Looking For Insight

[broken arrow]

Hi all,
I'm looking at building a copy of a rifle that is in the virtual library and museum.
This is the rifle...
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=9476.0
Can anyone help me with details and/or specs?
Observations as to what you think the style/school is?
Any and all help would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

[Joe Stein]

I can't help you with your request, but that is a nice rifle.  Good choice.  Keep us updated on your build when you get started, especially that side-slapper lock.  I am always interested in them.

[JCKelly]

Dillin has coupla pix of mule ears  NOT New Y. design
Will show what the mainspring should look like

Currently available mule ear locks are the New York style, Pat. #5429, 3 April 1829.

For this Penna rifle you gotta make your own lock from scratch

I have liked those Dillin mule ear guns since HST was in office

[Smoketown]

Dillin has coupla pix of mule ears  NOT New Y. design
Will show what the mainspring should look like

Currently available mule ear locks are the New York style, Pat. #5429, 3 April 1829.

For this Penna rifle you gotta make your own lock from scratch

I have liked those Dillin mule ear guns since HST was in office

Is this to be a bench copy or contemporary build? A wall hanger or shooter?

I think one of the current Durs Egg replacement pattern side-slapper locks and a bit of work with a Heli-Arc torch will give you a lock with easily replaceable internals.   

Cheers,
Smoketown

[Nate McKenzie]

I took those pictures. This rifle is on display in the Montour Co. Historical Society museum in Danville, PA.  When I cleaned it up and photographed it it was not behind glass and could easily be picked up, put on a table and measured.  They also have a beautiful J.P.Beck rifle and several others. Also CW muskets.

[broken arrow]

Thanks for the replies...
This will be a shooter.
The Durs Egg plate won't work for this.
I will be making the lock as I'm a lefty.

Nate,
Did you by chance take any measurements?
I'm needing some help with the stock architecture.

Ideas on "school"?
Would a Lehigh Valley be close on stock style?
Thanks again,
Dave

[Don Stith]

Upper Susquehanna school

[Nate McKenzie]

Upper Susquehanna School which evolved from Lehigh Valley and Reading [Redding] styles.
Barrel:  Length 39.25in.
            W. at breech 1.015in.
            W. at waste toward muzzle  .986in.
            W. at muzzle >979in.
            Cal.  .434- rifled.
OAL:  54.75in.
LOP:   13.25in.
Drop at heel: 3.25in.
Butt:   3.798in. x 1.143in. with 2.36in. heel return.
Wrist:  Height 1.396in. x Width 1.177in..
Width of fore stock:  1.457in. on lock panel just behind lock.
                               1.177in. on lock panel just ahead of lock.
                               1.245in. at rear barrel pin.
                               1.222in. at middle pin.
                               1.219in. at front pin.
Trigger Guard: Front and rear extension are ti-angular in cross section.
                      Bow width- .559in.
                      Finger rail width- .336in.
                      W. of rear extension- .312in.
                      W. of front extension- .372in.
Butt stock width: 1.188in. just in front of cheek piece.
                          1.390in. at cheek piece.
                          1.177in. just behind cheek piece.
Nose cap is two piece with no RR grove.

Hope this helps. How about sending me and/or posting pictures when you're done.
What lock are you using?

[broken arrow]

Nate,
That is exactly what I needed.... THANKS.

I have a nice piece of maple that has been properly stored and cured for about 50 years.
I can get a Lehigh Valley style out of it.
I was looking at the Rupp rifles as my GG grandmothers side of the family is from that lineage.
The lock will be handmade by me and will be on the left side as I am left eye dominant.

This project will take a while but I will keep you updated if you want.
Thanks again,
Dave

[Nate McKenzie]

Glad I could help.