Berks County Rifles

[Dutchman]

What would be the best reference for recreating a rifle of this type to learn the types of locks, stocks & barrels used?  Would "Berks County Longrifles and Gunmakers: 1750-1900" be a good reference?

[Pete G.]

That is a good reference, but use it in conjunction with other references also. You just cannot beat a high quality color photo to study and pick out details. RCA is good at offering detailed photos that others do not, such as carving around the tang, but the B&W photos are not as good a a color shot.

[JTR]

I would suggest just going with RCA volume 1. It shows about 20 different Berks rifles, with multiple views of each rifle plus the measurements. True, it's only in B&W, but for studying the rifles it's still the best.

Berks County Longrifles and Gunmakers shows some nice rifles, but in the book I received, the color printing is very dark and makes the details difficult to see. I don't know if all were printed that dark, but the copy I have certainly is. If you purchase that book, I'd suggest having the book in hand, and look through it before you purchase.

John

[RAT]

Rifles of Colonial America by Shumway. Get both volumes. Getting only volume one is like buying one shoe instead of a pair.

I was disappointed in Berks County Longrifles. It seems more like a catalog of rifles on display at a particular exhibit (which it actually was). It's more art than the scientific study of artifacts. The photos are small and don't show the depth of detail needed.

[JTR]

I only mentioned volume 1, as that's the one that shows the Berks guns.

By all means get them both if finances allow, and you intend further study.

John

[smart dog]

Hi.
I agree with John.  The Berks book is fine but it is not that useful for gunmakers.  It is a brief survey of different styles made within Berks County and does not show a lot of important details.  RCA 1 is much better if you intend an early Berks gun.  The other book that I found indispensible is Hansen's "The American Longrifle".  It contains the very best color photos of an early Reading gun as well as a later, very fine Bonewitz.  Other than handling several originals, I found Hansen's and Shumway's books to be the best resources.

dave   

[tddeangelo]

Great info! I'm also interested in Berks rifles. Thanks for the info!