AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Black Powder Shooting => Topic started by: OldMtnMan on April 11, 2020, 08:16:06 PM
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Once again i've put myself in a spot i'm not happy with. I'm hoping you guys can help. You're like the only family I have now. Other than my dog Buddy.
Where do I start? First, let me say my heart is in traditional muzzleloaders and all that goes with owning, shooting, and hunting with one. Since 1980 i've used only Hawken style guns. It seemed fitting since I live and hunt in the Colorado Rockies. As many of you know I foolishly bought a modern muzzleloader this year. It's even scoped. (Lord help me) I've only taken 5 shots with it because I hate it. Yes, it's light and doesn't hurt my back to shoulder it and yes I can see the sights and target. Other than that it rubs me all the wrong ways.
I want a longrifle. A gun that puts a smile on my face to shoot it and just look at it. I've never been able to put the money together to buy one. The nice ones are way out of the question but even the plain looking cheap ones aren't really cheap. I'm trying to live on an SS check and there's only a little leftover to spend on a gun and all that goes with it. However, the stimulus payment i'm getting is giving me a chance to buy one. I can live on my SS check, so I don't need the stimulus payment for bills. I can't spend it all on the gun because i'll need to buy all the stuff to shoot it and take care of it. None of the inline stuff I have will work other than the powder measure. I got rid of everything else when I sold my last sidelock.
What I need is as long of a barrel as I can get away with. That means that my back can handle. It has to be a light barrel. It will be just a deer gun, so in Colorado that means a minimum of a .50. No more ek or bear. Just deer. The long barrel will help me to focus in the front sight. I'm a lefty but can shoot a RH gun ok. It would be nice if it didn't have a cheek piece and there can't be any cast off if it's a RH stock. Sights have to line up for me. I want to try a flintlock again but no cheap locks please. I did that once and it was frustrating. The last thing is cheek slap. I had cancer removed from my cheek and it's kind of sensitive. A stock that doesn't bank my cheek hard is appreciated. For deer I don't plan on a heavy load. 75gr of Goex 2F should work.
I'll have $800-$1000 to spend. I know it's not much when I see what the guns you guys sell go for but it's all i'll have.
What do you think guys? Can anybody help?
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Shoot me your email afleener@yahoo.com
I dont have a rifle for you, but might be able to help point you in the direction of some that are going to be auctioned off.
Fleener
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Here for anybody who might want to mail me. Thanks, Flenner.
petegaimari@yahoo.com
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A left hand 38" swapped barrel c wt. 54 cal LH siler flint lock with red maple stock sounds to me like it would work for you. After all this virus stuff is over there might be some good used ones for sale.
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I agree that it sounds good. I fear it's out of my price range though.
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If I were you, I’d post a “Wanted to Buy” ad in the classifieds department and state your price and what you’d like. You’d be surprised at how many rifles might be waiting in the wings to get offloaded at a solid price.
You could also build a kit. The superb Kiblers with their long swamped barrels can be had in .50 and are tops. Some here would even say “the cat’s meow” and while I can’t verify this personally as I have never owned a Kibler, some owners claim they even hold the lofty status of “the bee’s knees” and that, my friend, is a superlative endorsement indeed! The total price might be a *bit* out of your pricing range but a call to Jim or Katherine could set you up for success.
Depending on what tools and supplies you have about the house, you might not need to buy a single thing to finish the kit. If you do need tools or supplies, they can be acquired or hunted for at flea markets and so on.
Eventually, you would own a gorgeous rifle made by your own hand that fits your specs nicely. The wonderful people here can help you on the build, too. They’re very simple (the build, not the people). I, for one, am not a builder as I lack the patience and commitment so just buy or commission guns outright.
Lastly, Pedersoli or even Traditions might offer some rifles but typically their barrel are not swamped and don’t balance so well. But, if you’ve a local Cabelas, they sometimes stock the Pedersoli rifles and you can handle them there to get a feel for the way they shoulder and balance. Of course, this would be after the Great Coronavirus Scare of 2020.
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Where in Colo. are you?
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Smokey.........I'd love too but i'm not a builder either and live in a small apartment. No place to build one.
A nice idea though.
Thanks
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Where in Colo. are you?
I'm in Buena Vista.
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Smokey.........I'd love too but i'm not a builder either and live in a small apartment. No place to build one.
A nice idea though.
Thanks
I know the feeling. I live in a small apartment too in Las Vegas.
I don’t know why, I can’t explain it really... but I have a feeling you’re going to get set up with a nice rifle and the fine people here can help you out. I wish like heck I had one to give you, but only own a single rifle at the moment.
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I hope you're right. I figured it was a longshot when I asked, so I won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen. Maybe a little. :)
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I know this is just my own opinion, but I would not spend the money on a Pedersoli or other import because the difference in locks and barrels vs American made is night and day. For the money you are looking at, I'm certain you can obtain a rifle with a swamped barrel and a decent flintlock. A Kibler kit will get you where you want to be as well, and you'll have the satisfaction of putting it together.
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I know this is just my own opinion, but I would not spend the money on a Pedersoli or other import because the difference in locks and barrels vs American made is night and day. For the money you are looking at, I'm certain you can obtain a rifle with a swamped barrel and a decent flintlock. A Kibler kit will get you where you want to be as well, and you'll have the satisfaction of putting it together.
The OP already has stated he is not a builder.
Did you read his postings, friend?
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MtnMan,
I have several LH rifles available. Let me see what there is in a .50. Will post here tomorrow.
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I know this is just my own opinion, but I would not spend the money on a Pedersoli or other import because the difference in locks and barrels vs American made is night and day. For the money you are looking at, I'm certain you can obtain a rifle with a swamped barrel and a decent flintlock. A Kibler kit will get you where you want to be as well, and you'll have the satisfaction of putting it together.
I remember taking woodshop in high school. I was horrible and barely passed. I did great in auto shop and became a dealer mechanic for 20 years before turning to truck driving. Even if I had the skills to build a gun I don't have a place to do it. I live in a small one bedroom apartment that wouldn't work for building a gun.
It's a nice thought though Bob. I wish I could build my own gun. I'm sure i'd enjoy it. I get a small taste of it when I tie my own flies for fly fishing. It's more satisfying than using flies i've bought.
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Mtnman,
I have 2 LH percussion rifles;
LH TC .50 Renegade in very good condition with a pristine barrel. $475 plus shipping.
LH custom .54 with an unfired Montana barrel, 1/2 stock. $600 plus shipping.
If interested PM me for more details and pictures.
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Pete,
Just sent you a PM.
Dennis
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Hold off, guys.
I'm working with Dennis on a gun he offered me. It sounds pretty good so far. :)
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OldMtnMan,
As for seeing the sights you should think about a peep sight regardless of barrel length. My eyes have gotten to the point I can't use regular irons sights anymore. I have put peep sights on all the guns I shoot. A peep will give you clear front sight and target.
Sam
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I did use a peep before going to a scope. They do help and i'll have to go back to one.
I have to be honest. I will miss the scope. I haven't seen the sights/target/game that good for a lot of years.
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I did use a peep before going to a scope. They do help and i'll have to go back to one.
I have to be honest. I will miss the scope. I haven't seen the sights/target/game that good for a lot of years.
There is NOTHING wrong with using a scope if your eyesight is struggling. Don’t let anyone goad you into thinking otherwise.
Any good gunsmith should be able to drill and tap the flintlock for a scope. If that’s what your eyesight requires, then it beats staying home. Plenty of later era target rifles were scoped.
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I can't do that Smokey. I just can't. I know some guys do it but that's their choice. The scope was the main reason I left sidelocks and went to the modern version. I'm not bothered with putting a scope on it.
In Colorado, it's not legal to use a scope in muzzleloader season. They gave me a special disability vision license that allows me to do it. So, they believe I should use one. I've never been stopped by a warden since I got that license. They stamp the disabilities on every tag I get. I've wondered what a warden would think if my tags were stamped that I should use a scope and I wasn't using one?
They even put the disabilities on my fishing license. :) Colorado is funny.
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You can soft solder a plate that is drilled and tapped for your scope to the barrel. When you want to remove it just warm it up to take it off and clean the solder off, touch up the finish and no one will ever know it was there.
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How would you keep me from knowing when i'm shooting it? I don't really care what others think. It's me I have to satisfy.
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Old Mountain Man,
You seem to neither be a fool and probably aren’t so old.
In a past life, I worked in a nursing home and a lady their was 113 years of age, her parents being slaves. She was a smiling, happy woman.
On this Easter Sunday, I just know you will be blessed! Take care and Godspeed, a rifle and you will soon meet!
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Smokey.........I'd love too but i'm not a builder either and live in a small apartment. No place to build one.
A nice idea though.
Thanks
I built a Kibler SMR in 45 cal and I built mine in the (spare room) next to the kitchen and nope not a builder of fine long rifles but mine turned out absolutely fine . There"s a will there a way/Ed
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I know this is just my own opinion, but I would not spend the money on a Pedersoli or other import because the difference in locks and barrels vs American made is night and day. For the money you are looking at, I'm certain you can obtain a rifle with a swamped barrel and a decent flintlock. A Kibler kit will get you where you want to be as well, and you'll have the satisfaction of putting it together.
The OP already has stated he is not a builder.
Did you read his postings, friend?
Yes, I read the post thoroughly, and , as I said, I'm certain that he will be successful in finding a suitable rifle . I mentioned the Kibler kit as an aside, simply because I consider them as possibilities for those who would not otherwise believe they could build a gun. Just about anyone can build a Kibler gun if they take their time, and watch his instructional videos.
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In trying to keep an open mind I looked at the Kibler kits. I'm sure I could build one but they don't suit me. The Southern Mountain kit only goes up to a .45 cal. That's not legal in Colorado for deer. The Colonial comes in .50 and .54 but weighs 9lbs 10oz. I would have kept my GPR if I could still handle that weight. My spine would crack for sure with the long barrel and weight. I need a gun in the 7lb range.
Maybe this idea of a longrifle is indeed a foolish request from this broke up old man. I look out my window and stare at the 14,000 ft peaks and remember the days I ran through those mountains. Maybe those days will be just memories from now on.
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Here's another off the wall suggestion. My hunting opportunities here in the woods usually offer shots of 35 yards or even closer. My smoothbore has been my go to gun for some time. Even out to 50 yards, a 20 bore would suffice. Light to carry, easy to handle, and packs sufficient wallop for any deer living.
Worth considering.
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Well Pete, if you can still sneak up on them a short barrel 20 ga. trade gun might do the trick. They would be light enough and 20 ga. would be big enough.
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OldMtnMan,
You should look at the English sporting rifle. Chambers has a kit and I built one a couple years ago, its really light weight. Its a really handy fun gun. Its too light for me to shoot well as I'm new to flintlock shooting. My gun has both 50 and 58 caliber barrels. Its spoken for but if the deal falls through I may see if I can help you out.
Sam
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Yes, 50 yds has always been my range. Even when I had 20/20 vision. I'm a still hunter and love to sneak in close. We have lots of dark timber in my unit and it's where I hang out.
I've never considered a smoothbore but I will. Do they still use a patched ball?
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Do they still use a patched ball?
Sure. There’s some question about patched balls being HC in Smoothbores but I think it was probably fairly common in the rifle era. Probably less so before rifles and their best practices were common knowledge. Lots of opinions on that. Patch away.
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Daniel Boone loaded his smooth bore with buck shot and ball. It was proably loaded both ways from its begining. Bird gun, Rabbit gun, Deer gun all in one package.
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I just watched a video by Mike shooting a smoothbore. He used a ball and put TOW under and over the ball. No patch. The ball almost fell down. The ramrod will last forever but will that loose load work for hunting? He used a .61 ball and 110gr of 2F. That seems like a pretty stout load. Do I need that for deer?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=885&v=itHwpO6EVaw&feature=emb_logo
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I just watched a video by Mike shooting a smoothbore. He used a ball and put TOW under and over the ball. No patch. The ball almost fell down. The ramrod will last forever but will that loose load work for hunting? He used a .61 ball and 110gr of 2F. That seems like a pretty stout load. Do I need that for deer?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=885&v=itHwpO6EVaw&feature=emb_logo
Mike has found larger charges and nearly bore diameter balls bring him more accuracy at 50y on his hunting Smoothbore guns. Hard to argue with. He’s decided not to patch for HC reasons and that’s how he makes it happen. The commonly used paper patching of a military cartridge is a small jump to using cloth, etc. IMO, but cloth had household value beyond patching and would have been hard to get from momma, especially for the lower classes. Hence natural patching/wadding. No, you don’t need 110g for deer. 50g will fly right through. You’ll have to shoot it all and decide what works for you.
I don’t think he uses tow much anymore. He uses homemade paper cards now I think. Finicky to load but works well.
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Hornet or Wasp nest make good patching. I use cloth patching for my smooth bore with round ball.
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Hornet or Wasp nest make good patching. I use cloth patching for my smooth bore with round ball.
Me too, though I do a lot of playing around with all sorts of stuff. I enjoy that sort of plinking.
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My friend has shot a lot of deer with 70 gr of FFg and a patched .600 ball in his 20 bore
He has arthritis in his shoulders and can't handle heavy recoil.
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A smoothy, loaded with a near-bore roundie, will clean Bambi’s clock from 50 yards out.
I don’t shoot a smoothy, but the groups some of these guys post at the half football field mark are staggering. They don’t give up too much to rifle out past 50 yards.
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I've always used a .50-.54 PRB and never needed a heavy load. I only used 80gr for elk.
A 20 bore is unknown to me and the reason for questions. Good to know I don't need 110 gr. Mike has a lot of natural padding I don't have. :)
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I just watched a video by Mike shooting a smoothbore. He used a ball and put TOW under and over the ball. No patch. The ball almost fell down. The ramrod will last forever but will that loose load work for hunting? He used a .61 ball and 110gr of 2F. That seems like a pretty stout load. Do I need that for deer?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=885&v=itHwpO6EVaw&feature=emb_logo
I use 80 grains of 1.5 FG Olde Eynsford in my smoothbore 20 gauge. Mine is a Pecatonica version of an early fullstock fowler with no rear sight. A .600 roundball with a .010 patch. First time I tried it I was amazed at the accuracy at 25 and 50 yards. Mine weighs 6 1/2 pounds with a 42" octagon to round barrel. It is also jug choked. That ball will knock down any deer that you sneak up on. Smoothbore might be a good option for you as it doesn't hurt the shoulder or slap the cheek. Good luck.
Dave
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I've always used a .50-.54 PRB and never needed a heavy load. I only used 80gr for elk.
A 20 bore is unknown to me and the reason for questions. Good to know I don't need 110 gr. Mike has a lot of natural padding I don't have. :)
I have some natural padding too but it’s all on my beer gut LOLOL
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Another Mike video. This one about the difference between patched and bare balls and 2F vs 3F. It did show me that the bare ball is easier on recoil which is good because it needs more powder to match the lower power patched ball. It also shows me the accuracy that can be expected but all guns and shooters are different.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhTgf2OjOrs
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Let me also ask you guys for an opinion. It's about the gun Dennis is offering me. I'm still thinking about it. It's a Dunlap/Getz kit Dennis built. It has a Rice 38" round bottom swamped barrel and Siler lock. We can't do much better than that.
I've asked this question to Dennis but haven't got an answer yet. Let me ask you guys too. For someone (me) that a GPR cracked his spine just shouldering the it. How would Dennis's gun feel compared to it? Everybody is different. One guy could be as strong as a bull and say it feels light. Another poor sap like me with a bad back will say it feels heavy. Dennis could be the bull, so i'd like other opinions please.
(https://i.ibb.co/6yMwQDf/full-lock-side.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Twf2yPF)
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How much does the rifle weight?
Is it the weight that gets you or the configuration?
Fleener
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Dennis is like you and me. He has been around for a long time. I would trust any thing he told me. I like that rifle. That flat style butt stock will be easy on ones shoulder. I like a rifle with a patch box. I carry my worm and njag in it. I think the amount of powder one loads would have a big effect on the kick of the rifle. I am one those guys who loads with out a starter.
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snapper..........Not so much the overall weight but that does come into it somewhat. It's what's hanging out front that gets my back. The GPR has a barrel that's only 32" but it thick and heavy like all the Hawken style guns. I was hoping a longrifle with a lighter construction would be better even though it's longer.
For those who didn't read me talking about my condition. I have fairly advanced Osteoporosis. It's not that i'm weak. It's that my muscle strength is stronger than my bone strength. It will feel like i'm not straining at all and the bones give out. I can't count how many times i've cracked my spine and ribs from just doing normal living. So, I have to always think not what I can do but what can my spine handle. Such as shouldering a gun.
edit..I'm still waiting for Dennis to tell me the gun weight. He must be busy. What would you guys guess it weighs?
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Our power has been out, back on now and putting generator away.
I will find scales and weigh. Does not feel muzzle heavy at all to me but not sure how it would feel to you.
Nothing like the Hawken rifles I have handled.
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I realize that this might seem drastic, but you could aways have some of the barrel and stock cut down on Dennis' rifle to reduce the weight and what you have sticking out there.
Fleener
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Even if the weight of the two( Hawken/longrifle ) were close to the same the longrifle would balance further back and be much easier to carry and shoulder IMHO. Also the flat butt beats the cresent style hands down for comfort of shooting.
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Cut a Rice barrel? I'd sooner crack my back. ;)
I'll have a better idea when Dennis weighs it.
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Even if the weight of the two( Hawken/longrifle ) were close to the same the longrifle would balance further back and be much easier to carry and shoulder IMHO. Also the flat butt beats the cresent style hands down for comfort of shooting.
My thoughts exactly. Most of the Hawkens were carried on horseback back in the day.
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Cut a Rice barrel? I'd sooner crack my back. ;)
I'll have a better idea when Dennis weighs it.
Ok I just weighed it. It weighs 7.6 lbs which I believe is 7 pounds and 6 tenths pounds and NOT 7 pounds 6 oz (digital scale)
I am used to shouldering it and it shoulders fine right handed but left handed is awkward to me. Gun balances well but I will be honest it might be too heavy for someone with brittle bones/spine and I would sure hate for you to get it and not be able to use it. I am afraid to say if it will work for you are not.
My wife is pretty strong and she has problems shouldering it but she is not a shooter.
Dennis
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Have you shouldered a GPR Dennis? If it feels lighter than that it might be ok for me.
It weighs what I was hoping. I just didn't want it to be a 9lb gun.
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I know you want a long barrel, but don’t onverlook a canoe gun or blanket rifle. These were used by native Americans as a sort of concealable firearm for carrying in their canoes or for hiding under a blanket at night.
A 20 bore canoe gun with light fusil barrel would be ideal. Something with a barrel length of 24” or so. With a rear sight it will be just as accurate as anything else. Also, make sure the length of pull is correct for you. Too long a length of pull and put extra stress on your spine. Much overlooked, do you know your length of pull?
I know guys like Jackie Brown could hook you up with a super lightweight and handy canoe gun with rear sight or even peeps and finished to your liking. With your medical condition, it would be ideal.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvBtMMTG/FF2864-F0-5-D19-4-D56-AD4-C-79-A92-AC2-A291.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wxVZgJVT/B9710-C7-B-568-B-4-A1-B-B1-D9-D7-E0-AFD1-E7-A8.jpg)
Another option is the Pedersoli Trade Musket:
https://www.davide-pedersoli.com/scheda-prodotto.asp/l_en/idpr_78/rifles-indian-trade-musket-indian-trade-musket.html
(https://i.postimg.cc/VvwNMhZt/3-D5-FBCF3-0566-41-AD-B026-6-D96-C2-F8-DE21.jpg)
It’s within your budget and the quality is very good. Weighs just 7.2 lbs and all reports say it has an extremely light barrel and balances like a lightweight sporting shotgun, and it has your long barrel. Don’t let anyone here tell you it’s a bad gun. Tons of people are very happy with them and you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for it.
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You're forgetting my other problem Smokey. My vision. The long barrel will help me focus on the front sight. My inline has a 24" barrel and I had to put a scope on it because the front sight was impossible for me to see.
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You're forgetting my other problem Smokey. My vision. The long barrel will help me focus on the front sight. My inline has a 24" barrel and I had to put a scope on it because the front sight was impossible for me to see.
A set of peeps and properly proportioned front and rear should help that immensely. Did you see the Pedersoli trade gun? It’s an option for you.
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I put a peep on the inline. It didn't work with the barrel that short.
I'm pretty set on getting a long rifle. I could see the front sight on the GPR much better but another 6" will really help.
Plus, i'm still into the fur trade era and a long rifle fits even better than a Hawken.
Thanks for your thoughts Smokey but i'm pretty much set on a long rifle. I know it will work other than using the inline which I don't want to do. It will go up for sale as soon as I settle on a long rifle.
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That 38" swamped barrel will feel like a feather compared to straight octagon Hawken. I think 38" is the perfect length for a longrifle. Anything over 40 is TOO long. Wait all you traditional guys don't get mad. If you want a 46 inch barrel and be historically accurate that's fine and more power to you. I talking purely from a practical hunting standpoint.
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That 38" swamped barrel will feel like a feather compared to straight octagon Hawken. I think 38" is the perfect length for a longrifle. Anything over 40 is TOO long. Wait all you traditional guys don't get mad. If you want a 46 inch barrel and be historically accurate that's fine and more power to you. I talking purely from a practical hunting standpoint.
Do you think the 32" barrel on the GPR will feel heavier than the 38" on Dennis's gun? Dennis hasn't shouldered a GPR, so couldn't help. I'm trying to get all the info I can before buying it. It's not cheap to ship a gun that long. Dennis said I can return it if I don't like it. I don't do that, so I need to be sure I can use the gun.
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What ever you buy if you do, don,t buy a questionable lock type of gun. Buy something you can get parts for. A 38" long swamped barrel will be a treat compared to a straight barrel gun.
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Rice barrels are as good as it gets. What kind of lock is on that rifle. If Dennis built it I have a feeling its a good one.
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Dennis said it has a Siler lock. That was important too. I've had cheap flint locks and they're frustrating. The second Dennis said Siler I stopped thinking about the lock and put my attention to how it shouldered.
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I have an Isac Haines rifle with a 38 incch swamped barrel in 50 caliber with a siler lock. It has the same style butt plate as Dennis Rifle. Its very easy on the shoulder when shooting. Siler locks are one the best and you can get parts for them if needed.
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Not too concerned with recoil. I can make that what I want. It's the weight of the barrel on my lower back that i'm concerned with.
I sure wish someone who's shouldered a Haines rifle and a GPR would chime in. I've owned 5-6 GPR's and know what they feel like. I'd then have a good idea what Dennis's rifle feels like.
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My haines rifle feels lighter than my 32 caliber Kibler and holds much better. Haines has a 38 inch barrel. Kibler has a 44 inch barrel.
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My haines rifle feels lighter than my 32 caliber Kibler and holds much better. Haines has a 38 inch barrel. Kibler has a 44 inch barrel.
It could be that .32 barrel is heavier than you think. Dennis's is a .54 and should be pretty light. I saw the specs on a Rice 38" barrel and I believe it was 4.2 lbs.
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Yes I think the Isaac Haines in 50 would feel much lighter and probably would actually be lighter than a 32 inch straight octagon Hawken.
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I just told Dennis about this but should tell you guys too, so don't wonder what i'm doing. My biggest fear when buying a RH gun and shooting it left handed is the stock will have cast off and the sights won't line up for me.
Dennis used a Dunlop kit and I found this from their website. It's a copy-paste and not my words.
A carved stock with cast-off and inletted for a swamp barrel
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When I shoulder my rifle with my eyes closed, I can open my eyes and the sights are right there and on target. That is the beauty of a cast off stock and proper fit etc. Considering your vision troubles, you may be smart to hold out for a left hand rifle ....with a swamped barrel. Are you comfortable with the touch hole venting right out in front of your face ? Some folks use right hand guns while shooting "lefty" and don't mind, but it's something to consider. It sure would be nice if you could get a chance to shoulder and fire a few different rifles so you could feel the differences . A trim late Lancaster style rifle with a "B" weight 38 inch swamped barrel, or a nice Oct to round barrelled 38 or 42 in / 20 gauge smoothbore would be my final suggestions. My own 20 bore has a 38 in barrel and it is light and handles wonderfully. It has taken everything from partridge to deer and black bears
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I actually prefer a RH flintlock. I like a LH caplock. I'm a RH shooter and have been all my life. A few years ago I lost the sight in my right eye and had to learn to shoot left handed. Because of a botched up operation on my right eye I have to keep anti-biotic in it and always use a patch to keep it from getting infected.
So, shooting a RH flinter puts the flash in front of my blind eye with a patch over it. Needless to say, i'm not bothered by the flash. :) However, I have to make sure it doesn't have any cast off.
That's my crummy eye cast off story. Boring eh?
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MtnMan,
I am a eighty and lost the right eye. While learning to shoot lefty I made a sight that lets me shoot right handed with my left eye. At Friendship a couple of guys complained but the range officers approved it. Can't post but can send pics if you want to see it.
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That reminds me of a stock that did the same thing. It was like a letter S.
I don't have a gun, so it's just as easy to find either a LH gun or a RH gun with no cast off. I think it's more unusual to find a gun with cast off. Too bad Dennis's gun has it.
I'm curious to see the sight though. It must hang off the side of the gun?
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I put a peep on the inline. It didn't work with the barrel that short.
I'm pretty set on getting a long rifle. I could see the front sight on the GPR much better but another 6" will really help.
Plus, i'm still into the fur trade era and a long rifle fits even better than a Hawken.
Thanks for your thoughts Smokey but i'm pretty much set on a long rifle. I know it will work other than using the inline which I don't want to do. It will go up for sale as soon as I settle on a long rifle.
Don't forget Pete, lot of smoothies went west during the fur trade. Probably a lot more of them than the rifles we associate with the mountain men.
Mike
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Hey Pete, I'll chime in on this if you will. I have had a LH GPR flintlock in .54 with the 32" barrel. I have built 2 of the Haines rifles with the 38" barrels. I can tell you for certain it will feel lighter, it will balance better, and you can adjust that powder charge to fit your recoil level.
I would consider carrying a shooting stick or a bipod, I also use mine as a walking stick to help an old man with shot joints traverse bad terrain.
This is the type rifle you wanted several years ago.
The biggest negative I see is the cast off in the stock. I, being a lefty have never handled a rifle with cast off for a right hander so I don't know how it will feel or how well I could shoot it. But consider this, the stock could be bent back straight by a good stock man like JerryWH.
Also be aware, fitting a rear peep to a swamped barrel is not as simple as it seems, that's why most are hand made.
I hope you can find a way to make Dennis's rifle work for you.
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My Haines rifle is right handed and does not have any cast off in the stock. I don't know who built my rifle as there are no marks or name any where on the rifle.
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Dennis is checking to see if it has cast off. He thinks it doesn't. I told him i'd take it.
I'm going to have my buddy refinish it. He does nice work.
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Sorry but it does have cast off. Here is a photo of the cast. It seems to have more in the photo than looking at it with naked eye.
(https://i.ibb.co/nDHJsp4/20200414-111336.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gD5KMYQ)
I mention this at the risk of implying that it will fit Oldmtnman but when I shoulder it left handed it comes up just fine for my eyes. Sights line up as well as it does for me right handed. Mabe the absence of check rest makes up for the cast off.
I am 6 ft with 34" sleeve length and the 13.5" LOP is perfect for me even though most of the time I like the 14" LOP on my Mathew Gillespie pattern.
Dennis
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It's not much cast off Dennis. The cheek piece can make it feel different. I've lost a lot of weight and I have a pretty skinny mug now. I think the sights will line up for me ok.
I must admit the gun looks better it the picture than in the pics you sent me.
I'll take it. :)
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It's not much cast off Dennis. The cheek piece can make it feel different. I've lost a lot of weight and I have a pretty skinny mug now. I think the sights will line up for me ok.
I must admit the gun looks better it the picture than in the pics you sent me.
I'll take it. :)
Glad to hear it, OMM! Looks like a dandy and if it was made by Dennis, Mark my works, ziti WILL be a dandy!!!
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That looks to be about 1/4" cast off. Mine is 1/4" cast on for a LH shooter. I have no idea how it would fit me shooting right handed.
(https://i.ibb.co/6rxV85K/SS850004-768x1024.jpg)
I would think some wood could be removed in key areas to make it fit a left handed shooter. But that's just me thinking as I've never done it.
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Nice looking gun.