Finished new Christian's Spring based rifle

[Tom Currie]

Wanted to share pics of my 5th rifle a Christian's Spring based rifle I had with me a Dixon's last month. Didn't quite " fair"  as well as Long John did with his beatuiful rifle, let's just say I'm "green" with envy.  Hope you enjoy it. First wood box for me.









 

[bdixon]

I like that.  Is the detail around the wood box relief then transitions to incise near the butt plate?

[roundball]

Pretty darn nice...I'd sure hunt with it!
 

[rich pierce]

There's a lot to like there.  I am mining the new book on Moravian Gunmakers and can see the strong bloodlines there.  I think you did a great job of wedding together decorative motifs and architecture from different guns.  It goes together really well.  Don't be the least discouraged by how it fared in the judging.  You have a really good eye and hand.

[smart dog]

Hi Tom,
That is wonderful.  Well done.  I especially like how you handled the lock area around that big Chamber's lock. You shaped it perfectly making a big rifle look very svelte.

dave

[PIKELAKE]

Hi Tom. It looks to be a very nice rifle.  I really like the color of the stock. I'll bet that it won't be the last rifle you build with a wood box. Did the judges have a problem with box?  Just another reason I'm sad for not being at Dixon's this year. I just missed too much good stuff. Take care.....JZ

[B.Habermehl]

Nicely done rifle. Don't feel bad about your Dixons results. Utilise the critique they gave you to improve next time. The rifle could live at my house and I certainly wouldn't be ashamed. Just remember the results of Dixon's are affected allot by what is submitted each year. If you are unlucky enough to be up against a few really super guns; OUCH! A really good gun in my book.  BJH

[flintman-tx]

That is a fine piece of work...with or without awards.  You did yourself proud(as the oldtimers used to say)

[Acer Saccharum]

Tom C, from the other Tom C, I think you did a mighty fine job of putting that rifle together. Particularly nicely done is the form of the buttstock. I also like your carving elements; they are well thought out and executed. However, I see the backgrounding could have been done a little better on the cheekpiece side of the buttstock, but that can be improved on your next rifle.

Good job.

Great to see you at DIxon's.

Tom

[Tom Currie]

Thanks for the kind comments guys.
The carving around the box lid is all done in very low relief. I rushed a few things on the gun to get it done by the Fair and by and large those cost me with the judges. I could have done better there.
Told myself I wouldnt rush a gun again, maybe I'll listen to myself next time.

I'm pleased with my effort overall, I like trying to be creative and do different things.

I'll learn from the judging I understand . I just wish I understood all of it.

[roundball]

If you don't mind me asking, about how long did it take to turn it out?

[Tom Currie]

 I set the barrel in last November and finished just before Dixon's in late July . So that's about 8 months.

[Ed Wenger]

Tom,

     I thought you had a great looking rifle when I saw it at Dixon's, and I still think so.  You did a nice job of capturing the look and feel of a Christian's Spring rifle.  Nice lines, workmanship and carving.  See ya next year!

                       Ed

[Leatherbelly]

  Tom,
    I think you did a superb job on this rifle. I don't know alot about CS's rifles but it looks "@!*% fine" to me. Thanks for posting!

[A.Merrill]

   Fine work, keep it up.  Al

[bama]

Very nice rifle Sir. I like the color and the design flow of the rifle.

I have told myself many times don't rush it but getting myself to listen to me is pretty hard sometimes.