Tennessee rifle information

[Tony Lucero]

Folks, being about as new to this game as a person can be, I know just enough to be a danger to myself and others. :winking: Can anyone out there recommend a source for information on Tennessee rifles? Specificaly, pictures, dates of manufacture, common aspects of their construction and style, general history, etc. The more I see, the more I really like the simple yet elegant style of these rifles. I've never built a rifle before but I'm seriously considering giving this a shot and want to do my homework first. Thanks a bunch in advance for your help.

 

Hey sixgun...

I'm sorry I can't offer you any particular information on books, pictures and such, but, I too prefer the simplicity and "working mans" look of the southern mountain rifles. I'm confident someone on here has sources of information on them. I'm looking forward to seeing them so I can follow up also. Good luck in your search.

Vic

 

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

Sixgun,

This might be helpful if yer thinkin' of makin' one from a kit...

TOTW ( Track of the Wolf )

 

[Donny]

:hmm: I have "Guns and Gunmaking Tools of Southern Appalachia" by John Rice Irwin. The only one I am aware of. :shocking: There are some photos of real mt. rifles. Some are damn ugly, crude, and some can have beautiful lines. The snooty upper crust collector calls this style "degenerate". I like this type of rifle,if not too crude.

 

[tg]

I believe Whiskers books on Carolina and Virginia guns shows some post 1800 "Southern Guns" the dateing is tricky and you usuaully have to cross reference the time frame of the builders life time to get an idea when the gun was made, this info is often covered in these books.

 

[Gary]

Jerry Noble wrote two paperback books. It's something like "Notes on the Southern Rifle" and comes in 2 volumes. There's plenty of pictures but they seem to be the later style gun (not surprising considering how many were seized and destroyed during the Civil War). If I ever find his phone #, I'll post it.

 

[Herb]

Gary- I just visited Jerry Noble in Aledo, Illinois two months ago. He really enjoys visiting. I bought his two books two years ago but gave them to Neill. I also have his phone number but will have to look for it. He is not into computers so doesn't see this site or have E-mail.

 

[Tony Lucero]

Thanks for the info, folks. I do appreciate it. Several references here to check.

 

Steve Bookouts site ,toad hall,or Gillspie rifles T Dennis. I too like the mountian rifles. Pure American and nice shooters too. Check Muzzleloadermag link section.

 

[Zonie]

Has anyone seen any pictures of John Selvidge's guns?
John Selvidge was a gunmaker in the 1835-1845s and lived at Harris Creek, Bradley County, Tenn.
In Dillions The Kentucky Rifle There are several pictures of his tools, rifleing machine etc, but no pictures of any of his rifles.

My interest stems from having worked with his Great, Great, Great? (I don't know how many greats to use) Grandson (also a Selvidge) for a number of years.
Our working together, and his love of guns has caused me to want to build a Tennessee style rifle, but I want it to look like one that his Great...Grandfather made.

 

[Herb]

Sixgun- Track of Wolf's catalog shows two Tennessee rifles. Pecatonica River Long Rifle Supply Co. shows 3 and gives a good description of each. I have visited Steve Bookout a couple of times, last just two months ago, and he builds his family rifle, but I can't remember where from, some southern mountain rifle. He has a web site, Toad Hall Forge or some such. Easy to visit with.

 

[Herb]

Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading, Inc. also makes a nice Tennesse rifle, as well as 11 other styles. Completed, in the white, or custom kits. I've seen their rifles up at the Fort Bridger Rendezvous and am much impressed by their quality and low price. www.avsia.com/tvm. They have a good catalog for $5. I've done business with their partner business, Tennesse Valley Manufacturing, Jack Garner, and am very pleased with his materials and work.