Replica M1817 Common Rifle

[tsmgguy]

Wow! Has anyone seen this? Beautiful
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(y...catId=12&subId=81&styleId=280&partNum=AAG-586

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

These are actually really practial rifles--slightly over-built in proper military fashion--but still a nice handling piece. Everything needed to build one is available from the Rifle Shoppe web-site.

 

[Zonie]

I guess the builder was trying to recreate a 192 year old rifle?

Notice how the butt plate hangs down below the bottom of the butt.
This is typical of old guns who's stock wood, during the last 150+ years has shrunk.

Personally, I'd like it better if it was in "New" condition with a stock that fits the butt plate and without the antique finish on the barrel.
Different strokes as they say. :grin:

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

There's a photograph of one of these rifles on the back cover of the 2002-2003 Rifle Shoppe catalog. It was built as a new gun but it has very fancy wood--a bit unlikely on a military arm.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

I had a 1917 once, I thought it was a lot heavier than a 30/06 needed to be. :haha:

 

[JV Puleo]

I agree. In fact, I'd go a bit further and suggest this one skates along the edge of being a fake. I collect Common rifles and doubt it would fool me but there is very little in print about them and unless you've handled many originals, I bet it would fool quite a few people.

The odd thing (to me) is that it probably cost more than an original would... at least out here in the east.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I don't remember what it cost, but it will show up in Track's archive in a week or so and I'll let you know.

 

[tsmgguy]

It certainly does skirt being "fake". That's by plan. It's a replica! It is also safe to shoot and has its value in no way dimenished by shooting.

I'm pleased that these are available! It took a great deal of work and planning to create.

 

[JV Puleo]

Both of which are goals that could be achieved without the added "ageing". After all, if, as you say its a replica... why isn't a replica of the Common rifle as it looked new? That is how they were actually used.

I shoot my Johnson (1821) all the time...I don't think there is any safety issue and short of a pristine, unissued example (of which there are almost none) I don't think shooting has any appreciable effect on value but... I don't expect anyone else to see the subject that way. My only complaint is with the very artistic fake ageing that accomplishes nothing except disguising something new as something old.

 

[tg]

I think ewveryone has their own thoughts on patina and aging, this gun is just a bit more than what I would go for,I don't know why people always say it looks 200 years old if and aging or patina is done, the originals vary considerably in their condition today, I think it is mostly an ego thing if someone has had a gun for 20 years they feel it is a cheat to start off with a gun that looks that old, often gun types and personas suggest that a gun does not look new.

 

[hanshi]

Aging aside, I'd still love to own one of those. A really nice, practical rifle. :v

 

[sheba]

Which do you think would make a better hunting rifle an 1817 common rifle or a Baker rifle

 

[hanshi]

Not sure I'm that familiar with the Baker rifle. The 1817 is nice though. I've always liked the 1803/4 Harpers Ferry, too. Like the way they handle & look.

 

[tsmgguy]

Agreed. I've had a "Lewis & Clark" M1803 on order from The Rifle Shoppe for almost two years now. Not to worry; it's shipping next week! I know that for certain as I heard it last November and again just last month! I'd cancel my order if my TRS Baker Rifle was not just so amazing.

Baker v. M1817? Well, the Baker is .60, while the '17 is .54. I don't shoot the Baker with a full charge, as it's a kicker and I hate hearing myself whimper.

 

[dd832]

Here's mine I built a few years ago - - -

Made every screw on the gun including the wood screws; made the breechplug; buttplate and cut & re-welded all the barrel bands. Some assembly required. It's a one-of-a-kind though, you won't see anyone down the firing line with one like it. Mike

 

[tsmgguy]

Beautiful Mike!Did you use rifle Shoppe parts?

 

[dd832]

Yes tsmg, the parts were mostly Rifle Shoppe parts purchased from Track of der Wolfe. Mike

 

[tsmgguy]

The beauty of Track's patina finished M1817 is truly in the eye of the beholder. I came to like this kind of finish after I purchased a USFA Ainsworth replica M1873 "Custer battlefield" pistol, finished in much the same dull gray. I found that I had no concern at all about the inevitable nicks and dings accumlated from use. In fact, they just give the piece more character. I'd have probably been a little more hesitant about putting much visible use on a piece that appeared new and pristine!

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Now that's a good point! :thumbsup: