What style (if any) of rifle is this ?

[Sully]

I bought this rifle and i am just curious if it falls into any particular style or not. It has a .50 cal 32" Green mtn barrel,7/8" across the flats has a small Siler lock and is mounted in silver. It weighs in at 6 1/2 lbs.

 

[rich pierce]

Looks like a real handy, well made rifle. But it doesn't resemble originals I know of. It has a 1780's lock, an 1820's buttplate and guard, and is short for a fullstock. If the lock was replaced with a Chambers Late Ketland or something similar, it would be closer to a later period Indian trade rifle, but still very short and lightweight. And the German silver furniture is unusual. That being said, should be a great hunting rifle you can carry all day.

 

[Sully]

I pretty much thought it was a hienz 57 when I bought it.When I first picked it up, I couldn't believe how light it was and how well it shouldered for me. It is pretty short, 47 1/2 " overall. Thanks for the info.

 

[hanshi]

Personally, I don't care one way or another about PC or any of that. I just want a flint rifle that is reliable and satisfies ME. You have a marvelous woods deer rifle, and if you ever think it's nothing but garbage, just send it to me and I will be happy to dispose of it for you.

Your nice rifle weighs about the same as my .45x38" Lancaster and that little rifle has accounted for more than it's share of deer. Treasure that little gun and enjoy it.

 

[Ken Cormier]

nice looking gun just shoot it lol

 

[rancher]

Looks like it would be a joy to carry.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Can't really see the rear site very well, but from this angle, it looks like it was made for long shots, or is that a full buckhorn rear site?
Nice rifle!!

 

[trent/OH]

I pretty much thought it was a hienz 57 when I bought it.When I first picked it up, I couldn't believe how light it was and how well it shouldered for me. It is pretty short, 47 1/2 " overall. Thanks for the info.

Sounds like you already figured out a name for your rifle...... Heinz!

 

[curator]

Sully,

Your rifle follows the pattern of the "southeastern" trade rifles of the 1820-45 period. These rifles were made by several gun manufacturers in Pennsylvania for the US Government as well as commercial tarding companies. They were usually given to the Indians at various treaty meetings prior to the Indian Removal or Trail of Tears. The Indians preferred flintlocks but the Government boys want them to have percussion guns so they would be forced to their trading posts. Check out the book "For Trade and Treaty" to see pictures of similar guns.

 

[Sully]

Thank you for the information. I will check it out ,thanks.

 

I agree with Curator about it looking most like a rifle supplied to Native Americans except for being a flinter. By requiring caplocks the government had a form of "gun control" as caps had to be purchased. From what I can tell in the photos, the buttstock is Bedford County school but the stock from the lock forward is too thick. As others have said, enjoy it. I'm willing to bet it shoots just as good as a rifle that is period/style correct.

John