1760's Virginia Rifle

[Daryl]

Funny, Tom - you are not alone, though. Meaning LOTS of funny guys out there - WaHahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[Pvt. Lon Grifle]

That is truly outstanding work and a classic of the longrifle.  Regards, Lon

[dogcreek]

That's a superb rifle! Congratulations on a job well done. You're a real craftsman and a fine gunbuilder. Can you tell me where to get the finishing oil, "E.K.'s stinky oil?" Thanks.

[Artificer]

What a fine rifle!

Please don't consider this criticism as I'm just curious.  I REALLY like the rust blued barrel and wondered why you didn't do the lock as well?

[tallbear]

Tom
I'm pretty sure it will be at Lewis burg.

Dogcreek
The oil is Raw Linseed oil boiled with lead by Eric Kettenburg.He had extra and sold it here on the site.Don't know if he has any more though.

Artificer
Don't have a real good answer.I have never really like the look of a browned lock so usually leave them bright.I think a bright barrel would be historically correct but don't like the glare,so I've usually browned the barrel and left the lock bright.This the first barrel i've ever rust blued and to be honest never gave the lock any thought.Might look nice though!!

Mitch

[Pete G.]

The bright lock is correct and looks good. Leave it alone.
I like the treatment around the tang. A lot of the southern beavertail carvings don't really work well with the architecture of the stock, but yours does. Good work.

[M Tornichio]

nice looking rifle mitch.

[RevNate]

The barrel was browned with aqua-regia then boiled in water for a rust blue.It's something I've been wanting to try and am pleased with the results.I thought about heat bluing but wanted something more durable on a hunting rifle.

Mitch

First of all- beautiful rifle!

I would be interested in knowing more about this process. I am new to this- but I like the finish.
Thanks,
Nathan

[tallbear]

Rev
I used aqua-regia to brown the barrel as usual.Aqua regia is hydrochloric acid,nitric acid and water with iron dissolved in it.I made my own but Wahkon Bay make a Browning/blue solution that is available which I believe is aqua-regia.The process is first draw file and sand the barrel to 220 grit.Degease and coat with the solution and let it rust for 12 hours.Card off the rust with degrease steel wool or plastic abrasive pad.Wear gloves to avoid finger prints.Repeat this process until you have a nice even brown.The I boiled the barrel in distilled water until blue(about a 1/2 hour).Most people boil the barrel after each rusting and before carding.I had a brain fade and only boiled at the end.after boiling I coated the barrel with beeswax.Glad to answer any more questions if anythings not clear

Mitch

[sscrm13]

Hey Mitch,

Are you sure that's a Virginia Rifle?  it looks a lot like a Reading Rifle 

It came out great.

Scott

[Stophel]

Did you do the big, round box opening?

Yours doesn't look as crooked as the original gun does!   

[tallbear]

Funny Scott!!!The carveing behind the entry pipe is my tribute to Reading

Stophel
Yes the box opening is round.That's one of the things tying this rifle to others from the area.

Mitch

[bama]

Mitch the rifle turned out great.

I knew in class that it was going to be super when you finished it. I just finished mine and got to sight it in this past weekend. It holds very nice and is a good weight for a 54. 

Great work my friend

[Eric Fleisher]

Looks great Mitch!  I can't wait to see it in Lewisburg.

[Artificer]

Artificer
Don't have a real good answer.I have never really like the look of a browned lock so usually leave them bright.I think a bright barrel would be historically correct but don't like the glare,so I've usually browned the barrel and left the lock bright.This the first barrel i've ever rust blued and to be honest never gave the lock any thought.Might look nice though!!

Mitch

I've seen a couple of rifles at Colonial Williamsburg with rust blued locks and they do look very nice.

However, that bright lock just jumps out at you and looks amazing.