Unknown Gun - .36 caliber

[Black Hand]

What you have now is a rifle with potential.
Yes - it is functional, but with a little work it could be functional and beautiful....

 

[don hepler]

:thumbsup: You are right on. Leave it as is and if you want a piece of art, there are plenty for sale.

Now, we need to see how it shoots and get after the turkeys, with a family heirloom.

I have done face lifts on guns of unknown origin, but I would hesitate on this rifle, due to it's history.

 

A kit rifle built by someone with little knowledge of rifle architecture/carving, assembly and finish. The 14 and the name on the top barrel flat appear to be done with a Dremel tool and a ball-shaped bit.

That was my point, but others seem to disagree.

 

It was probably put together in a basement with limited hand tools,and knowledge by a working man,with limited funds at his disposal.

Exactly. Nothing wrong with it, but it is what it is. :thumbsup:

 

[Black Hand]

It is a fine example of $800 in parts being made into a $200-400 rifle...

 

[don hepler]

If it were your dad's gun it would be worth 300. to me, if it were my dad's gun, it would be priceless.

 

[Black Hand]

If it were your dad's gun it would be worth 300. to me, if it were my dad's gun, it would be priceless.

This was given to me yesterday and belonged to my wife's late father. No idea where/when he obtained it or who sold/gave it to him.

What better tribute than transforming the rifle to its full potential....?

 

[kodiakmarine]

I like this rifle. It is a nice caliber for small game and for paper punching. I also like the look of it. Being handed down from someone you knew and loved also makes it special.

It looks like either a kit gun or a custom rifle made by someone who was just starting out in rifle making. I agree that the lock is a Siler. Bud Siler made his first lock around 1960 which means this rifle could not have been made before the early 60's. Most home craftsmen, and even some semi-custom and custom makers, were simply glad to have a high quality accurate copy of a genuine historical lock and put it on just about every type of rifle. Many folkes weren't so pc/hc aware at that time.

The trigger guard also appears to be a commercially made component in the Early Lancaster style as does the trigger. They are similar to those made by Jack Garner and might be his.

It appears to be what is often called an "Iron Mounted Pennsylvania". I'm not sure when IMP's became popular, but it was definitely later than the 60's.

This is a nice rifle and I would definitely prefer it to just about any factory rifle and also many semi-custom kit guns. You can enjoy shooting it while cherishing the memory of the one who handed it down. :thumbsup: - John

 

[hrchotaw]

One mans notion of its full potential,may vary! I think the owner asked about its value,age,etc. not how to revamp it!

 

[Black Hand]

One mans notion of its full potential,may vary! I think the owner asked about its value,age,etc. not how to revamp it!

Its value is low (due to poor workmanship) and its age is indeterminate (but certainly not antique - a kit/parts gun). Its actual value could be greatly increased but too many here seem determined to discourage the OP from actually increasing its value...

 

[RedFeather]

I tried looking up both Hoch and Heck in West Virginia. There are folks by that name there. You might see if some are in your locale. Often times, guns like yours hang around where they were made.

 

[mooman76]

It has character and I like it! I don't like pretty guns or knives that you are afraid to shoot because you might "scratch or ding" it.

 

[Black Hand]

To me, it looks like a 2x4 hacked to a rough stock shape with a barrel stuck to the top.

I make my guns and knives to be used and don't shed a tear if they get scratched or dinged. It is these signs of honest use that give them character...

 

[don hepler]

If there other family members, still living, now would be the time, to dig in and find more about the history, unless you don't feel comfortable with your wife's side of the family.

 

[hrchotaw]

Or it might look like a tool designed to be used,and not rubbed and admired. I do not believe all originals were perfect,as that is just not realistic.
I for one would like to welcome this new member,and tell him to enjoy his new rifle.WVU its a neat old gun and should bring you lots of enjoyment! :thumbsup:

 

[Black Hand]

Or it might look like a tool designed to be used,and not rubbed and admired. I do not believe all originals were perfect,as that is just not realistic.

I don't expect perfection, as perfection is an imaginary milestone. A gun such as the one shown would never had left the shop (any shop) of the period (or that of a reputable builder today) as it is NOT COMPLETED...

 

[Okie Hog]

Yep, i made several muzzleloaders from kits in the 1960s; all of them looked "incomplete". i also won a lot of matches with those "incomplete" guns. Won a good bit of coin too.

Not everyone is capable of building beautiful guns fit for fondling.

WVU, welcome to the site. You have a good gun there.

 

[Black Hand]

Yep, i made several muzzleloaders from kits in the 1960s; all of them looked "incomplete". i also won a lot of matches with those "incomplete" guns. Won a good bit of coin too.

Irrelevant...

Not everyone is capable of building beautiful guns fit for fondling.

Again - irrelevant. I'd expect complete as the absolute minimum...

 

[hrchotaw]

:bow:

 

[Zonie]

If anything is irrelevant in this topic I think bad mouthing the guns build quality fits the bill.

Had WVU asked about the guns architecture or build quality, your comments would be valid.

As he did not ask about these things, in my opinion, comments about the guns quality of build are not responsive to the questions he did ask.