Help please with a New England build

[JonCT]

I have decided to try to build a New England half stock rifle with a wood under rib.  I was wondering if anyone had any “plans” or some good photos for me to go by?  I have been trying to collect pics online, but it’s hard to find pictures that aren’t skewed.  I have some cherry that was sawn by my grandfather’s friend over 40 years ago that I plan on using.  Also any leads on New England furniture would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon

[Woodbutcher]

Good post. I'll be watching this, especially wood under rib. Woodbutcher

[tallbear]

Jon

Here's a great Silas Allen here in the library..https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=8209.0  .Also if you can pick up a copy of Merrill Lyndsay's The New England Gun it has some good detail photo's.

For a barrel you will want a straight taper which means custom from Rice or Ed Rayl.Rice would probably be the fastest.Most new England rifles had a hooked breech that you'll have to  fabricate if you want that detail.

Buttplates and trigger guards are more difficult to source.The Rifle Shoppe has a buttplate and trigger guard but getting them from them can be problematic.Reeves Gorhing used to have a proper trigger guard but no buttplate.I may have an extra Reeves trigger guard for you I'll look tomorrow.

I may have some scans of an old Magazine with some Silas Allen Photo's I'll look and see what I can find.One was also featured in an old Muzzleblast.I'll have to look if I still have a scan of it.

Mitch

[tallbear]

Here is another NE Rifle that is unsigned

[tallbear]

Here is the Muzzle Blast Article

[Kevin Houlihan]

Jon
...Most new England rifles had a hooked breech that you'll have to  fabricate if you want that detail.

  Rice Barrel Co. is now making a nice chambered hooked breech, which I think is available in 3 different sizes.  I have one in 15/16" and it's beautifully made.  You'll have to call them to see what other sizes they offer.  Their website didn't say.  "The new England Gun" is available from Amazon for $26 in paperback.  I'm guessing you're in CT.  I live in CT and if I can help, let me know.
Good luck,
Kevin

[tallbear]

Rice Barrel Co. is now making a nice chambered hooked breech

Kevin
I may be mistaken but last I knew Rice's breech was flush with the barrels.With the usual NE breech the hook portion stands taller than the barrel.Maybe Jason can make that happen.......

Mitch

[JonCT]

Thank you everyone for the help so far!  I bought one of the Rayl 36” straight 7/8 barrels on the classifieds that I was planning on using.  It has a fixed flint style “patent” breech I guess you would call it.  This will be my first build so I’m ok with it not being too fancy. Kevin, yes I’m in CT…thanks for the offer!

[Kevin Houlihan]

Kevin
I may be mistaken but last I knew Rice's breech was flush with the barrels. With the usual NE breech the hook portion stands taller than the barrel. Maybe Jason can make that happen.......
Mitch

Mitch
 I hadn't noticed that the breech was higher than the barrels until you pointed it out.  I see that now in the pictures you posted.  And yes, Rice's hooked breeches are flush with the barrel.
Thanks,
Kevin

[rich pierce]

This one has a hooked breech.

[JonCT]

Thanks for another!  Looks like a hooked breech is definitely in order.

[Adrie luke]

David's  rifle


https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=61428.msg615988#msg615988

[JonCT]

Trying pics again.  I think I tried too many at once

[JonCT]

[JonCT]

[oldtravler61]

 No pictures are showing on my end either...

[JonCT]

Sorry I don’t know what I’m doing wrong with the pics.

[rich pierce]

I see the pix.

[JonCT]

Photos are there now…anyway…flat sawn plank…vertical and pretty straight through forend and lock. 

[JonCT]

Does anyone see any issues with the stock layout?  There is just a tiny bit of lighter wood that may be sap wood that should be gone by the time it’s trimmed to size.