Hello! My first post here so excuse me if this is in the wrong spot and gladly move it where it should go if needed. Basically, I need some help and was pointed to this forum in hopes of getting some direction and good feedback. Here's my situation....Growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandpa hunting and fishing. We literally went everywhere together. In particular, I used to always admire his blackpowder rifle that he used to call his "hog" gun. He would use it to hunt squirrels, rabbits and of course kill hogs.
My grandpa passed away a long, long time ago when I was a young kid. I wanted that rifle bad but unfortunately it ended up going to the oldest son and was then passed on to his oldest son (my cousin). Over the years I tried desperately to get my hands on that rifle and offered to buy it several times without any luck.
No disrespect to the family but after I grew up I was really the only one with a passion for the outdoors who could appreciate grandpas gun and take appropriate care of it. Honestly the rest don't know one end of a gun from the other. Fast forward to this week, thanksgiving day of all things. My cousin, now getting up in years and not in the best of health, pulled me aside. He said I know how much you thought of grandpa and how much grandpa thought of you and I think it would be appropriate for me to give you grandpas rifle. I think grandpa would want it that way. I about fell over! After all these years I finally have in my hands grandpas hog rifle. I'm pretty excited!
Now the reason for my post. I need some help. The rifle has not been taken care of properly and I need some help on how to proceed in getting it in its best working condition. I would like to get it in the best condition I possibly can in hopes that it will last a long time and that I can pass it on to my kids and their kids.
I always thought it was a KY Long Rifle (percussion cap) in .32 caliber. However, after inspecting it very thoroughly I can't seem to find any markings on the gun to indicate the maker. It's 58" long from tip to tip and I have plenty of pics I will post. Any help in identifying what it is would be appreciated.
In addition to all that, how do I get it back in shape (the best I can anyway). Therefore, I am looking for any and all suggestions. The nipple, the area around the nipple, the double set triggers, missing ramp rod, and of course the barrel (both inside and out) need some attention. Some of this stuff may have to be replaced. My ultimate goal is to get it back to where I might be able to shoot it and then keep it in good shape after that but I don't want to destroy the heritage of the gun.
Is there someone really good who would specialize in getting this back into shape (preferably someone close by to Lexington, KY)?
Thoughts, recommendations? Thanks guys!
