schools are mentined to have contributed, it is likely a later gun with the bore size and wire work, seem like a "combo" gun influenced by several schools, but which does it most closely fit if any?

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Yup. And it is still awfully heavy for a .40 caliber woods rifle. It would be much nicer as a .62 caliber or bigger.

 

[Mulebrain]

Mule Brain,

Ain't that Hatchet Jack?

Del Gue

Yes Sir!

That be me, Hatchet Jack! Prayed that a White man got me gun :grin:

 

[Rick Nelson]

Damn! I heard you was a wild one, old Hatchet Jack. Livin' two year in a cave up on the Musselshell with a female panther. Heard she never did get used to you.

Del Gue

 

[J.D.]

you might check with Bill Madden, President
Montana Historical Gunmaker's Guild to see when and where their next event will be. There should be more than enough guns to shoulder and accomplished makers to give advice.

I don't have any contact info. Maybe someone knows how to contact Mr. Madden.

 

[54ball]

I would really do some research on the type rifle I wanted. I really think your best investment right now would be books.
Shumway publishers are a great source, if not the source for publications about longrifles. I suggest Rifles in Colonial America Volumes One and Two or RCA 1&2. These books are studied by builders and students of the longrifle. Besides the RCA series Shumway publishes many other studies of region specific longrifles.
I feel it would be well worth your while to invest in some research to find the rifle that really strikes you. A good price on a good custom made gun is going to run about $2500. This will be for a nicley trimmed longrifle. Plainer guns will run a little cheaper and fancier a little to a lot higher. That seems like a lot but it will take about two years to get your rifle and the cost can be spread over time.
Since you asked for recomendations as far as rifles I suggest a Smooth rifle in .54cal. A smooth rifle has a smooth bore like a shot gun but is a very capable large game gun using the patched ball. A smoothrifle has a rifle rear vs the single bead sight which extends its range for most. A 54cal translates to 28 gauge which makes a fine small shot gun for rabbits and squirrel.
As far as makers....
Roy Stroh
Mike Brooks
Eric Kettenburg
there are many others but these guys are top notch.

 

[Rick Nelson]

Thanks for the book suggestions 54ball. I have been doing an immense amount of research and will check out these references too. It might take me two years to decide. :grin:

Seriously, I know having a rifle built will be a bit pricey and I may only do this once. Thus, I am very interested in spending the time doing the research. Thanks also for the recommendation, another piece of data to use in the analysis.

 

[Twisted_1in66]

A smooth rifle is a smoothbore that looks like a rifle from the outside. That is it has rifle architecture. Typically has the cheek piece that you see on rifles and the forearm looks like a rifle. Usually another dead give-away is the common use of an octagon to round barrel. They are usually pretty guns, and certainly versatile, but alas, it is an untwisted imposter...

Get the real thing.... :grin:

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup: