AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: smallpatch on October 01, 2024, 09:12:05 PM

Title: Jacob Kuntz buttplate
Post by: smallpatch on October 01, 2024, 09:12:05 PM
I’ve been collecting parts for this rifle for some time, but as of yet, have not been able to find a buttplate similar to the one on that famous rifle in the Met. I have 3 different ones, and none fill the bill.

All the normal Lehigh buttplates have a shorter, narrower return on the buttplate, and a smaller heel projection.
Can anyone who has built this gun enlighten me to something that will work?
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Jacob Kuntz buttplate
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on October 01, 2024, 10:58:54 PM
Hi Dane!  I went through my notes I made when I built my Jacob Kuntz rifle and discover that I didn't record the casting I used for the butt plate, but Im sure it came from TOW.  I referenced my collection of photos of Kuntz rifles and compared them with what TOW offered, and chose the one closest to the photos.  It has a sheathe type return.  But even harder was the trigger guard!  There is nothing close, so I bought two castings and used the best parts of the two of them to fabricate an appropriate guard.  I cut and silversoldered until I had enough metal to file out what I wanted.  My rifle was a compilation of the two rifles in  the MET.
If you have contact info for Eric Von Auschwege, he may be able to make suggestions.  I know he carved a wooden guard with the intentions of casting some that are correct.
Here's mine...in 2009, the judges at Dixon's Fayre saw fit to award this rifle 1st in Master's class.




(https://i.ibb.co/D45x9sc/DSCN4123.jpg) (https://ibb.co/31BDpG6)

(https://i.ibb.co/vkJXfNF/DSCN4158.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DQ7rmBJ)
Title: Re: Jacob Kuntz buttplate
Post by: smylee grouch on October 01, 2024, 11:24:20 PM
I have one along with the TG cast by E. V, A off the MET rifle.
Title: Re: Jacob Kuntz buttplate
Post by: Daryl on October 01, 2024, 11:44:16 PM
That rifle Taylor posted is a dang hard rifle to beat when he's shooting it.
.40 cal.