Need info on longrifle

[chuckr1952]

Today I stoped by a local gun shop just to see what they had , both guys that own the store know me . They wont buy of sell bp guns because theres really no market here so in the process they know nothing about them. When I walked in there was a man in front of one of the glass cases with a long gun and a double barrel 10 gage percussion laying in front of him and ted the co owner was talking to him. Ted looked at me and said ; well we cant buy them but this man might be interested ! I walked over and asked; interested in what ? I had already spotted the guns and Ted said ; this man wants to sell these and I'v told him we dont deal in bp , I introduced myself to the guy and we talked a bit as he told the story about his father dieing and selling his collection because he lived in another country now and couldnt take the guns back with him and was going to sell all of them . I asked what he wanted and he told me , I could no way afford them and I was honest and told him so , he started carrying the 10 gage to his car and ted said ; he wants to sell em! He'll take a lot less ! When he came back for the rifle I hesitated and said; I'd offer you $250.00 for the rifle . He looked at me and without hesitation he said ; I'll take it ! I couldnt believe he would sell it for that and was immediately sorry I hadent shot for a package deal on the shotgun but it was done . I paid him cash and he left, I thanked ted and left . This is the longrifle I'v ben looking for a long time !!! I would like to find out more about it and would appreciate an opinion from anyone who thinks they have information. The barrel is 36" long , overall length is 4' 10" curly maple stock , only marks on the gun are; j p in a shield on the left side of the barrel back on the oppsite side of the barrel behind the lock , top of the barrel is engraved LANCASTER , takes a 3/4 flint , plumb barrel , cheek rest , 54 cal , gun is used but excellent condition , I have some thoughts about it but wanted to see if ya'll could help me . I'm using my old camera and cant get any quality pictures so feel free to offer information . thanks

 

[hanshi]

I don't know enough to really give an opinion but it appears to be a descent rifle. It doesn't look like a Lancaster County rifle to me and the lock is wrong for it to be one. It may may be a rifle built from parts with no particular school in mind. It does bear a resemblance to both a Tn rifle and the old "Hatfield". Nonetheless you got a good deal from what I can see and I wouldn't mind carrying that rifle into the woods, myself.

I freely admit I probably wrong on all counts but as someone told me long, long ago, "It's alright to be wrong; just be wrong real loud".

 

[hanshi]

I just wonder if it, indeed, a Tennessee rifle.

 

[Black Hand]

How does the bore look/feel...?

 

[chuckr1952]

The bore looks good but dusty, I havent cleaned it yet , will disassemble the entire gun to clean.

 

[Trench]

Sir, stars and the planets obviously aligned for you here. It's definitely a good purchase if that bore turns out to be okay. Fabulous purchase. :thumbsup:

 

[ericb]

Well, I'm happy for you, but it doesn't look to me like you're ever going to get out of the Hands of that Young Lady...

Eric

 

[Cascade Pete]

I Think You did well. I would have paid that price also..I'll offer $300, if You have any reservations about shooting it...LOL...
May Be a JP McCoy rifle, and I do believe they are out of business...Nice all around rifle..

 

[Zonie]

The lock looks a bit like a L&R Durs Egg.

Although it is using steel furniture the trigger guard is not a Tennessee style.
I can't locate a trigger guard in the current catalogs I have but it does have some Lancaster styling.

It was built by an amateur who should have inletted the trigger guard feet but didn't.

In any event you got one hell of a good deal.

 

[Hipshot]

Real nice, looks like you were in the right place at the right time :grin: The barrel looks longer than 36"

 

[rr11]

Well I do not know the style of the rifle but it was a good buy.

 

[shortbow]

Apparently stealing is no longer against the law in Texas! :haha: :thumbsup:

 

[chuckr1952]

I appreciate everyone's comments, I like the rifle and wondered what type most would think it was but it may simply be some persons dream rifle and as zonie pointed out not built by an experienced builder. thanks

 

[Rifleman1776]

Sometimes ye get lucky.
Congrats.
School don't matter. If it shoots and ye like it that is all that is important. :thumbsup:

 

[duca]

Nice score. I'll have to agree. that is a Jim Searles gun for sure. JP Gunstocks Inc. I have the McCoy Squirrel rifle in 36.cal. He offered a few models the Lancaster being one of them. They are no longer in business. I never had a problem with mine.

 

[duca]

The Lock is the L&R Manton. Real quick lock.

 

[trent/OH]

Real nice, looks like you were in the right place at the right time :grin: The barrel looks longer than 36"

If the barrel is 36", and the overall length is 58" then the LOP would be almost 20".
It looks to be in new condition. Can you tell if it's ever been fired?

 

[chuckr1952]

trentI'm glad you said something, I had another person measure the barrel , I remeasured it and its 41 and 1/2 ", thanks for questioning the barrel length . I'm sure its ben fired but think the bore will be good because of the overall condition of the gun, the son told me his father was an avid shooter.

 

[Twisted_1in66]

First let me say that I agree with shortbow. That rifle was a steal.

Looks to me like a compendium of a number of different styles. The curvature at the wrist is typical of a Bucks County rifle but the curvature doesn't continue to curve down. Rather it straightens out. Bucks County also had a thicker (taller) roman nose look to the back of the stock. The stock is thinner in the back, which is more typical of a later Tennessee rifle.

Now, to really confuse things, once the curvature through the wrist is done, the bottom edge of the stock makes a straight line to the butt. The straight line to the butt is typical of the Lancaster school, but this straight line starts after the curve finishes at the wrist instead of starting at the back of the trigger. The butt of the rifle is curved and appears to be thinner than the early Lancasters but not as pronounced or as thin as the ones built after the war.

So lots of influences without really being in any particular "school" per se. I'd say it's a nice looking rifle that was steal at $250. I think you should go shoot it and see how she does.

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:

 

[chuckr1952]

Guys I appreicate all the help, kind words,and ideas, I myself did not think this was a pc gun. just wanted to be sure. I'm not let down because it's a very nice rifle and I'll try to get back with a report , after cleaning and firing. thanks