Southwest Virginia Percussion for a Buddy

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Hello all,

This is my latest creation. I have built it as a gift for a friend of mine.  I looked at some images of originals and contemporary works for the inspiration.  I made it a percussion because the friend I am making it for would probably not feel comfortable with a flintlock, despite my attempts to win him over.  The buddy is a Vietnam Vet and lifelong plumber by trade, and he has always been good to me so I wanted to do this.  Gary Rummell inspired the use of copper, which I thought was fitting since he is a plumber. 

The specifics are,

The barrel is a Rice southern class, in .45.  The locks is a Chamber's percussion, the buttplate is from Track, but I heavily modified it, the trigger guard is a Bivens, which I modified slightly.  The rest I made.  The front sight is a nickel from my buddy's birth year and the rooster on the silver cheek piece is an inside joke. 

I want to hear what you builders think because I need to learn. This is the 5th rifle that I have completely made.  By that I mean start from a blank, inlet barrel, etc.   I will be honest, I have been frustrated with my progress on some aspects.  I will carry out this evaluation like I do my work evaluations by telling you what I think I did well. 

I think I do well with the overall look of the rifle and creativity. 

I also, think I do well with the overall architecture.

Where I fall short are on some of the little details that make so much difference.  My engraving is still very basic.  My woodcarving, comes and goes.  I am not entirely happy with my choice of trigger guard on this project.  I liked it as it was coming together but now something seems off.  I think it is too big.  The stain ended up darker than what I wanted, but I still like it. 

I can post other photos if you like, but my computer hates photobucket, which is why I don't post more than I do.














Cory Joe Stewart

[EC121]

Doesn't look all that bad for a fifth rifle.  To my eye the grip rail on the guard would look better with a little curve in it.  Try using Tinypic or Imgur for your pictures.

[rich pierce]

Nicely done!

[greybeard]

That is a right pert looking rile gun you have there. Well done.  Bob

[Elnathan]

Nice. What is the book? I've been curious about these later step-wristed rifles but haven't been able to locate much about them.

[Dennis Glazener]

Cory Joe,
The one thing that I would question unless its on the original that you used to go by, is the choice of a pewter nose cap. I personally don't think they were used with a rifle as early as yours appears to be. I think a 2 piece iron cap would have been used on the original rifle.  I believe if the original has a pewter cap it was a later replacement. I could be wrong about this but that's my thought.

Neat gun, I've never built a step toe, going to have to try one sometimes.
Dennis

[Cory Joe Stewart]

I looked at that step wrist gun for the carving pattern only.  It is featured in The American Tradition From January 2012.  That is the CLA magazine.

Thanks,

Cory Joe Stewart

Nice. What is the book? I've been curious about these later step-wristed rifles but haven't been able to locate much about them.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Thanks Dennis.

Cory Joe,
The one thing that I would question unless its on the original that you used to go by, is the choice of a pewter nose cap. I personally don't think they were used with a rifle as early as yours appears to be. I think a 2 piece iron cap would have been used on the original rifle.  I believe if the original has a pewter cap it was a later replacement. I could be wrong about this but that's my thought.

Neat gun, I've never built a step toe, going to have to try one sometimes.
Dennis

[Tim Crosby]

 Nice looking. The TG may look different to you if the trigger itself was a little further back in the bow. I think the guard fits the style or even a set trigger that could have been installed at the time of conversion. The PB looks great.

  Tim

[n stephenson]

I think you did a good job! You mentioned your engraving skills but, I think it`s good that you are bringing all your skills along together instead of avoiding engraving as many people do. Do you use a veiner to cut in your carving borders ? If not , you might give it a try . It helps make the edges cleaner . Overall a really good job , especially for a fifth build.                               Nathan