Author Topic: J. Miller rifle at Track of the Wolf  (Read 4252 times)

Online bob in the woods

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J. Miller rifle at Track of the Wolf
« on: June 18, 2010, 07:06:52 PM »
Being 99% computer incapable, I've never posted anything I've built; however thought I'd mention there is a .62 cal I built shown on the TOF site.  It's sold pending funds, so I am not promoting anything here...just a chance for a look while I work on becoming more computer savy. [ not anytime soon !!]
Hope you like it. All comments welcome. It's how I learn.

Offline Mike Brooks

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« Last Edit: June 18, 2010, 07:19:44 PM by Mike Brooks »
NEW WEBSITE! www.mikebrooksflintlocks.com
Say, any of you boys smithies? Or, if not smithies per se, were you otherwise trained in the metallurgic arts before straitened circumstances forced you into a life of aimless wanderin'?

Online bob in the woods

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Re: J. Miller rifle at Track of the Wolf
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2010, 07:26:46 PM »
I have very thick skin!!!!  Living where I do, I have never handled, or seen an actual longrifle. Just muskets.  Like I said..comments are how I learn. Fire away.

Offline Dave B

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Re: J. Miller rifle at Track of the Wolf
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2010, 08:53:43 AM »
Bob,
I think you were paying attention to them there muskets because your profiles look great.  I see that you have got your inletting down pretty well and the architecture is coming right along. I like the early guns and this looks to be a great job on portraying this. There is allot to be said to stepping off into the deep end of the pool and going for it.  Most muskets don't have cheek pieces and I think this is one area where you could improve on your design.  The current configuration reminds me of some of the later rifles from the mountains of TN where the cheek piece is moved further forward on the butt stock. With an early style that you have going, I would have moved it more towards  the butt plate a bit, maybe an inch and a quarter. No I take that back. I think you need to make the line of the end of the comb line that is joining to form the front cheek piece must be moved more into a sweeping line vs the current short dropped down that you have. Let the front inch of the cheek piece go away with the new line. I am not sure I am describing this correctly.  The lock could be of a larger size to fit the architecture better. I think the chambers early Ketland trade lock would have been a better choice. The current lock just looks too small for this early of a gun. Though I have never use one the other option could be to use one of the gunmaker locks and shape out the plate to be just a bit longer and wider to fit the bill perfectly.  The carving is very flolksy and reminds me of some of the work done by possible owners of original pieces in the times past. I know I have seen examples of this kind of work that was done in much the same fashion on early examples.  Some one is going t be pleased with a fun piece to shoot.
Dave Blaisdell

Offline Elnathan

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Re: J. Miller rifle at Track of the Wolf
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2010, 05:40:59 PM »
The lock panels could use a bit of work: the lock side panel is uneven and points above the centerline of the wrist, while the other side tapers down a little bit too quickly. I would also lower the tail of the cheekpiece side panel just a bit for better visual flow. I also find the sideplate, particularly the very front, a little awkward due to the fact that the front lock-bolt is noticeably off center and has a bit of the plate out in front -  next time I'd try to keep the bolt head more centered and possibly do away with that little bit of plate sticking out in front of it. I also concur with Dave regarding the lock size.

On the plus side, the overall proportions are good.
A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition -  Rudyard Kipling

Offline smylee grouch

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Re: J. Miller rifle at Track of the Wolf
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2010, 10:30:22 PM »
The way it looks from here is the front of the cheek stands out a little too much, if that were the case I would trim that down to flow into the wrist more, I usualy see this first as I have done same thing on several of my guns before someone else pointed it out to me and then it looked so obvious. Best wishes, Flintlocks Forever,       Gary