I agree that Jim's rifle sure is sweet, and there is much to study and enjoy - the lines, shape of butt and cheekpiece, the angled photos let us see the architecture on display, and the sculpting involved here. To know that this effort is based upon an original is interesting.
On a related note, Brian Barker has posted a nice rifle in progress - with the title of "plain rifle". I'll borrow several of his photos.
I don't know how far Brian will take this rifle, but I can't help admiring the careful and informed shaping at this point.
What do you think leads to these plain rifles? Is it some customers who have a limited budget and thus ask for a plain, less costly rifle? Maybe that is where it starts for some? I began stocking in the Rocky Mtn fur trade interest, stocked plain full and half stock rifles at the lowest cost possible using Sharon kits or other "starts" where possible - in the southern mtn to Hawken styles for friends and customers who paid me enough for parts for the next one plus a little extra. Allowed me to improve my skills, and learn to work faster in some areas. $450 in the white in those days, $550 - $600 finished!
Went on to build fancier rifles as I learned more about the old guns, and some folks wanted fancy. They also wanted to see what i could build, carve and engrave where appropriate. Then when I would display work, it was easy to show what goes into a rifle - plain or pretty, and the importance of feel and balance. It seemed that folks new to the interest liked the showy work, and it was the more educated customer who had studied old guns and handled contemporary rifles that came to like the plain versions. I remember sending some rifles out in the white or plainly finished, saying that the customer could bring it back for a patchbox and more decoration someday, if they wished.
What are your thoughts? And thanks for all these great examples! Bob
