Double Trouble!

[Prospector8083]

I am a ignorant newcomer learning as much as I can with what time God allows me in this wonderful life! I am not even in the same league as some of you fellas. I have completed 4 rifles,3 from kits. I built my first one in 1972 with a dixie gun works roman nose flintlock. I met a man by the name of Frank Connally(spelling) who is a nephew of Bill Large during that time period(played the bagpipes) who taught me the basics! Anyway,I am extremely interested in anything to do with blackpowder. I just ordered a southern mountain rifle kit from Jim Kibler with his new machined lock.I ordered 2 barrels,32 cal and 45 cal. After watching a couple of his videos I quickly came to the conclusion that he was in a completely different league of his own. I am glad I did some (harder) work on earlier crude kits,of course I am cheating using kits. At this stage of my life,70 yrs,i like the fact that the project is faster although if I lived back east I believe I would take advantage of the classes.Sorry for spelling,etc. What do you think about having two different barrels for same stock? I would not try it with my limited abilities with any other kit!

[Mike Brooks]

I never considered building from kits "cheating". Your two barrel idea will work fine.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

First, welcome to this fantastic web site.  This is where you belong.

In the case of Jim's rifle kit, it makes perfect sense to have two barrels.  Both should have their own tang and breech plug.  They will both fit perfectly.  But you will have to be extremely careful with the long lollypop tangs...they can easily be bent when out of the wood, and if you do, they will never fit into the stock again, well.

[rick/pa]

Welcome to the forum.  A two barrel gun is a good idea if you can't afford two complete guns.  Just be careful when the barrel is out of the stock. Those long, graceful fore ends are devilishly thin and won't tolerate much rough usage.  The best solution would be to have a hooked breech fitted for both barrels but that is not an option in this case.  Something to think on as you gain skill and knowledge.  You're only a year younger than I am so let's hope we both live a great deal longer!!

[Bob Roller]

I once owned a cased W.W.Greener 16 bore double rifle that also had 10 and 12 gauge
barrels.I shot the rifle and with 90 grains of DuPont 3fg it would make "snake eyes"at
50 yards.It had all accessories normal to these guns and all were numbered to the gun.
Wish I had kept it but I can say that about others as well.

Bob Roller

[Hungry Horse]

I can tell you one thing for sure. If you got instructions from Frank Connally, and paid attention, you can’t go far wrong. Many years ago, at the Tall Trees Rendezvous I met Frank, and his wife. A good friend of mine was making the transition from cap guns to real guns, and was shopping for a good flinter. I saw a beautiful little Bedford on Franks trade blanket, and went back to camp and told my friend to either buy that gun, or lend me enough money so I could buy it. He bought it, and still has it. He’s had more than one collector swear that its a genuine antique. It’s a real work of art.

  Hungry Horse

[Prospector8083]

Thank  you guys for the warm welcome! As far as the delicate tang on the southern rifle I have been thinking of making a frame or support made to enclose the tang and part  of the barrel possibly out of maple,extra fancy of course! what do you guys recommend? I have shot that beautiful Bedford county rifle several times and am shocked that he would even sell it! In fact I built an exact copy from one of Track's kits because I always loved the way it looked. Is Frank still Making smoke? I surely hope so! That boy could sure play the bagpipes and was a expert fly fisherman. He had a product that he sold relating to muzzleloading called "Maiden Oil"! Great Guy! Thanks again gentlemen! Will be watching!

[Prospector8083]

I am happy to know I am not cheating! I actually ordered his other model kit too. I just didn't want you to think I am nuts! Well,it takes months to get it so why not! 

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I have just taken delivery of a Pennsylvania fowler from Barbie Chambers/Phillips to help a friend build over this winter.  We ordered it with two barrels:  a 20 gauge smoothbore and a .5cal rifle.  The barrels each have their own breech plug and will be easy to substitute back and forth from fowler to rifle.  I think it's a great concept and am looking forward to this build.

[hanshi]

Welcome to ALR, Prospector.  I think you have a great idea with two barrels for a rifle.  I'd prefer two separate rifles, myself; but go for it.