Rifle ID help for a friend

[TarponStalker]

I was talking to a friend last night at a party. When he found out I loved muzzle loading rifles he told me about a gun his father inherited. It was supposedly a “turkey shoot” rifle. Possibly made in northern KY.
I asked for some photos. Here’s what I got. Not perfect but hopefully someone on here can help ID this gun. I’ve never seen a breech like this. Also there’s no ram rod and doesn’t appear to have any thimbles for one.
Thanks for any help. I’m sorry I don’t have more

 

[TarponStalker]

BTW he says the barrel screws into the receiver area. You can see there’s a big difference in barrel size there.

 

[bubba.50]

I believe it is a Wesson target rifle.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

I believe it is a Wesson target rifle.

+1

 

[TarponStalker]

Thank you very much. I have passed this info to him.
Why is the breech area so different? Did they used extreme powder charges?

 

[Grenadier1758]

Probably wanted that extension on the tang to mount a peep sight.

 

[Heelerau]

I also believe it is a Wesson Target rifle.

 

[Zonie]

It does look like a Wesson rifle.
If it is, it was made by Edwin Wesson, in the 1840's. It might have barrel stamping's that indicate where it was made.

Edwin Wesson's company made high quality muzzleloading sporting and target rifles. The hammer being built into the receiver is one of the characteristics that separate some of his guns from the more common side lock guns of the time. The heavy barrel on the rifle shown in the photos indicate to me that this is a target rifle.

Edwin was the older brother of Daniel Wesson and taught him the art of gun-smithing. Daniel went on to form the Smith & Wesson company.

 

[Cody1776]

No clue. But that is killer !!!!.

 

[TarponStalker]

Thank y’all very much for taking time to reply. The owner is very happy to have this information.

 

[EZFEED]

I used to have one just like this. It's a Wesson.

 

[rickystl]

I also owned one back in the mid/late 1960's. Never fired it. Bought it from a friends Dad for I think $45.00. As I recall the top barrel flat was marked: C.P. Foster, or similar. It was about a .40 caliber.

 

[Cowboy]

Yes. a Wesson!

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[mick wick]

That could be a G.P.Foster he sold out to Wesson before the Civil War.

 

[rickystl]

Hey Mick. That is good to know. Even if I don't still own the gun. Mine also had a brass cap box in the butt.

Rick

 

[Eterry]

As I understand, most Wesson target rifles were designed for a slug or a 2 piece bullet. Ned Roberts speaks highly of them.