Rebuilding a converted flintlock

[mac martin]

Good evening. My name is Mac, am 70-yr old man  with good woodworking skills. Need help with the reconstruction of a 50-cal bp oct barrel converted flintlock that has been in family since middle 1800's.
Want to bring it back to life as a working longrifle.

Any advice and\or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Brief description of rifle: 50-54 ca. long oct barrel (to be replaced-kids lost it) two-triggers, front one is a "set" trigger?. Stock was slender, not a stout\heavy one, slightly curved, heavily checkered. Metal, both iron and what has been described as German silver metal are all engraved. Butt plate, patch cover, trigger guard are the engraved silver.

When I find out how to attach pictures to these posts I will include them, or can e=mail upon request.

Thanks all.

[Pete G.]

Hello, Mac, and welcome. Sounds like you might need some suppliers. Do an internet search for Track of the Wolf, Muzzleloaders Builders supply, Dixie Gun Works, Log Cabin Shop, and Percatonica River Long Rifle Supply. There are several others, but those will get you started. Order their catalogs so you can sit down and study them to determine what you need. You will also learn a lot about the guns in the process because almost all of the catalogs contain a lot more than just parts descriptions. Most also have tips on building, history, etc. As you get into this you will find that it can be addictive, so be warned.... soon your wants will outpace your needs. Enjoy the ride.

[Dphariss]

Good evening. My name is Mac, am 70-yr old man  with good woodworking skills. Need help with the reconstruction of a 50-cal bp oct barrel converted flintlock that has been in family since middle 1800's.
Want to bring it back to life as a working longrifle.

Any advice and\or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Brief description of rifle: 50-54 ca. long oct barrel (to be replaced-kids lost it) two-triggers, front one is a "set" trigger?. Stock was slender, not a stout\heavy one, slightly curved, heavily checkered. Metal, both iron and what has been described as German silver metal are all engraved. Butt plate, patch cover, trigger guard are the engraved silver.

When I find out how to attach pictures to these posts I will include them, or can e=mail upon request.

Thanks all.

It well be worth a pro restoration if the stock and engraving can be linked to a maker. Not demeaning your capabilities but Kentucky rifles are now pretty pricey are a law of their own in working on them especially restoration. A good stock is too valuable a resource to risk damage or changing even the remaining finish if any.
You can upload photos to photobucket.com and then link them to this site. Look in the "Tutorials" forum.
I can't wait to see the photos.


Dan

[Acer Saccharum]

Hi, Mac! Welcome to the ALR.

Here is a link to our Tiny Pic tutorial, a very easy photo posting program: http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=10.msg62072#msg62072

As Dan says, you should get some idea of what you have before you begin work. If it's been in the family that long, it is worth taking your time to bring back to life. Please do post some pictures, that is a great start.

Tom

[JTR]

Welcome Mac!
There's plenty of guys here that can help you along the way with your rifle.
As for the catologs mentioned, the Track of the Wolf catolog shows the parts actual size, so can be a big help in getting something that is close to fitting your gun.

So the barrel is gone,,, missing,,, lost?
If that's the case installing a new barrel will help in making it a safe shooter again.

And as others have mentioned, easy on the old finish. Stripping the old finish off isn't the best way to go.

Post some good pictures so we can see what you have.

John

[Long John]

Mac,

I admire your willingness to devote the time, money and effort into bringing and old rifle back to life.  But in doing so you might destroy or at least degrade a valuable historical document.  Please have a real professional look at the rifle and determine if it is such an historical record before doing any alterations.  It is quite possible that preserving the original in its current state and building a documentary copy from new parts is a better way to honor your forebearors.

I see you are from North Carolina.  You might want to reach out to Jim Chambers, a participant here and a world renowned builder and arms historian for advice.

Best Regards,

JMC

[Dave B]

Hi Mac,
You've got mail. Welcome to the best place to discuss old long rifles. I think it is important to stabilize  your stock to keep it from getting broken. If you don't have a barrel in the stock its only a matter of time before it gets broken. Use a piece of conduit or broom stick to place in the barrel channel till you can get a barrel installed. There are several members here that are in NC that could be able to give you some direction. You cant go wrong with involving Jim Chambers He's a great resource when it comes to knowledge about these rifles.

[mac martin]

hello again everyone;
h
I think I have found my rifle. Am sending pictures to the Hawkens Shop to verify. but I think i s possibly a "White" Hawkins 1845-1860 era. If so I will do so me more research and then its off to do some slow work to restore the parts to a new foundation. Thanks for all your suggestions . Pictures to follow asap,

Mac

[KLMoors]

Wow. If that is what it turns out to be then yikes!

[JTR]

I'm not sure what you mean by a 'White' Hawkens.
But if you mean a rifle made by J or J&S Hawkin, I siggest you put all your energy into finding the lost barrel!!!!
Torture the kids if necessary 

John

[KLMoors]

Yup! Time for Jack Bauer.