Need advice for new project

[Paul from KY]

I plan on building a SMR using a new 32 caliber barrel I picked up recently. The octagon barrel is 42 inches long and measures 3/4 of an inch across the flats. I intend to buy a stock that has the barrel channel and ramrod hole already done.  I've done some looking and the smallest barrel channels seem to be 13/16ths.  Does anyone know where I can get a full-length SMR stock with a 3/4-inch barrel channel?  I assume that the ramrod hole should be 5/16ths for a 32 caliber rifle.

I have a Ketland lock from TotW that I intend to use in this build.  It this lock correct for a SMR?   

[smylee grouch]

Try calling Dave at Knob Mountain.

[J. Talbert]

A Late Ketland lock would be appropriate.
Jeff

[Gaeckle]

That is a small barrel and because of the diminutive size I think the late Kentland lock would not give you the results you desire. I think a better choice would be a Manton type lock, as it is smaller in width. Because of the size of the barrel everything else is on the small side. When I use a barrel of this size I work from a blank, as it's much easier. It sounds like you are looking at using a pre-carve stock

[tfornicola]

Give Mark Weader a call, 717-543-5370. He may be able to help you out. Good Luck!

[rsells]

Paul,
I have used Mark Weader to do barrel groves in the past, and he does good work. I have attached a photo of a 3/4 inch across the flats .29 cal. 44inch barrel that I made using a late Ketland lock, Davis #4 triggers, and hand forged hardware.  The parts made a good looking rifle that shot well.  Good luck with your project.
 

                                           Roger Sells

[Dennis Glazener]

Paul,
I have used Mark Weader to do barrel groves in the past, and he does good work. I have attached a photo of a 3/4 inch across the flats .29 cal. 44inch barrel that I made using a late Ketland lock, Davis #4 triggers, and hand forged hardware.  The parts made a good looking rifle that shot well.  Good luck with your project.
 

                                           Roger Sells

I used Mark Weader for almost all of my stock work for over 20 years. His work has always been great I highly recommend him. He also has several SMR patterns if you want him to duplicate one for you. He may have a stock blank on hand if you need one.
Dennis

[Paul from KY]

Thanks to everyone for the advice.   I test fit the Ketland lock to the barrel and it looks somewhat out of proportion (too large for the barrel flat).  However, Roger's gun shows that it can be done.

[rsells]

Paul,
The photo's attached are of the first rifle I built from a board many years ago.  It has hand forged hardware and a 3/4 across the flats 32 cal H&H 42 inch barrel.  I used the small L&R flint and Davis #4 triggers.  I did not get the mortis areas around the lock shaped as it should have been,  but I was happy with the rifle at the time.  I am planning on building another rifle similar to this one for myself using a 32 cal Rice barrel with a similar lock that Bob Roller made for me using the small L&R flint plate, cock, and frizzen.  Hopefully, I will do a better job profiling the lock mortis this time.  This little walnut rifle shot great and it was a bit easier to build than the .29.

[Clowdis]

I'll give another vote for Mark Weader. Excellent work!

[Paul from KY]

TotW has a John Bailes small lock that is described as a small Manton, baby Durs Egg, or small English flint lock.  Would this lock be a better fit than the Ketland lock?

[J. Talbert]

The Chambers late Ketland would be my choice. I don’t think it is too big for that barrel. Here’s a picture of a slender rifle with a swamp barrel that is just barely over 3/4 of an inch at the breech.  I could have even thinned the lock moldings some more, but still doesn’t look big at all to me.




Jeff

[rsells]

I agree with J. Talbert.  My go to factory lock for TN rifles is the late Ketland.  It is a very reliable, fast, and the profile of the plate makes a good looking rifle.
                                                                            Roger Sells