Next project rifle

[Phil Coffins]

Got another used rifle to fiddle with, this is an English sporting rifle that is a kit from Chambers muzzleloaders. The lock was used as cast so I’ll stone all the casting marks off and trim some extra wood off and replace the brass screws. The Rice barrel will get better sights and touch up the finish. Than anything else that catch’s my eye. My kind of fun!
IMG_0484 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[1950DAVE]

How do you keep such a clean workbench?

 

[Phil Coffins]

I put things away when not in use and when I’m doing the finish on anything the wee dab of oil left over is spread thinly on the bench. After 40-50 years it comes out like that.

 

[1950DAVE]

I always thought neatness was some sort of mental defect.

 

[longcruise]

I always thought neatness was some sort of mental defect.

Yeah, that's my alibi too.

Phil, what caliber is it? Might just be the photo but the rear sight looks to be pretty far forward.

 

[Phil Coffins]

I’m not bright enough to work in a mess, I have to put things away to be able to find them again.
This one is fifty four and the forearm is a bit fat and the sights are to big for my taste. The swamped barrel makes for a nice handling rifle and lighter then it looks.

 

[bpd303]

She looks pretty good now, I bet a dandy will be more like it when you're finished.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Looks good!
And you could splurge on a real gun flint for it

 

[Brokennock]

Might just be the photo but the rear sight looks to be pretty far forward.

I think it is the barrel being shorter than the longrifles we are used to, or fowling pieces with that style trigger guard, that is creating the illusion that the rear sight is farther forward than normal. Compare it's position in relation to the ramrod entry pipe and it seems pretty normal.

I personally like mine further back, bit as long as it isn't right where I want to wrap my hand around to carry the gun,,, I can work with it.

 

[Brokennock]

Got another used rifle to fiddle with, this is an English sporting rifle that is a kit from Chambers muzzleloaders. The lock was used as cast so I’ll stone all the casting marks off and trim some extra wood off and replace the brass screws. The Rice barrel will get better sights and touch up the finish. Than anything else that catch’s my eye. My kind of fun!
IMG_0484 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

Looks good now, so I am expecting to see pics of it looking fantastic in the near future.

 

[bpd303]

Sometimes the rear sight will be located a little forward to help with weak eyes and the sight picture.

 

[pilot]

I really like that style rifle.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I’m looking forward to seeing how this progresses. That’s a nice looking rifle, and I have no doubt it will be even nicer when @Phil Coffins is finished with it.

Those English sporting rifles look like a handy and authentic alternative to Germanic jeager rifles. Both tend to have larger bores, lighter weight, shorter barrels, and flatter butts when compared to American longrifles. These are features today’s muzzleloading hunters seem to want. I’m surprised these English rifles are not more popular… looks to me like they were born to hunt!

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[Phil Coffins]

I was unaware of these till now, and must agree this style shows real merit.

 

[longcruise]

I've been looking at that rifle on the chambers site. It looks like it would make into a fine elk rifle in a 54 or 58.

Does yours have the rather complex pierced side plate? I'm intimidated looking at it.

 

[Phil Coffins]

This one only has two piercings. It would’ve been easier for him to Inlet it if he had cleaned up the edges of the casting before starting.
IMG_0486 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[longcruise]

Yes, that one is not as complicated. Still intimidating for my skill level.

Here's a photo from the chambers site showing the plate that comes with the kit. Not for your benefit, Phil but just for context for others following the topic.

 

[Phil Coffins]

The lock was installed with out any of the parting lines or casting surfaces being finished. Upon disassembly care was required to remove the rust that would impede a good finish. I’ll start by filing then stoning everything then decide what finish if any will be done. After that some parts will be re-inlet then the extra wood will come off.
IMG_0487 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr
IMG_0488 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

I'd inlet the trigger guard too while you're at it!. Might consider some english carving at the breech and some engraving too.

 

[Phil Coffins]

It’s a bit late in the game to learn how to engrave to the quality that an English rifle would have gotten.
But the lock has been cleaned up and fresh lubricant applied. I also added small teeth to the jaws to hold the flint.
IMG_0490 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr