Help Identifying Parts

[Mjrand]

Hello and thank you for adding me! I found these items at my dad’s house and was hoping to get some info about them. Wondering how good this barrel is considered to be, and what its intended use would be (hunting/target). Also, given the shape of this curly maple stock what style of rifle does it appear to be. Thank you!

[Kevin]

Welcome to the forum.

I do not have any personal experience with McLemore barrels but they have been mentioned in a good number of discussions.  Type "Lemore" (no quote marks) into the Search box in the upper right hand corner and enjoy reading the returned matches.

Kevin 

[Mjrand]

Hey, thanks Kevin. It is apparently a good barrel! I’m still not sure what it is best suited for…it is not ‘swamped’ and is quite heavy so I get the impression it’s not meant for a rifle meant to be carried around much. Can someone decipher the markings? My dad certainly meant the barrel to go with this stock since they were taped together. Obviously I’m new to this and I’m just looking to gain some knowledge before I think about plans for these items. 

[Ky-Flinter]

Hi MJ,

Welcome to ALR.  McLemore barrels are highly regarded.  Mr. McLemore is/was known for making "gain" twist rifled barrels.  Initially, and this is a wild guess, I thought maybe the "419 .31" markings could have something to do with gain twist.  But apparently Mr. McLemore was somewhat secretive about the amount of gain in his barrels, so I don't know if he would stamp it on the barrel.  The barrel is also marked ".50 C" which probably indicates .50 caliber.  If you could measure the outside diameter of the barrel, flat to flat, that will help indicate it's intended purpose.

As for the stock, it looks like a Lancaster or York, PA pattern to me.  You could compare it to the many stock patterns offered at http://knobmountainmuzzleloading.com/stocks.html

Did your Dad build guns?  You might look around some more for a cigar box or shoe box of parts.  You my find the smaller parts (lock, trigger, trigger guard, butt plate, etc.) for a complete rifle!

Good luck,

Ron

[Mjrand]

Ron, thank you for the great information. My dad was a ‘hobbyist’ in terms of building guns. I’ve seen a few Hawkin type guns he put together using foreign made components. Maybe great shooters, but nothing terribly interesting. It appears he intended to make something special with these parts. He has (still alive but in assisted living and not always ‘there’ if you know what I mean)always been a bit frugal but he does have (I now have) a really nice original 1863 Springfield he used for NSSA shooting, and a beautiful LC Smith double from the 1800’s. I’m going to study this realm for a while before I move on this project, since the parts (and their provenance to me) dictate it should be done correctly. Thanks again!

[mikeyfirelock]

Jim McLemore is a friend and I spent a lot of time out in his shop.  The markings do indeed relate to the gain twist.  As I recall they relate ro the settings on the rifling machine for that particular gain twist. You have an exceptional barrel. Take good  care of it.  They are VERY accurate once you find a load for it.
( if you want to part with it, contact me first! )
mikeyfirelock

[Mjrand]

Mike, thank you for the great info. I will certainly move carefully with this barrel once I decide what and how to proceed. As for selling it that is out of the question right now since I’d hate to see my father live his final years in prison, as he most certainly would strangle the life out of me if i did so!

[mikeyfirelock]

If you sell that barrel, your father will be justified ……….you will not find a better barrel in my opinion. 

[Mjrand]

Mike,  got your message but don’t think I navigated the process of responding correctly. Thank you for your kind and generous offer, I will certainly reach out when the time comes! Your assistance and guidance will be most welcome! Mike

[mikeyfirelock]

Feel free to email or call ( email better…..cat may answer phone and his English is limited to my comments on his lack of ambition……)

[Bob Roller]

Jim McLemore is a friend and I spent a lot of time out in his shop.  The markings do indeed relate to the gain twist.  As I recall they relate ro the settings on the rifling machine for that particular gain twist. You have an exceptional barrel. Take good  care of it.  They are VERY accurate once you find a load for it.
( if you want to part with it, contact me first! )
mikeyfirelock

One thing is sure and that is the material used in making that barrel is the same as used in rapid fire cannons and came from a man who has contracts to make them.Jim told me he orders enough to supply the government and his shop.I forget the number but it isn't leaded bolt stock.
Bob Roller

[Daryl]

5140?