My first longrifle

[Medic187]

Hello everyone and thank you for allowing me to join.  I recently picked this up and was wondering your thoughts, it has a Russ hamm lock so was wondering it it was a kit back in the 80’s?  It has a 48” barrel, no marking anywhere on the barrel and best I can figure it’s a 42 cal. 
Thanks for any thoughts on it,  don’t judge the rear site to harshly, I blacksmith and made it out of 4140 just have not cut the notch in or sighted it in yet but it was free.
Eric

[rich pierce]

Hi, and welcome! It’s possible that barrel is older than the rest of the gun. The form of the rifling looks like it’s from the percussion period. I’d guess the gun could have been made in the 1970s to 1980s.

[Daniel Coats]

Not a kit gun for sure with that 48 inch antique barrel. There might be other antique parts on it as well. I would be inclined to leave it alone and get a more modern shooter. Still a nice find that has its place.

[Medic187]

Thank you for your comments I appreciate the information blessed to be apart of this group with such a wealth of knowledge.

Eric

[Daryl]

Welcome to the forum, Eric.
If you want to shoot the rifle, you will need a long cleaning rod at least 4' with a jag that will allow you to use
a small square of maroon Scotch Brite 'cloth'. Spray it with WD40, or some very light oil, and make about 40 full
length passes down and up the bore. You may have to change the cloth square a time or two. This will follow
the rifling if snug, and will help smooth up things a bit.
As it is, this barrel will foul badly and be difficult to load.

[Medic187]

Thank you, I will try your advice.  I was wondering if that was a lead buildup within the barrel or old pitting from not cleaning it.  I’ll give the scotch brite a go I appreciate it.
Eric

[Daryl]

Glad to help in any way I can.
Leading can happen  but not with patched round balls.