Unmarked .36 percussion rifle

[Tanselman]

This rifle resembles the work of Charles Wing of Fayette County, IN, working the in 1850s. He used good quality curly maple, slender stocks with 3 ramrod pipes, rounded cheekpieces, and perhaps most importantly, over-sized side-facings that extended well in front and behind the lock plate as on this rifle, with the back-end drooping down significantly. However, on the couple guns I've seen, while his side-facings have the same general shape of this rifle, the rear end is more rounded while this gun is pointed. But still, a lot of similarities.

Shelby Gallien

 

[RockingKJ]

This rifle resembles the work of Charles Wing of Fayette County, IN, working the in 1850s. He used good quality curly maple, slender stocks with 3 ramrod pipes, rounded cheekpieces, and perhaps most importantly, over-sized side-facings that extended well in front and behind the lock plate as on this rifle, with the back-end drooping down significantly. However, on the couple guns I've seen, while his side-facings have the same general shape of this rifle, the rear end is more rounded while this gun is pointed. But still, a lot of similarities.

Shelby Gallien

Thanks. The circle punching at the muzzle is purely decorative and was thinking maybe that could be a clue to maker too.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Why would any factory make a percussion gun lock without a half-cock???
This gun is not the first one I have heard about lacking that feature.

Many original rifles were made without a half cock notch.

 

[smoothshooter]

Many original rifles were made without a half cock notch.

I know that, but I was wondering why?

 

[Uncle Miltie]

I know that, but I was wondering why?

Wasn't needed. Different way of being back then. We do things differently now.
But I will tell you on the range and at matches I have no need for a half cock notch. On the line I pull the hammer to full cock, prime or cap and fire. Hammer stays down on flintlock during cleaning and loading.
With percussion I remove the fired cap then leave the hammer down.

 

[IanH]

I think it would be bothersome to try to prime a flintlock, especially from the main horn, without setting the cock to at least a halfcock position. On percussion guns I could see easily doing without the feature.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

I think it would be bothersome to try to prime a flintlock, especially from the main horn, without setting the cock to at least a halfcock position. On percussion guns I could see easily doing without the feature.

I prime with the hammer at fullcock.

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

Man, what a beauty!!!! MUCH giggity.