There have been some very nice remarks posted about the Hawg and my effort on this rifle - thank you to all who made the time to do so. To answer some of the questions posed in no particular order and not inclusive, here goes:
Yes I know the toe of the buttplate is overly long - It kind of grew on me and aided in protecting the toe plate and stock during the build, I will leave it with the option to file it down if it becomes a nuisance.
Naturally making this gun has been a long learning experience, at times quite frustrating, mistakes were made, things reworked, sometimes several times over - but I somehow managed to not completely mess it up and was lucky in that respect. Without the resource of this website the result would have been far from pleasing, the Hawg is at least that, to me, pleasing. Reading and looking at pictures can only get you so far, being able to query an experienced builder is where one can come to understand the nuance of matters. The Norris, TN show this last spring was an eye opener, seeing not only originals but contemporary creations moved me further along. A great show. I wish the southeast had more of these opportunities.
I do plan another - currently researching Tennessee mountain rifles. I like the Beal rifles and the Rodger Sells rifle posted on the Blog yesterday is an inspiration for sure. I want to do something from a plank that allows me to concentrate on architecture without fussing with ornate brass work, inlays and carving. Something where the lines of the rifle carry the gun and good architecture is the whole statement. I am thinking .36 or .40 caliber, long and slim, a flintlock.
I named her the Hawg for two reasons - first, she sometimes seemed as mean as an old sow hog with newborn, she drew blood more than once and if she had been a hog would have received a whack across the snout regularly. Second, I was a "Hawg" in another life - that is the term used for those of us who were Morse Interceptor's in the army. we were affectionately (and sometimes not) known as Hawg's because of our habit of leaning over our typewriters sweating out catching every dit and dah as the Morse streamed in. There is more to all of that but I will leave it there.
No Sweed, she won't be a wall hanger - this gunne is going to be shot regularly. I look forward to taking her out to a woods walk next spring. Right now she is shooting great groups at 60yds.
dave
