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General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: B.Barker on August 02, 2019, 05:42:01 AM

Title: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 02, 2019, 05:42:01 AM
Started this .32 Tennessee rifle two weeks ago tomorrow. I hope to have it done by the CLA but may only be ready for the finish. The rifle has an "A" weight Rice barrel on it and a Chambers late Ketland lock. It's so slim I couldn't use store bought triggers and had to make an extra low profile set. I hope to get the long tang made and brazed onto the breach plug tomorrow. I spent three days working on the triggers and still don't have them heat treated. I did have to take some time out to mow the lawn today so that slowed me up some. Did manage to get a ram rod whittled out today along with trigger work.
(https://i.ibb.co/8YDPW0h/DSCN3751.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bbgNSPf)

(https://i.ibb.co/0G689Xy/DSCN3757.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9r1z4vH)

(https://i.ibb.co/2WWSWT4/DSCN3760.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Jmmqm9J)

(https://i.ibb.co/PM6VGpN/DSCN3764.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8b7Qg30)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Greg Pennell on August 02, 2019, 06:07:12 AM
Brian, that’s sure shaping up to be a trim little beauty...and bound to be a shooter as well!  Hope to see it either finished or not, at the show.

Greg
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Bob McBride on August 02, 2019, 06:33:49 AM
A Tennessee Squirrel gun is my weakness and this long legged girl looks to be a beaut. Very nice.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: David R. Pennington on August 02, 2019, 01:54:37 PM
Looking good. Love iron mounted guns. Triggers are fun to make. Yours look great.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: hudson on August 02, 2019, 04:19:21 PM
Love the nice clean lines.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: bama on August 02, 2019, 06:35:43 PM
Brian, that is going to be a looker for sure and a fine toten rifle. Going to put a smile on somebodies face.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: okieboy on August 02, 2019, 07:51:00 PM
 A question about making your triggers; it appears that the area of the plate where the adjustment screw goes through is thinner than the thickness of the plate. How do you remove material from this area, milling, forging, other?
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: hanshi on August 02, 2019, 10:43:06 PM
That is sure going to be a trim beauty when it's finished.  What you think it will weigh?
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 03, 2019, 05:40:06 AM
Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Okieboy I use a flat graver and files to thin out the plate between the triggers.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: okieboy on August 03, 2019, 06:58:56 AM
 A flat graver. That must have been some work!
 Thanks for the information.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 06, 2019, 05:26:07 AM
Made and inlet the over the comb tang today. I don't really enjoy doing these but I like how they look when they are finished.
(https://i.ibb.co/Xb0n1zz/DSCN3766.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vHyNpJJ)

(https://i.ibb.co/yPckXkm/DSCN3768.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xLtgDgK)

(https://i.ibb.co/x7rRNLb/DSCN3769.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CHSTf8y)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Cades Cove Fiddler on August 06, 2019, 06:43:57 AM
 8) 8)... Well done, Brian..... anything worth doing well is worth doing properly,... gotta have that tang for a proper upper East Tennessee look,... you got it right,... !!!!
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 06, 2019, 06:47:11 AM
I'd rather go see the dentist than do these. :D
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Tim on August 06, 2019, 06:58:37 AM
That rifle will be sweet. Great work.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Daryl on August 06, 2019, 07:13:01 AM
Oh yeah- that is nice. I would not take the barrel off to clean that rifle - however, if one was able to hide a hooked breech - BLASPHEMY, you say?
I had one - looked like a normal flint breech, but the plug had a peg fitting into an octagonal hole in the back of the tang's vertical boss.
 ;)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Greg Pennell on August 06, 2019, 03:50:03 PM
The lollipop tangs are hard enough...those over the comb jobs would have me headed to the liquor cabinet...🥃. Looks like you’re on the home stretch now, though. Can’t wait to check it out in person at the show!

Greg
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 07, 2019, 03:28:41 AM
Nose cap and lock bolt washer today. Should of had more done but I got lazy. Hope to get patch box and toe plate tomorrow and may redo the washer because I don't quite like how it looks. Should have most everything wrapped up by the end of the week and start putting on the finish next week.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 07, 2019, 03:31:25 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/kKBZNvF/DSCN3771.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tBKRVF5)

(https://i.ibb.co/6sCw9pw/DSCN3770.jpg) (https://ibb.co/s3YRxDR)

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(https://i.ibb.co/9H1gMr9/DSCN3773.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GQ8ph5v)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Cades Cove Fiddler on August 07, 2019, 05:37:45 PM
 ;) ;)... Gonna be another great one, Brian,... several styles of sideplates were used in that region,... I personally like the style in enclosed photos,...have seen in both iron and brass...I think you used this on one a few years back,...(my favorite rifle of yours),....  :D :D :D
(https://i.ibb.co/LzSz4sz/IMG-0661.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VWVWXkW)

(https://i.ibb.co/SRRYMj8/IMG-0662.jpg) (https://ibb.co/syyxNfG)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 09, 2019, 04:15:16 AM
Now she's starting to look like a rifle. I forged and inlet the trigger guard today but still need to file it out. Hope to get that done tomorrow and get the patch box lid made up.
(https://i.ibb.co/mGQ9bBt/DSCN3774.jpg) (https://ibb.co/80FrNB2)

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Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Marcruger on August 09, 2019, 05:32:46 AM
Going to be a looker for sure....
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 09, 2019, 11:49:57 PM
Trigger guard with the loop closed up and the patch box made. The patch box should be inlet before I head for the bed tonight. Now I need to make the sights and install a vent liner.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 09, 2019, 11:52:11 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/MpsLzCw/DSCN3777.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5v6VQRp)

(https://i.ibb.co/9wWRyYT/DSCN3779.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4spB4NT)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Stoner creek on August 10, 2019, 12:44:30 AM
This one needs to go to Cade’s Cove!!!
What say there Dana?????
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 15, 2019, 05:16:39 AM
Been working some long days but just couldn't get it finished for the CLA. It will be on my table so folks that make it to Lexington can stop by and see it.
(https://i.ibb.co/tX9R82p/DSCN3785.jpg) (https://ibb.co/74qh2pt)

(https://i.ibb.co/ydbrXJL/DSCN3784.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jb1STF7)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Mike Lyons on August 15, 2019, 05:20:07 AM
Beautiful rifle Brian.  That’s definitely one of my favorites. 
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: t.caster on August 15, 2019, 11:04:09 PM
Beautiful work! Does it have just one lock screw? Looks like the front one is just a wood screw.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 16, 2019, 06:45:32 AM
Yep only one lock screw. Many of the southern rifles had just one.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on August 30, 2019, 04:17:17 AM
Took a week off after the CLA show to visit with my nephew and help him with some projects. Still not finished but it's close
(https://i.ibb.co/HDXTN3W/DSCN3790.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MD9k8QY)

(https://i.ibb.co/4RKrths/DSCN3791.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F4mT3Rs)

(https://i.ibb.co/qjdDV5R/DSCN3793.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8s0mtcj)

(https://i.ibb.co/JstZ70T/DSCN3797.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rw096Th)

(https://i.ibb.co/ch96fBB/DSCN3799.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TMG4jff)

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Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: westbrook on August 31, 2019, 06:47:35 PM
Beauty of a rifle!!
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Marcruger on August 31, 2019, 11:11:11 PM
Just enough and not too much.  A beauty for sure.  God Bless,   Marc
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Cades Cove Fiddler on September 01, 2019, 01:41:21 AM
 8) 8) 8)... Well done, Brian,... you do better each time,... !!! ... the breech tang and patch-box scream Unicoi County,....  I believe Misters Bean, Beals, and Lawing would approve,... !!!... you sure did it this time,..... CONGRATS,... !!!! .... regards,... Cades Cove Fiddler,.........
 
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: flinter49 on September 01, 2019, 03:54:13 PM
Nice rifle, well done.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: BOB HILL on September 02, 2019, 05:15:56 AM
Fine rifle, Brian. Thanks for posting. 
Bob
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Terry Reynolds on September 03, 2019, 02:30:46 AM
Fine looking rifle Brian! Had my .36 cal. Out this morning....ain’t nothing like a good squirrel rifle.
(https://i.ibb.co/K97W3SD/C24-F6-E71-E538-4054-BF0-B-4-D6-E902-CF88-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HrYqk3C)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on September 07, 2019, 08:50:39 PM
I'm hoping to get this rifle out in the woods. Don't know if I can hit a squirrel with open sights with my eyes though.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Jim Kibler on September 08, 2019, 09:48:04 PM
Sweet rifle, Brian!  Thanks for showing the build.

Jim
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Robby on September 08, 2019, 10:09:45 PM
I really like the rifle, especially that you made fabricated most of it!!! The only thing that I can see that detracts from an otherwise beautifully done Tennessee rifle is the spur on the trigger guard could be bent a bit forward, following the radius of the rear trigger, a bit more, well to my eye.
Robby
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on September 21, 2019, 03:36:49 AM
Finally felt good enough to work in the shop this week after dealing with crypto for a few weeks. I got my rifle about finished up. I plan on shooting tomorrow and maybe a short evening bushytail hunt.
(https://i.ibb.co/dKNBz5k/DSCN3806.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SvkN93V)

(https://i.ibb.co/DkRQ6gf/DSCN3810.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QnKMqjv)

(https://i.ibb.co/wNx2N8t/DSCN3813.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JRMSR8Z)

(https://i.ibb.co/R71h6NY/DSCN3814.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QXZ8Hkp)

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(https://i.ibb.co/XVhmLf0/DSCN3815.jpg) (https://ibb.co/st0LRpx)

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(https://i.ibb.co/KjBmZgK/DSCN3817.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MDK9THB)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on September 21, 2019, 03:39:21 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/BcdsRzs/DSCN3818.jpg) (https://ibb.co/34GhHrh)

(https://i.ibb.co/Ct7LYLm/DSCN3819.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6ZPQTQr)

(https://i.ibb.co/LtnzN0y/DSCN3821.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DC5Dr1F)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Greg Pennell on September 21, 2019, 04:49:07 AM
Brian, that sure came out NICE!  If it shoots half as good as it looks, your squirrels better go buy some body armor and Kevlar helmets...

Greg
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: Craig Wilcox on September 21, 2019, 04:31:02 PM
Really beautiful work, Brian.  And noticed on FB as well!

We will all be looking for a shooting report, which I hope you can do before delivery.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on September 21, 2019, 05:48:11 PM
Your rifle has a deceptively simple design and architecture that is difficult to pull off well, and you have nailed it.  Wonderful forging work, especially on the trigger guard and tang.  I have a parts set made for me by Tornichio waiting to go into a similar build.  Seeing your success with this one is pretty inspirational.  thanks for the ride along.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: bama on September 21, 2019, 05:48:31 PM
Fantastic rifle, great workmanship all around Brian.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on September 21, 2019, 05:58:42 PM
Thanks everyone for the kind words. I like how the Tennessee rifles look and getting the right look isn't as easy as one thinks. The over the comb tang is the most aggravating thing to get right for me.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: smokepole45cal on September 21, 2019, 07:10:53 PM
Terrific engraving! I just engraved my 2nd lock. Not quite to your level of execution yet.
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: westbrook on September 24, 2019, 03:56:16 AM
Thats about as fine a Rifle as a fella could want!

A squirrel should feel honored to take a ball from that iron!  ;D
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: scottmc on September 24, 2019, 01:48:50 PM
That is a might fine lookin rifle!   I've got one going now with similar length tang.  How did u attach yours to the original tang....tig weld or some other means?  I'm curious for the next time I try one.  This one is tigged.
(https://i.ibb.co/Hd4vJyH/20190924-064432.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BN3D1JC)
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: jerrywh on September 25, 2019, 09:55:00 PM
Will a Tennessee squirrel rifle work on Georgia or squirrels in other states as well??? 
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on September 26, 2019, 01:56:26 AM
I plan on trying to plug a few Kentucky squirrels with it. ;D
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: smokepole45cal on September 27, 2019, 12:58:40 AM
 I had to have Rice custom build a "squirrel" barrel for my current ladies rifle project for my sis. My problem was that I needed a .36cal, 36", LIGHT barrel. Seems everywhere I looked that smaller caliber = higher weight.

Did you evade that problem with an A type barrel?
Title: Re: Tennessee squirel rifle
Post by: B.Barker on September 27, 2019, 04:35:02 AM
This rifle is a bit heavy with the "A" weight barrel but it's not bad. I don't know if Rice still makes it or not but they did have a "Squirrel barrel" that was lighter than the "A" weight. I think the breech on it was 13/16" and it was bored in .32 and .36. This rifle holds well though because the barrel has most of the weight at the breech end.