southern mountain rifles

Iv looked at a few original southern mountain rifles and they seems to have massive barrels in them. And most were very small calibre. Were theses standard rifles for hunting, or am I talking about target rifles of some type? Most seem graceful and slim, just with these huge heavy barrels. Any thoughts?

 

[rich pierce]

Not sure of your timeframe but I think this was common on everyday guns in the percussion era from 1840-1860, not just target rifles. We have not recognized this or have deliberately ignored it because nobody wants to re-create and lug around a 12 pound .36 caliber rifle. A friend has an original West Virginia rifle that was in the family for years and it is a little over 1" at the breech, 1" at the muzzle, 43" long, and .36. I can't shoot it offhand w/o re-adjusting my style. I heve to make up my mind to take the shot the first time the sights pass the bull.

 

[CrackStock]

Well, if you read any of Jerry Noble's 3 books in the Notes on the Southern Long Rifle series, you will see a lot of heavy barreled and long barreled guns.

Chunk guns, over the log guns...

There was a whole lot of interest in these guns in the South for a long time and it produced a lot of great shooters. These would be a bit hard to tote far into the woods, but would take anything that could be seen from the back porch.

Sort of the stock car racing of the shooting world. Something that the boys did for fun that just kept evolving and growing. It went beyond the hunting concept and was all about one upping the neighbors.

Bevel Up and Bevel Down generally discuss these guns and events in their Muzzle Blasts column.

CS

 

[davy]

Hey CS I am not familiar with Jerry Noble's literature and I am interested in learning more about the Southern rifles .. can you point me to where I can find his books or articles? I would mucho appreciate it! :g

Thanx

Davy

 

[CrackStock]

Jerry published his own books and they are available at 309 582-2852 between 8:30 and 10:00 PM Central.

Nothing against Jerry, because I enjoy talking to him and value his work, but these books are not literature. They are catalogs of builders, events, accouterments and guns which are compiled to show what really existed.

I have all 3 and refer to them at times like a kid in a candy store. I am particularly fond of the Matthew Gillespie and Bearden guns.

I would start with book #3. I would also ask if he has a new one coming out as he was contemplating a color edition with more emphasis on photos.

CS

 

[davy]

Thanx for the info CS.. any idee on the cost of these bad boys? :g
Davy

 

[Wehrmacht]

I think they'll run you about 38-40 dollars,and well worth it. If you are interested in Southern rifles I also suggest Dennis Glazener's book,The Gillespie Gun Makers Of East Fork NC. Dennis and Jerry are both great fellows and very knowledgable in their field.

I've looked at and handled dozens of original Southern Mountain rifles, have a couple,and most have fairly heavy barrels. John and James Gillespie made rifles in my home county in North Georgia back in the 1840's, and I've been successful in locating three of John's originals.One of these had a swamped barrel as pretty as any made in Pennsylvania.

 

[davy]

I have a question for you knowledgeble Southern Rifle guys... have you ever seen a Southern Rifle with the small rounded iron patch box (similar to the later period Hawken or English Sporting rifle type, instead of the banana or wooden patch styles? I am curious about this ... Appreciate any info .. thanx guys! If so ... any photos anywhere you know of?

Thanx

Davy