source for rifle patterns

[Don B]

Can you suggest sources for historically correct rifle patterns? Ideally, I’d like something based on tracings of JP Beck or George Schreyer originals. Are there sources for such patterns? If not, what process does a builder follow to mimic a particular school’s architecture? I understand the value of studying books such as Shumway's, bit wonder if there is a vehicle to get one step closer to a tracing on a stock blank.

Thanks. Don

 

[Vaino]

My preference is the Bucks County style of LR and I outlined the butt shape of a particular LR in RCA 1 onto tracing paper. This outline was then enlarged on the computer until it "met" key dimensions given for this LR. The LOP dimension was interpolated by measuring the stated OA length vs the measured dim from the BP to the trigger. The LOP was adjusted to 13-1/2"- 13-3/4" for today's shooter. Also the drop at comb and mainly the drop at the heel had to be adjusted when the LOP was extended.I superimposed a gun that fits me well onto the outline to insure correct fit. The end product was a template that was "similar" to the intended LR but not an exact copy because of the changes. The choice of a BP can have an important determination of how close the final design is to the chosen LR. My template comes close, though, and has the "looks" of the chosen LR. This is probably the "long way around" but seeing the particular LR I chose isn't available as a precarve, I had no other options. Am on the 5th LR from this template and no two are exactly alike because of using various BPs and TGs, but all are similar "copies" of the chosen LR.One important thing is to extend the "top of bbl line" unto the tracing so the drops can be ascertained. Beck and Schroyer LRs are illustrated in the RCA books....Fred

 

[J.D.]

Detailed instructions for laying out any rifle anyone might want to build are included in Alexander's "Gunsmith of Grenville county."

Allen Martin suggests laying an M1 Garand or an M14 rifle out on a large sheet of paper and marking the line of sights, trigger location, comb line, and LOP, then lay out the longrifle using those basic dimensions.

Allen claims that no one has ever complained that the old M1 or the M 14 service rifles with their 13 1/4 " LOP didn't fit them. So, with a little tweeking, those measurements won't be too far off for someone wanting to build a rifle that fits them well.

 

[Zonie]

Track of the Wolf has full size plans for Lancaster, Bedford, Tennessee, Jaeger, Purdy, Leman, Hawken and English Sporting rifles.
They don't cost much and although they may not exactly match the gun you want to build, they can be used as a good starting place.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Houston Harrison
PO Box 1203
Hendersonville, TN 37077

 

[Don B]

Capt Jas,

Can you tell me more about Houston Harrison? Can I trust his patterns to be historically correct?

Don

 

[J.D.]

The problem I have with using prepared patterns is that the components used for the patterns may not be the same components you will use.

The parts and their relationships to one another determine architecture. Different components from those in the pattern will change the relationship of the various parts, which will change the architecture.

IMHO, it takes more than a pattern to build a historically correct rifle. So, IMHO, buying a prepared pattern is a waste of time and expense.

 

[Vaino]

The process that I use was laid out in a previous post and has "served me well" but if I were of the "artistic", I'd just look at a photo of the chosen LR and draw it and presto, it would be "right". But most people don't have this talent and out of necessity have to depend on other sources to build a LR that primarily looks like a LR and secondarily comes close to their chosen style of LR. From what I've seen of various plans, they're more of a guide asre the technical aspect of building and don't really convey the intricacies and nuances that are needed to build a truly representative LR of whatever style is chosen. That's where I think precarved kits are ideal in that they already have the architecture and the assembler provides the details and if the assembler has studied photos of the LR of choice, the result should at least "look" similar. Nothing comes close to viewing "originals", but most don't have this opportunity and must do w/ what they have...Fred