Left Handed Elk Gun

[Osprey]

Just finished this up.  Something with non-traditional carving, but it's for one of the guys at work and he wanted an elk gun.  Had talked about engraving an elk on the patchbox, too, but I know my limitations.  After this I have to say I hope I don't have any more lefties want guns.  Geez, these left handed menaces feel odd.

Chambers Siler, 38" Rice .54 barrel, sugar maple stock.

Am I improving at all?  Fire away!

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

I think it looks great! My only question is why doesn't the rammer go to the end of the stock? With rammers every inch helps.

[MarkEngraver]

I think you did just fine.
If they threw a Griffin and a Lion and some other odd looking creatures behind the cheek piece in the old days , why not an Elk ?
Is that an Elk track I spy in the thumbnail molding behind the lock ?
Would like to see a closer pic of the patchbox side.

I built a lefty for my oldest son, they are different to get things right when your a "righty" !
Now I've got a left handed son in-law, so it looks like I might have another left handed build in my future.

Mark

[wattlebuster]

I think its a great lookin flinter. I really like the elk.

[Osprey]

I think it looks great! My only question is why doesn't the rammer go to the end of the stock? With rammers every inch helps.

On guns that I know will be used for hunting I try to leave room so a cleaning jag can stay screwed on the rod without sticking out past the bore and snagging on branches and briars.  Just hadn't put one on this gun yet.

[Tom Currie]

While I'm not the biggest fan of non traditional artwork on Flintlock Longrifles yours appears to be well designed and executed. The longrifle itself looks designed well and your craftsmanship shows attention to detail. You're friend should be thrilled.

[Eric Krewson]

I like it!

I admire the work of guys who can nail RCA#26 perfectly. I also have a warm spot in my heart for builders who step outside the box and make what appeals to them, as long as they execute the change with obvious craftsmanship as you did on this rifle.

I am just a beginning builder but have an eye for detail so good work like yours jumps out at me.

I am working on my second flintlock and planning my third which will horrify the the HC crowd. I am going to blend the attributes of a bunch of different rifles and schools into something I find pleasing to the eye, probably only to my eye but I am making it for me.

[Osprey]

Thanks, if everyone built the same guns it would get boring.   

Here's the patchbox for MarkEngraver, I have the hardest time getting decent photos of shiny brass with my digital camera.  First time I've mixed metals on inlays, nerve wracking to do but I like the effect.  Still a hack engraver, but trying to get better each time...

[docone]

I am a lefty.
I think that is beautiful! Well done.
Rightys are hard for me. I am working on one for the wife. I found, with my eyes, which shouldn't be doing much of anything, furniture tips to the right. I did the entry pipe for her, and it is tipped.
Much much more to learn.
That rifle looks great.

[B.Habermehl]

Nicely done. I think your contemporary art work fits really well. That's something that usually never comes out with out hurting my eye. I like it. The future owner will be seriously tickled!

[MarkEngraver]

Thanks for the patch box pic, I like it !

Engraving is just time and practice, and more time and some more practice, and some more ............
Shoot, I feel like a  "hack" half the time .... and I do it for living !
Just hacking my way through life ... don't we all.

Mark

[Hawken62_flint]

Being a leftie and an elk hunter, I can really appreciate this rifle.  Great work!! I know I would be proud to own and shoot this sweet rifle.

[JB2]

well, I certainly hope I can 'hack' that well someday!

[bama]

I like the rifle, it looks well made and should be a great shooter and elk gun. I love the cross on the box. Only one suggestion on the hinge of the box. I noticed that you lost a piece of the last hinge knuckle on the bottom of the box lid. This probably happened late in the costruction of the box and I know how hard it is to redraft once you have a good bit of time in a project. If you make the outside knuckles the same size as the rest of them you probably would not have lost the knuckle. I also normally make the outside knuckles part of the finial of the box and put the inside knuckles on the door.

Still a very nice box.