AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: D. Taylor Sapergia on April 01, 2018, 09:21:04 PM
-
I finished my last consignment gun yesterday. It's a Pennsylvania fowling piece for a friend up North in ft. St. John, BC. Building this gun took almost exactly 100 hours, but there's another 100 in engraving. I admit to being very slow at it as I only do it when I have to, and that's about once a year. Thank you again John Schippers for your fantastic reference work "Engraving Historic Firearms".
This piece is stained with tannic acid/ferric nitrate, which takes full advantage of the wood's figure (curl). My photography on this one is an experiment using blue cloth as a background, and I have to say, it's not as good as when I use the mountain goat skins. Anyway, here is is ready for test firing...
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FjyhA5S%2F100_7898.jpg&hash=d443a5e4d16b66bbc275f89aae2c4b7272c5bfb5) (http://ibb.co/bVAKzn)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FdTJHkS%2F100_7892.jpg&hash=8bf8dbcfac45c51fc15f63f65d5fec16dbbe9f8c) (http://ibb.co/jkfmen)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FmxOiQS%2F100_7890.jpg&hash=cf5d36496be40d108fdcb6d6793c8723df1d37c1) (http://ibb.co/jH4CKn)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FjKcos7%2F100_7891.jpg&hash=7f004ec4ac8583cc647607b2dc6f85d113232cc3) (http://ibb.co/j3BsKn)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FdQD6en%2F100_7895.jpg&hash=939360b86df54002b72bb0034890c63cff4d3259) (http://ibb.co/jpHXKn)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FjKO6en%2F100_7902.jpg&hash=083f83838227e957bbfb09fcbe341e703130b9ac) (http://ibb.co/mjGgC7)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2Fdv7XKn%2F100_7904.jpg&hash=1854b5d9fc0e91b9cab5e540d0f777950b6019d3) (http://ibb.co/faR3QS)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2Fd3wben%2F100_7928.jpg&hash=9c98224043d1c274d3a6ce4924cae7ab41569b90) (http://ibb.co/jai05S)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FgRrWC7%2F100B7910.jpg&hash=bce81952f3155706c9eb23132beb8765d9314d8a) (http://ibb.co/mSn4X7)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FjGO05S%2F100_7929.jpg&hash=1c155277b84e0e7709eb24e8a89e36ef62724c1e) (http://ibb.co/esJYQS)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2Fe8WnkS%2F100_7924.jpg&hash=03280752e462c0da384f9ffcec8eb71078bdd6c4) (http://ibb.co/dbvDQS)
-
Fantastic work, as always from you Taylor! Especially like the engraving on the screw heads and the trigger plate! Nice touch.
Jeff
-
Not to skip saying nice gun, but I really like the blue cloth background. Good contrast without being distracting.
-
Good study of Schippers engraving style. That's a nice gun, nothing I don't like about it.
Hey, what's this about your "last" consignment gun? ???
-
Beautiful work, Taylor. Thanks for sharing.
Bob
-
That is a real beauty in all respects. I think the new owner will be very happy.
-
Wonderful work as usual!
-
Hi Taylor,
A real beauty!! I like the engraving on the trigger guard finial. Some folks refer to the "urn" as the first form of the acorn finial and you engraved it nicely perhaps with that in mind.
dave
-
Taylor,a wonderful job,the little details really make it special.Like the little engraving touches like the screw heads,great job.I too wonder about the word "last" like Mike said,of course if your making time to build yourself something special.....
-
Beautiful gun!
-
Thanks guys! By last I mean last. I've retired. I no longer take orders, though it has been tough to stick to...have had some interesting requests thanks to this site. I've been accumulating parts over the years; a few with each gun made and sold, to put together some really neat guns for myself. I have at least a dozen builds I've planned and have in mind for myself. I'll be seventy this year, and though I am in excellent health, I cannot say for how long it will last. So I've retired.
I still have a couple of small jobs to clear away but no builds. My last build is # 114, a far cry from the proliferation some of you have produced. I am happy to have been able to fill the needs of a lot of fine people, and feel confident that we all are happy.
I'll be posting pics of another Kibler mountain rifle soon. I have a friend who comes over every Wednesday evening for two hours, and we work on his rifle. The Kibler is a very relaxing way to spend some evenings. This Wednesday, we assemble the rifle, stock finished, and metal browned.
-
Beautiful Fowler you have build Taylor, much to fine for use hehe ;)
Runar
-
Taylor, The whole thing is beautiful, your shell carving is very nice, the wood is really nice, but I have to say , your engraving "stole the show" . Super Job! Can`t wait to see some of your personal projects. Very Nice!!! Nate
-
Gorgeous gun Taylor, love it. Congratulations on your retirement, go have all the fun. your work is your legacy, and it shines.
While I can't chose any one thing that I like more than any other on this latest rifle I do think the architecture is spot on (that wrist is exceptional) and your engraving perfect for the era and style. That barrel browning is extremely nice, I really like it.
Cheers
dave
-
Beautifully done Taylor, your multitude of Talents, all Well done, have always amazed me. Look forward to seeing what you do for yourself.
Tim
PS: Good luck with retirement ;) TC
-
Beautiful gun, everything looks just right.
-
Mr. Sarpergia,
I like your work and your engraving very much.
On May 02 in 2017 I had my first topic on ALR and you gave me a reaction,
and told that you know Hans Muller in The Netherlands.
In the summer of 2017 I visited Hans Muller, after he contacted me and asked me to visit him.
He just had been operated at his back and had to learn walking again.
He showed me locks on full scale and everything to make a real rifle.
He also showed me a patch box and told that you had engraved it for him.
As you can see it is a small world after all.
I think you made the right choice to make things you like, for yourself.
You have helped me a lot and I hope you will keep on with giving the positive critique.
Enjoy!
Adrie
-
Lovely work Taylor!
Engraving so crisp and clean . Altogether a Fantastic job!
Use your retirement to full advantage. :-)
Very best,
Richard.
-
For all you new builders out there...... this is how it's done.
We tend to shy away from kits, but this is how one can turn out.
When I grow up, I wanna be like Taylor!
-
Taylor your work always inpresses me. Everything on this gun I like.
Enjoy your retirement...! Oldtravler
-
It's a good thing winter's almost over...otherwise I'd have to go out and buy new hats! I appreciate the feedback. Quinn is a special friend...he already has four of my guns so this makes five. That's one good reason why I spent the extra time on this one - I wanted it to be special. And he's waited too long for me to get to this project. I trust his wait will have been worth it. Again, many thanks. Daryl's anxious to go out and shoot it.
-
Enjoy your retirement Taylor,do all the things put on the back burner.Thinking all the critters you enjoy hunting aren't to thrilled with the extra time you will have ;)
-
I was doing some last minute tuning to improve trigger pull, so while I had the lock apart, I engraved the cock screw. The image is a little blurry but my excuse is my poor vision...couldn't tell it was out of focus in the 1 1/2" square screen of my old digital camera. My right eye (shooting eye) gets a new lens soon...look out boys!
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FnLvujn%2F100_7962.jpg&hash=8df9b4289f52066be1b602e655b6eb8cf6d0201d) (http://ibb.co/eMWBVS)
-
Beautiful work Taylor, inspiring work for all that view this lovely Fowler.
-
it's just beautiful.
-
Absolutely STUNNING.
-
Lovely tang carving. The shape is perfect to my eye.
-
Another world class job and I'll bet a very happy new owner.
I hit 82 last Tueday,27 March and keep telling myself I am retired
but then I remember what the old American news man Paul Harvey said when
asked if he was going to retire and he said "NO I will not retire because that is
only practicing up to be dead". I still take on an order once in a while but more
and more time is being spent out of the shop and I no longer even think of a
schedule.
Bob Roller
-
Lovely tang carving. The shape is perfect to my eye.
+1 on that. I wish could draw worth a hoot because I'd copy that and digitalize it in a heart beat. It make a great template.
-
Lovely job on the Fowler, Taylor, your friend Quinn will be ecstatic I'm certain! John Schippers would be proud as well. Your engraving is simply beautiful.
Wow, 114 guns! I hope I get that many under my belt, I think the one I just finished was #5.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Curtis
-
Beautiful !
-
One lucky Eskimo!
-
Rich, that's funny! His wife is actually part Inuit (Eskimo), but he's not.
Thanks again fellows. I must again give credit to John Schippers for his designs, both in the engraving and the shell carving at the wrist. His book is loaded with choices...
-
Excellent work as usual, Taylor! Love the lock! Those Chambers Fowler’s are a lot of fun, and all that metal is an empty canvas begging to be adorned. Beautiful work!
Ed
-
You are both craftsman and artist. That longrifle is truly wonderful and gives other builders something to shoot for (no pun intended).
-
Gorgeous engraving Taylor. I'm a year older than you are and plan on living forever. We're moving from a suburban house in Lancaster, PA to a Xmas tree farm in Hagerstown, MD. We've gutted the house and added on. been working on it for 3 years now. Wayyy upsizing. Everything is overgrown with honeysuckle and the landscaping will take another 3 years i figure. And I'm still going to build though there are only so many hours in the day. Bill
-
Up to your usual (excellent) standards Taylor.
I really like that wood finishing process. Lovely. God bless, Marc
-
It's a good thing winter's almost over...otherwise I'd have to go out and buy new hats! I appreciate the feedback. Quinn is a special friend...he already has four of my guns so this makes five. That's one good reason why I spent the extra time on this one - I wanted it to be special. And he's waited too long for me to get to this project. I trust his wait will have been worth it. Again, many thanks. Daryl's anxious to go out and shoot it.
Eat your hearts out boys.
It is going to be a special time, for sure. What a lovely piece of work and dedication! It feels SOOOOO good in the hands.
-
Taylor, I just noticed no engraving on the frizzen and feather spring screws - they stand out plain jane. :o ;)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.ibb.co%2Fjs8TGc%2F100_7962.jpg&hash=d76595c805e1d7029652f107c6e5fe5a04a659a0) (http://ibb.co/eiVx9x)
-
I've enjoyed your posts I love the rifle
I hope you enjoy your retirement
I've been retired for six months and it is something to get used to
Building for yourself is very relaxing
Paul
-
Yesterday, Quinn and his bride drove to PG to pick up his fowling piece, test fire it, and to visit. All three were accomplished. Here's a few images of yesterday afternoon at the range.
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FhGmeXS%2F100_8063.jpg&hash=20d1fd6554155b173715fc1e39145ba2a2c1756a) (http://ibb.co/nd6Pz7)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FhVQHK7%2F100_8061.jpg&hash=72de02ee35e22d8929a4c82654c08ee6a651c34d) (http://ibb.co/c6Mre7)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2Fm0JtsS%2F100_8062.jpg&hash=08abcc7cd4023a85a7f9fb8bd2f436cf6012caec) (http://ibb.co/cOKNmn)
Tow of these are Daryl test firing and the other is the owner from Ft. St. John, BC. Yes, that's snow on the range...lots of it. I expect most will be gone before the weather becomes cold again.
-
That is an outstanding rifle, beautiful in every way. Kudos!
-
I was doing some last minute tuning to improve trigger pull, so while I had the lock apart, I engraved the cock screw. The image is a little blurry but my excuse is my poor vision...couldn't tell it was out of focus in the 1 1/2" square screen of my old digital camera. My right eye (shooting eye) gets a new lens soon...look out boys!
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpreview.ibb.co%2FnLvujn%2F100_7962.jpg&hash=8df9b4289f52066be1b602e655b6eb8cf6d0201d) (http://ibb.co/eMWBVS)
That's not fair Taylor. It's hard to beat you when you had a poor eye. Incidentally, I heard eye patches are mandatory at Heffley now for people from PG...
-
I would be proud to own a rifle that you have made.
Most excellent.
Fleener
-
Wow ,that is gorgeous!
-
Shooting that gun was fun, boys. It had REALLY fast ignition and we were able to make some good groups, mind you it was only at 25 meters.
-
Wonderful rifle and super engraving but my eye really likes what was done to the barrel in that last photo. Haven’t seen that yet in my new fascination with muzzleloaders.
-
Tracker: I am assuming you are referring to the filing at the octagon/round transition. I simply filed the corners off the flats for about 4 1/2" aft of the wedding band, to create 16 flats rather than eight. The barrel is rust browned., though blued looks good too.
-
Superb work!
-
That'd be the best reason ever to drive over the pine pass. I am pretty sure I bead blasted and duracoated something ugly for your friend a decade or so ago. A man who knows huntin guns.
Thanks for sharing.