Don Bruton's latest & greatest

[MuskratMike]

Once again Don & I put our heads together and this is the result. I do believe it is is finest work he has ever done for me. I know many think I am crazy to commission Don to make a fine custom rifle then age it to appear as if its 200-250 years old but I love his dedication to authenticity and period correctness. So here she is:
A smooth rifle weighing 6 lbs. 7 oz. 13 3/4 inch L.O.P. overall length is 57 1/2 inches. It has a Rice .54 caliber smooth barrel that is octagon to round with a wedding band and tapered barrel. The lock is by Larry Zorne of the Mold & Gun shop in Ohio. It is his interpretation of an original German (Moravian) lock found in Shumway's RCA book #1.The simple single trigger and plate is one of Don's typical creations for an early gun. The trigger is pinned high in the stock for good leverage and a fast lock time. The buttplate is swedged brass of a design influenced by an original 18th century fowler of unknown origin, as is the iron sideplate. The iron trigger guard is of Don's own design with English influence but not a copy of any original. The brass wrist repair is typical for a cracked or broken wrist during the working life of a frontier gun. The front sight has an iron "heart shaped" base which matches, somewhat the copper heart on the trigger guard bow as a simple artistic endeavor, coin-silver was used for the blade. The stock is South Carolinian American Mountain Black Walnut. All inletting (including the barrel) and shaping was done by Don's own hand and along the comb line is found 4 (possibly "kill") notches? Tasteful aging was applied to the wood and metal to represent five to ten years of normal use but no actual abuse.
Her name is Annabelle.
I have many other pictures if you would like to see something else just message me.
For the story about this fine piece you will just have to wait until Don and I dream it up and I submit it to Muzzle Blasts magazine.
"Muskrat" Mike

[wattlebuster]

I love it. Dons guns say all business to me. Enjoy

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  .. By golly Don has done it again,... !!! ... not only a great gunsmith, but a fine fellow,.. hope he makes the journey over to the Knoxville show again, come Spring,... !!!,.... CCF

[oldtravler61]

  Another well made Bruton special...thanks for showing...

[BOB HILL]

Fine gun by a fine gentleman. Love it

[Robert Hill]

That’s a pretty one and it sure looks well used. South Carolina boys at it again.
-Robert Hill

[Panzerschwein]

Has a trade gun vibe.

[MuskratMike]

Bump

[RedheadedRabbit]

Nice smoothbore.  Looks like it shoots really well.

[DougS]

Nice looking rifle.

A lot of "details" that make this one extra special!

I appreciate all of Don's work.

Thanks for posting Mike.

Regards,

Doug

[Daniel Coats]

I will always treasure the one that Don made for me. One of the most believable builders out there and a gentleman to boot.

[hanshi]

That's a good looking smooth rifle!  It has...character!