Simple Trigger SMR "Bicycle" Rifle completed

[Shopdog]

Awhile back I sought the sage advice of this forum on the use of simple single triggers in southern mountain rifles.  While rare they do exist.  Reason was I was looking for justification to what I already hoped to do: make one.  I wanted a stalking rifle that I could easily take off full cock without the clicking of set triggers.  I also needed a bicycle rifle.  St. Vincent Island is a national wildlife refuge off FL coast that offers muzzle loading/archery only hunts but there's no vehicles (you get there by boat).  I used to huff it on foot but am finally breaking down and bringing a bike so I can cover more ground.  Problem is my rifles are all of the longish sort (42-46" barrels) and I figured I'd build a shorter one with parts kicking around the shop that would be easier to carry on a bike.  For what it's worth here it is:  simple Po boy - no butt plate or entry thimble.  Forged iron trigger guard, 36" Colerain radius groove .45, and Chambers Late Ketland lock.  Curly maple stock.  Shoots fantastically well which ain't the shooter.  I chalk it up to an accurate barrel and the lock is one of the fastest most reliable flinters I've used so far.  For those into man purses - I made it from brain tanned deer hide with a super wide linen woven strap.  Horns are originals.  Measure is made from native river cane.  Goal was to make a bag/horn set that would sit flat and not move around while biking.




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[Cory Joe Stewart]

That looks great.

Cory Joe Stewart

[Robin Henderson]

You done good.

[Daryl]

Interesting "need" and solution. Well done.

[Hungry Horse]

I think I’d call it a buggy rifle instead. Bicycle rifles tend to be even shorter, and would likely be uncommon in the Southern mountains.

 Hungry Horse

[JohnnyFM]

What a near little rifle gun! Pretty piece of wood too!
Sounds like a little piece of paradise to hunt.  Any luck taking a Sambar?

[flinchrocket]

I was wondering, how do you carry a deer on a bicycle?

[martin9]

Nice! a southern mountain bike rifle

[Daryl]

I was wondering, how do you carry a deer on a bicycle?

Saw a picture of that once. Tied across the seat and centre-bar, 1/2 on each side and walked out.

[Shopdog]

"What a near little rifle gun! Pretty piece of wood too!
Sounds like a little piece of paradise to hunt.  Any luck taking a Sambar?"

Alas not yet but I have seen plenty of sign.  Mostly I'm there for the white tail hunts.  For those that are interested the island has a stable population of Sambar deer (BIG like our elk) which were introduced half a century ago when St. Vincent was owned by an individual who used it as a hunting preserve.  Since they don't pose any threat to the local environment the feds let them be and manage the population with annual hunts.  St. Vincent is also home to a breeding population of the critically endangered Red Wolf - one of the few places left they're actually "wild" (sort of) and not in a captive breeding facility.  As for packing out your deer back to camp... it's not quite as "primitive" as it sounds - the refuge staff make a regular route with their pick-up truck throughout the day so if you get a deer you just have to drag it to the designated roads and they pick you and your deer up and bring you back to your camp. Other than that it's all by foot or bicycle - 12,000+ acres.  Beautiful place. 

[longcruise]

I've wandered that island a bit and have read about the hunts. Kind of intrigued me. What are the drawing odds?

[Notchy Bob]

That's a very nice outfit, Shopdog!  The rifle is beautiful, and the whole ensemble is well thought out.

Notchy Bob

[Shopdog]

I've wandered that island a bit and have read about the hunts. Kind of intrigued me. What are the drawing odds?

Mike - the white tail muzzloading hunt is first come till all 250 permits are sold - application period opens July.  Sambar is trickier - works on a drawing from applicants - opens may and then a second drawing later - myfwc.com has necessary info. 

[gunmaker]

This Tennessee boy sure likes it. 

[Daryl]

I suggest something North of .50 cal. for Sambar.  My Australian friends tell me they can be tenacious.

[gus123]

Nice looking rifle and accessories.
for the answer on how to haul a deer on a bike read "My first deer and welcome to it" by Patrick McManus.

[Dave]

Very nice!

[Shopdog]

Nice looking rifle and accessories.
for the answer on how to haul a deer on a bike read "My first deer and welcome to it" by Patrick McManus.

Sounds like something I would do😅
Hopefully will get a chance this year at a buck.

[Craig Wilcox]

Back in the late '70's, early '80's, another Ranger and I took about 6 dozen feral hogs off St. Vincent.  Some by arrow, some with a rifle.
If I  recall correctly, they were mighty tasty.  We only kept a few for meat, most went to one or another Florida state prison.

So, how is the hog population now?

[Shopdog]

Back in the late '70's, early '80's, another Ranger and I took about 6 dozen feral hogs off St. Vincent.  Some by arrow, some with a rifle.
If I  recall correctly, they were mighty tasty.  We only kept a few for meat, most went to one or another Florida state prison.

So, how is the hog population now?

Craig - the hog population was officially reduced to zero as of a few years ago.  There’s always the chance of a swimmer from the mainland making it over but there’s no longer a breeding population .  While the hunters and wolves helped what did the trick was a concerted trapping program.  The hogs were a serious threat to the sea turtle nests and nesting shorebirds on the island so we’re glad to see em gone.  Glad to know youve worked there. Beautiful place.

[RMann]

Wow, love your rifle, plans, and creativity!

[longcruise]

I've wandered that island a bit and have read about the hunts. Kind of intrigued me. What are the drawing odds?

Mike - the white tail muzzloading hunt is first come till all 250 permits are sold - application period opens July.  Sambar is trickier - works on a drawing from applicants - opens may and then a second drawing later - myfwc.com has necessary info. 

Thanks for the information.  I have access to boat transportation from St George so it's something I will consider.  250 permits is a bunch.  Wonder what the annual harvest is.