Celebrating July 4th with an Isaac Haines

[TommyG]

I recently completed an Isaac Haines contemporary build.  The basic architecture, carving and engraving designs I used were from RCA #78 and the Isaac Haines found on Pg.13  of “An Intimate Look at the American Longrifle” by Dave Hansen.
I built this around a Rice 50 cal. “B” wt. 38” transitional barrel along with a Chambers Dale Johnson lock.  A couple of years ago I did this with a Jacob Dickert build and although not HC, It makes for a somewhat lightweight great handling gun.  This one feels even better, and I can’t wait to shoot it.
 There are a few things I did that are not HC for this gun.  After all the great tips and techniques for wire inlay posted here on ALR, I decided to do some wire inlay below the cheek piece in lieu of carving.  I also installed barrel keys instead of pins.
 If one really studies the engraving on this gun from the excellent pics in Dave Hansen’s book.  It almost looks as if it were done by 2 different hands, like an apprentice started it, then the master took over.  Maybe I’m wrong, but in my case the master never showed up.

Rice 50 cal 38” Transitional Barrel
Chambers Dale Johnson Lock
Patchbox, pipes, sideplate, nosecap, toe plate – all made from sheet brass

Critiques and comments are always welcome.

Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day    Thanks for looking – TommyG

[rich pierce]

Tommy, that looks really fine. Your work is impressive!

[FALout]

Looks really good, something to be proud of!

[StevenV]

Not too shabby, NICE JOB !!!! Tommy . Always interested in finishes , how did you do the wood( type of wood?), and the lock and barrel? Always nice when you make the pipes from scratch,  production pipes on a gun like this would not do the gun justice.   Steve

[ScottH]

Very Nice work!
Did you make the butt plate as well?

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Tommy, that's a very nicely made rifle.  That lock and barrel combo will make for a sweet shooting rifle...perhaps a little light at the muzzle for me. Your carving, engraving, and finishes suit the rifle nicely...well done.

[Marcruger]

Delightful crafting there.  Lovely gun that a man would be proud to own.  Or a woman for that matter.  I like the finish work, engraving and lines.  Super.   God Bless,   Marc

[577SXS]

Very nice! Craving really good.

[Cherrybow]

Excellent work! That is the level of craftsmanship I hope to get to 👏🏻👏🏻

[hawkeye]

Wish I could have one like this, gorgeous

[yip]

   I LIKE IT! VERY NICE

[t.caster]

Now that's a right fine piece of work! No critique here!

[alacran]

Very nice work your carving came out very well. I made one with that same barrel and it is a very lively rifle. Makes a great hunting weight rifle.

[Daryl]

REALLY nice Tommy, and those high res. pictures really make it POP!

[J. Talbert]

Very nice interpretation of a classic .

Good job,
Jeff

[TommyG]

Thanks guys for all your kind words.  Means a lot coming from this knowledgeable and accomplished group.
To answer a couple questions.

ScottH  - no, I didn't make the buttplate.  It is a Dave Keck 1780 Lancaster plate that came with 3 flats.  I filed it to 5 flats.

StevenV - The wood is piece of soft maple.  I had some areas that gave me fits carving.  The finish on the wood is ferric nitrate crystals mixed with D/A 3:1 - 2 coats.  Heat blush. Then a coat of Kleins red/brown stain thinned 1:1 with D/A.  Rubbed back with 4/0 steel wool.  Top coat is Chambers oil - first 4 coats with my finger, no wiping.  Rub back with a parraffin oil/Rottenstone paste using a soft toothbrush between each coat.  Last 4 coats are applied and wiped off.  Then a coat of Bri-Wax.
For the barrel - sanded to 320g, then LMF rust browned - 4 coats.  neutralize with baking soda, then 2 coats of Oxpho-blue, then rubbed back with 4/0 steel wool.  The lock and related parts are polished, Oxpho-blued and rubbed back.