Nice chunk of Walnut, what to build out of it?

[marcusb]

I have a skinny blank inlleted for a 7/8th barrel. Its 1 7/8 wide and the barrel channel is 37" long. Its quarter sawn
with nice figure in the butt area. I have been wondering what I could make with it that would be historicaly correct?

Any ideas would be much appreciated





 

[Swampwalker]

Well, what types of rifles do you like, and what are your skill levels?  Walnut was used all over.  If your skill levels are beginner, probably a fairly plain southern mountain rifle is appropriate. 

[marcusb]

My skills are basic, I plan no carving etc. I dont know much about later styles that would be correct for a straight barrel. Also the narrow width would rule out most early styles,  ie no cheek rest.
A TN is not a bad idea but I figured the 37" barrel would look out of porportion. 

[keweenaw]

That's clearly a southern mountain rifle.

Tom

[Swampwalker]

I think you will be able to get at least a low checkpiece out of it. 
When I look at it I see a late Lancaster rifle, late style flintlock, patchbox with side plates separated from the lid to show some of the wood, and skip line checkered wrist.  This would work well with the straight barrel as well.  As long as you keep the size of the buttplate down (<4 1/2 inches) it should look all right with that barrel length.  This style requires minimal carving as well.  Metal work can be as fancy or plain as you like.

[Dan'l 1946]

   How about an officer's fusil or a light fowler?

[marcusb]

I am really looking for a smooth bore, I would like a fusil but being inletted for a 7/8ths octagon puts the Kibosh on that. To bad its not longer, I prefer long barreled guns, think thats the main reason I have not done anything with it
Any Ideas what shipping would cost on something like this? may try to trade it for something plain thats longer

[frogwalking]

You could always send it to me so I could drop a 7/8 inch .40  barrel into it.   

[JB2]

Frogwalker beat me to it!

[Dan'l 1946]

 Is the ramrod channel drilled? If not, you could enlarge the barrel channel and fit a larger barrel or even a tapered or swamped barrel. An octagon-to- round barrel in 24 or 28 gauge would make for a nice, light small game gun.
                                                                         Dan

[JB2]

I don't have anything to trade, 'cept $, but it really says .36 or .40 TN mountain rifle to me.  I think it would make a dandy squirrel gun, left-handed of course!

[Robby]

Marc, I see an Ohio type half stock, with a wooden rib, 35"- 36" barrel, in .45 caliber, flint lock of course, but maybe a capper just this one time, no, flint. Heck, I might even shim down the barrel channel to take a smaller diameter barrel. That is a nice piece of wood, good luck!
Robby

[marcusb]

The ramrod channel has been drilled, So I figured I was stuck with straight barrels unforutunatley, some thing in 38" swamped would be great.

I guess I will have to get off the pot and pick something

[msw]

i like Robby's suggestion, but that's just one guy's opinion.