Christian's Spring Short Barrel Gun

[TommyG]

I finished up this short barrel Christian’s Spring gun for my son.  He’ll be using it to hunt our PA Flintlock seasons.  Places we hunt are tight and nasty, 60 yd shot would be a poke.  He wanted something short & easy to handle.  I sort of used my imagination a bit on this gun, but tried to stay as close to what is historically documented for the era (1765-1775) as well.  My thinking is that it could have been possible a German immigrant(could have been one of mine ) needed to have had their short barreled gun restocked at the shop in Christian’s Spring - maybe, but probably not.  Like I said, I used my imagination.
  I used the RCA 43 Albrecht gun as a guide for the basic architecture.  The carving and engraving are a mix of Albrecht & Oerter’s work.  I am pleased with the way it turned out.  If it shoots as well as it carries and shoulders, I couldn’t ask for more.

58 cal Ed Rayl barrel
Chambers early Germanic lock
Buttplate – TOW early
Trigger Guard - Reaves #22
Triggers - Davis Jaeger
Sideplate, Thimbles, Nosecap & inlay from sheet

Thanks for looking,  TommyG

[Tim Crosby]

 A Beauty, that is what I need instead of hauling around 'ole Long Tom. What length is the barrel?

  Thanks, Tim

[TommyG]

Tim - it's a 26" barrel

[nemovir]

I must concur with Tim Crosby, what is the weight on her?

[rich pierce]

Great looking rifle.

[smart dog]

It is a beauty, Tom.  Are you sure its for your son or your old age?

dave

[hanshi]

That's a gorgeous jaeger/Christian Springs rifle.  I do love those jaegers.

[TommyG]

Thanks guys.  It weighs in at just under 8.5 lbs.  Dave, I thought about just what you said, but it's for him.  Sight plane a bit short for my eyes, but maybe I just might have to order a 28 or 30" barrel and build one for me.

[goodtime7]

Very nice all around.  Really like the color and finish on your rifle.  If this is a appropriate question, would you mind sharing how you got such a nice color/finish?  Thanks.   Bruce

[smart dog]

Thanks guys.  It weighs in at just under 8.5 lbs.  Dave, I thought about just what you said, but it's for him.  Sight plane a bit short for my eyes, but maybe I just might have to order a 28 or 30" barrel and build one for me.

Hi Tom,
By the time you need to carry that gun, you won't be able to see the sights anyway.
dave

[TommyG]

Hi Bruce,  I don't mind sharing my finish recipe at all.  First, I always work the finish out on scraps from the stock I am building.  Here is what I used.
1 part Ferric Nitrate crystals mix with 3 parts Denatured Alcohol - 2 coats then blush w/ heat
wash with Amonia
1 coat Danglers red/brown stain mixed 2 parts stain, 1 part DA
Rub back to desired tone with 4/0 steel wool
Top coats were 7 coats of Chambers oil. 
I flood the first coat and rub back using 4/0.
The second and third coats are put on with my finger but not wiped.  I use a rottenstone parrafin oil mix on a toothbrush and rub back after the second and third coat.
Coats 4,5,6 & 7 are applied with finger and wiped.
Rub back after coat 7 with the rottenstone/parrafin/toothbrush.
Apply a coat of dark brown Bri-wax
It is very important to give the oil plenty of time to dry properly before applying the next coat.  I think I let it set 5-6 days before rubbing out coat 7 and applying the wax.

[Curtis]

Very nice rifle with crisp, clean lines Tommy.  It's a beaut!

Curtis

[goodtime7]

Thanks for the stock finish tips.  I have some wood scraps from my current build that I will test to see what results I get on my wood.    Bruce

[alacran]

Thank you for posting. That's a fine looking rifle. I believe that will be the perfect tree stand rifle, for the very reasons that you mention.
 I have a project in the parts acquisition stage, that is going to be similar.
I have a 25 inch .60 cal Rayl swamped barrel, and a Paradox walnut blank to put it in. Most likely I will use the Chambers lock you used.
However I do plan to make mine a German gun.   
Your rifle has inspired me to put more effort into my project.

[t.caster]

Beautiful work that nails the CS style! Now you need a sling on it for climbing trees or ladders!