Squirrel Rifle what style and caliber?

[Swede50]

I have been thinking about building a squirrel rifle.
I would like to use a flint lock but would not be opposed to using a percussion.
I need to keep the weight down so the barrel will need to be lighter if possible.
What would you suggest for a kit not some cheap foreign made but something I can be proud to carry in the field.

I bought a Traditions 32cal Crockett rifle it was light to carry but when I tried a cap it would not fire.
I took it back to Sportsman’s Warehouse and tried two others with the same results got my money back and went home empty handed.
Later I learned that their locks were not made all the good and their kits are not inexpensive either considering the quality.

 

[rabjr]

Swede, first thing I would do is look into what was used in my area way back when. It may not be important to do that to you but the history involved and researching the guns/makers is something special and fun to do. If you like history at all you'd get into it. From there I would settle on a good representation of a gun used back then in your area and either look into gathering parts or talk to a builder and either have him build it for me or build it "in the white" for me to finish.

I've done it and have spent some wonderful time with a one of kind squirrel rifle and wish others could realize what I went through from start to finish with that project. :thumbsup: Unfortunately the cost is prohibitive for some and thats to bad. Theres nothin like a well fitted custom flinter to play with.

Good luck in your search. :thumbsup:

 

[BrownBear]

I really admire the photos I've seen of a halfstock with a wooden underrib you have Swampie. Is that the one you're talking about?

If you can go the freight, Swede50, look at the in-the-white Southerns and Tennessees and their poorboy variations at TVM. They're in the $850-$950 range and available down to 32 cal. Twice the price of the Crockett, but way more than twice the gun for the money.

 

[rabjr]

Yep! :thumbsup: Posted in huntin forum about burnin some powder with her today as a matter of fact. :thumbsup:

 

I'm finishing up a .32 Southern. from Stonewall Creek Outfitters components, With my own Butt plate, thimbles, sights, and a tweaked, trigger guard, and modified L&R Bailes lock. Right now it's just under 6 pounds with a 3/4" Rayle barrel, and I'm not done removing wood. Even with a straight barrel it balances nicely. Already shot two squirrels, while in the white, regulating the sights. Want to be more frugal, make it a barn, or Schimmel. No butt plate, two thimbles, and a sheet brass guard. Troy at Stonewall can fix you up.

Bill

 

[Erzulis boat]

I like a simple and robust squirrel rifle myself.

My latest build is .36 cal. (waiting on the barrel)with a straight 13/16 octagonal barrel. I will leave it 42" or I might chop it around 40".

The stock is "semi-fancy" Maple, a little bit of curl here and there. I am going to strategically mix iron/brass hardware. The triggerguard will follow the wrist closely so it is very comfortable to carry all day on hot dusty California trails.

I went .36 on this one because the .32 limits me in a way, we have coyotes that can be spotted on occasion, and I want a coyote option that the .32 is a bit light for IMO. Coyote shots around here are close, and rarely exceed 25 yards.

It will be percussion, and the lock is a large Chambers Siler. I want a no muss/no fuss all day hunter for this one. I like my flinters, but for shooting rabbits and squirrels all day, I want the ease of a caplock.