Early, Late Lancaster Question

[Brian Jordan]

A search did not find exactly what I was after. In what time frame are early and late lancaster rifles divided. I understand that early rifles were wider at the butt, and heavier looking guns. Late style guns are slimmer..is this correct? What year would a late style rifle have been built?

[Jim Kibler]

These are just labels people have created.  In reality, the evolution of Lancaster longrifles, or longrifles in general, is more of a continuum.   

[rich pierce]

As Jim indicates, these are just labels, most often used by shops selling kits, that are not designed from a specific known original rifle, but reflect a regional style and general era.  Generally the "Early Lancaster" kits offered make a nice 1770's-1780's rifle, and the "Late Lancaster" kits are more 1790-1810-ish.  Unfortunately the "late Lancaster" kits are not usually suitable for a Fordney etc, but could be, with some parts substitution.

[Brian Jordan]

Thank You Fella's!!

[490roundball]

if you are close enough to visit the Landis Museum exhibit before it ends in a couple months, (or get the book )

you can see Lancaster rifles that cover the mnay decades.

http://www.landisvalleymuseum.org