AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Contemporary Longrifle Collecting => Topic started by: DougS on August 11, 2019, 10:08:37 PM

Title: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over / More Pics!
Post by: DougS on August 11, 2019, 10:08:37 PM
A few years back I sent a rifle to Mike Brooks to give it a make over. I purchased the rifle many years ago through Track Of The Wolf, and the rifle was originally made by Narragansett Arms.

I really liked the rifle and it shot better than I could shoot it, but I had wanted a few more period correct features.

I have always liked and admired Mike's work, so I contacted Mike and game him some ideas I had, but also gave him free license to give the rifle a make over. I also had a budget in mind.

Mike took off extra wood making the rifle slimmer and easy to handle and balance. He also gave the rifle a color phase change. Mike then added some incised carving, some simple engraving, and replaced a silver thumb piece with an engraved brass one. I also "asked" Mike to put my name in rifle, which he did under the cheek piece.

I have been very happy with the rifle and have thanked Mike.

I am also posting this to publicly Thank Him.

If would highly recommend Mike's work.

Thanks again Mike.

Sincerely,

Doug

(https://i.ibb.co/68SCGDb/SN855410.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jzYXq3G)

(https://i.ibb.co/2gwh4MY/SN855411.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r4g0rpf)

(https://i.ibb.co/qB41GZq/SN855412.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F6f7vPZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/44mYRxQ/SN855413.jpg) (https://ibb.co/h27ZFvq)

(https://i.ibb.co/QMttwWd/SN855414.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qpVVQH5)

(https://i.ibb.co/Q6pgdCk/SN855418.jpg) (https://ibb.co/p3b7yRQ)

(https://i.ibb.co/VTYPZ1F/SN855422.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cQh7HBW)

(https://i.ibb.co/Jd2739z/SN855419.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qn9sJvR)

(https://i.ibb.co/5s9SFzy/SN855423.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0YX6tWS)

(https://i.ibb.co/SdbMkyQ/SN855424.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1d1PCQs)

(https://i.ibb.co/qd8j0rg/SN855425.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t46KZJ2)

(https://i.ibb.co/hD7PL4W/SN855428.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jg6cbQM)

(https://i.ibb.co/fD522px/SN855429.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bbZPPBK)

(https://i.ibb.co/qN336yr/SN855430.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dPwwZW5)
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: hanshi on August 11, 2019, 10:24:28 PM
It looks like a prime piece from a collector of 18th century rifles.  He did a splendid job on your rifle.  I like it!
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: Stoner creek on August 11, 2019, 10:25:33 PM
Yes indeed Doug! Mike does a great job. He really turned that gun around and gave it that custom look. Mike will have a table full of his work for everyone to see this week at CLA.
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: Mike Lyons on August 11, 2019, 10:32:41 PM
That’s a nice rifle. I can’t wait to see his work. He’s influenced a lot of people. I’d never have been into this thing if it weren’t for both of you.
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: Bigmon on August 12, 2019, 04:00:35 PM
The man has the touch.
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: cable on August 12, 2019, 09:07:00 PM
the whole make over is just amazing, but the color and aging, are just well... RIGHT !!!
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: DougS on August 13, 2019, 12:27:15 AM
Yes, I agree.

Every time I look at the rifle I appreciate it more and more.

The color of the rifle originally was very dark.

Mike does have the touch!

Regards,

Doug
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: hanshi on August 13, 2019, 12:44:12 AM
Careful, now.  We don't want anyone's head to swell up and pop!   :o
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: redheart on August 13, 2019, 06:25:09 PM
Quote from: hanshi on August 13, 2019, 12:44:12 AM
Careful, now.  We don't want anyone's head to swell up and pop!   :o
I can't believe it hasn't popped already! ;)
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: t.caster on August 15, 2019, 07:57:32 PM
Or it could be titled "Mike makes it Mellow".  Looks like he used it out on the frontier for 50 years then handed it back to you. He made it much more believable and period correct.
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: hawkeye on August 17, 2019, 11:57:05 AM
hello Doug,
Mike did turn the rifle in a real nice looking gun, sure looks like a periodical antique gun.
love it
hugo
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: David R. Pennington on August 17, 2019, 02:27:19 PM
Looks great, would like to see a before picture.
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: BOB HILL on August 20, 2019, 02:17:06 AM
Mike did you a fine job, Doug. I know you’re proud of it.
Bob
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: Craig Wilcox on August 20, 2019, 10:03:23 PM
Mike did his usual great job - rifle almost looks like an antique.

It's too bad your last name is Jones though!!
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over
Post by: hanshi on August 20, 2019, 10:31:56 PM
It seems to me that there aren't that many builders who can even come close to the subtle aging of guns Mike's capable of.  His work influenced my opinion of aged guns.
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over / More Pics!
Post by: DougS on August 20, 2019, 11:44:18 PM
I was unable to find pics of the rifle before the transformation, however....

Please see added pics.

The rifle originally had a silver vent pick holder under the cheek piece. Mike added a piece of wood where he took out the pick holder, then carved my last name over the patch.

The rifle also had a silver toe plate. Mike ended up pinning a new piece of wood where he took out the toe plate. The cross was already in the stock. I asked Mike to leave it as it means a great deal to me. (It's my Hope) I'm not sure if I should do anything to the cross, perhaps have it engraved?

Mike could have just restocked the rifle, but was willing to work with me on a budget and therefore made the above changes.

I am very happy and thankful with the way the rifle turned out.

Thank you for all of the comments.

This is the only rifle I have and I will keep shooting!

God Bless

Regards,

Doug
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over / More Pics!
Post by: Mike Brooks on August 21, 2019, 02:01:20 AM
Good Golly I'm a clever guy! ;)
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over / More Pics!
Post by: DougS on August 21, 2019, 10:42:30 AM
Yes sir Mr. Brooks.

I would certainly agree.

Regards,

Doug
Title: Re: Mike Brooks Rifle Make Over / More Pics!
Post by: oldtravler61 on August 22, 2019, 12:20:56 AM
   Mike you did a knock out job...! But don't get your head to big or I'll have to use it for a bobber if an when we go smally fishin....Oldtravler