The West Virginia Mountaineer Rifle

[wvcruffler]

Howdy all!
I knew Marvin Wotring the man who built some (most) of the original muskets for the WV Mountaineer and I wondered - what pattern is this rifle built upon? Have a few pics. There are some differences but they seem to largely be similar. Wasn’t sure exactly where this would go in the forum. Any help would be appreciated. I have a knife made by and Mr Wotrings 12ga reloading outfit (Herter’s I believe). 

[Avlrc]

I have wondered the same thing since first seeing one of his rifles. I hope someone can tell us.  I think it is a mix.  I am not familiar with the very long cheek rest.  The tapered wrist big behind the tang, then narrower as it goes again not familiar with. 

 I have heard a lot of people say they were like WV/VA Sheetz rifles.  I don't see that either.  Below are some photos of original antique West Virginia/VA Sheetz rifles.

https://hampshirecountylongrifle.blogspot.com/search?q=Frederick+Sheetz

https://hampshirecountylongrifle.blogspot.com/search?q=Zebulon+Sheetz

[wvcruffler]

Would be nice to build one in that style. In any case I may inlay a state of WV because i love how that looks!!!

Phil

[Avlrc]

Montani Semper Liberi

[5judge]

My Mom came from West Virginia and, on my Dad's side, a great-grandfather fought in the 7th West Virginia Infantry during the Civil War. Having said this, one notes that a W. Va.-shaped inlay in a flint rifle would be a tad of an anachronism, West Virginia having no existence prior to 1863. Perhaps in a percussion rifle....