The Squire's new gun

[robinghewitt]

It takes TC cut agates which is good because if you don't get the flints placed just right it doesn't work.

The engraving is mostly hidden under a layer of cloudy varnish but very nice where it's exposed. May have been redone, if so then whoever did it did good. If I catch the light right you can see it

I'm going to try it out on Sunday, see if it blows up ::

What do you use to resharpen an agate? Is there some gizmo?

 

[Rebel]

You might be able to sharpen them with a course diamond file like they use for the Dura-flints. Nice looking gun by the way.

 

[makanaut]

Dont know about the agates, but that is a nice looking gun. Maybe you could post some more pics and tell some about it. I guess 1830'ish? Have fun shooting it.

 

[trent/OH]

Well, you can of course use both ends of the agate. After that you can use a two dollar bill. Buy another stone. I suppose you could use a lapidary saw to re-edge them, but they'd get a lot shorter in a real hurry. Agates never satisfied me, but if it's all that'll work on the lock, then you have to use them. What size does it use?

 

[arilar]

Squire,
A John Manton double-gun flint in that astonish good condition! :thumbsup:Why didnt I think of wishing that for Christmas-gift!! ::
Do you load it with frizzen closed, not using powder in pan to get a fast ignition?
Congratulation to a swell gun!! eace:
ARILAR :: :thumbsup:

 

[Rat]

Very unique...with the "Dragoon" shaped trigger guard!!!

Rat

 

[robinghewitt]

I haven't fired it yet. We did a Boxing day clay shoot but that was cartridge guns, muzzle loaders is first Sunday of the month and that's day after tomorrow.

I think I might just pretend it's nothing special, maybe forget I ever heard the name Manton :: ::

OTOH, taking your new toy to one of our ML clay shoots is the fastest way to find out everything that's wrong with it :crackup:

I have one pack of TC #7203 agates, didn't know there were other sizes. These could be 1/16" shorter for best, 3/16" shorter max. Too short and things start hitting the frizzen.

Can you really buy agates for $2 :thumbsup:

 

[robinghewitt]

Very unique...with the "Dragoon" shaped trigger guard!!!

I was a bit worried about the French bow at first, but it seems that's fairly normal for John.

 

[Musketeer]

Squire, be those damascus barrels I spy on that piece? I say, chop those barrels down to 14" and call it the "Mantonian Mauler"! :: By the way, could you tell us the bore size? :thumbsup:

 

[robinghewitt]

Over 28 inches of pure London damascene, plus the breeching ::

'tis a 16 gauge and I'd rather not saw it off unless you absolutely insist.

 

Robin, just knap the agates just like you would a knapped flint. I buy my agates for $1.75cad last time I bought. I rarely get less than 100 shots from one. Usually get 130 -150. 28" barrels eh!! cool. I have a line on a set of 28" 16g patterned steel barrels ( from Doug Miller) to make a sxs flint but thought they were a bit short. Perhaps not. The 12g I'm making now has 30.5" + the plugs. What is the length/gauge of the other sxs flints you have?

Cody

 

[robinghewitt]

What is the length/gauge of the other sxs flints you have?

It's getting late/early, I've been celebrating and they're all locked away, I'll measure them tomorrow.

A 28" 16 gauge is okay for post 1800, I suggest you bend over the top leaf on your pineapple, fit
a round tailed lock and call it 1810 :thumbsup:

BTW, Happy new year ::

 

[ben_tree]

beautiful, very jealous, how all goes to plan on sunday.

 

[kentucky bucky]

Santa must fly East to West and run out of the good stuff before he gets to Kentucky. My hat is off for being such a good boy last year. :master:

 

Lovely - stubb twist- looks like - Very nice indeed - and the lock's condition and appearance- what a wonderful treasure!
: When my bro tried Agates many years ago, he knapped them as normal for flint. Your locks appear that 5/8" or 5/8" square flint should work. You didn't say why you had to use agates- other then to get it to work? - no-comprendo
: Thankyou for sharing - Yes indeed - Happy New Year
Everyone!

 

[Musketeer]

I'd rather not saw it off unless you absolutely insist.

Oh, but I do, good sir! And...I want the resulting 14" stubbs mailed to me as proof! ::Seriously, I would never actually suggest the wanton hacksawing of such a lovely old piece! I hope all goes well. Have fun! :thumbsup: