Author Topic: A Fleeger for the grandson  (Read 11055 times)

Offline Lucky R A

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A Fleeger for the grandson
« on: August 06, 2011, 08:33:03 PM »
      I am the proud grandfather of three little boys.  With the births of the first two (twins) I built matching Bucks Co. J. Shuler rifles for each.  The rifle's stocks were cut from the same piece of wood, so they were "twin" guns.  I now have another grandson; he is an entirely different little guy, so I needed to build an entirely different gun.  A number of years ago I built a copy of a John Fleeger rifle for a client and really hated to let it go.  This year the KRA President's display was on Western Pennsylvania guns, so I was able to see it up close and personal with a number of these beautiful rifles.  I found myself again going back to the John Fleeger that I had previously built and decided to build a copy for my grandson Evan.  These photos are the result; as usual, comments (positive or negative) and questions are welcome.







"The highest reward that God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work."  - Elbert Hubbard

Offline Glenn

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2011, 09:00:36 PM »
WOW ... What a beautiful piece of work !!!  Sure is one lucky grandson.  I hope the talent carries in the genes.  You did a great job.  This silver and brass goes beautifully together with the stain and finish.  Job well done for sure !!!  ;D  ;D  ;D
Many of them cried; "Me no Alamo - Me no Goliad", and for most of them these were the last words they spoke.

Offline D. Taylor Sapergia

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2011, 09:12:26 PM »
Lucky RA...you've picked a very worthy rifle to copy and have done a beautiful job of it.  Your work on the patch box is outstanding.  Rifles such as this, with raised and incised carving, wire inlay, brass and silver engraved inlays and on and on, are very time consuming, and you've pulled this one off admirably.  I have a T. Allison rifle in the planning stage using a very colourful walnut stick I bought from Chris Laubach c/w a .25 cal barrel.  I really enjoyed seeing your rifle.
D. Taylor Sapergia
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Art is not an object.  It is the excitement inspired by the object.

Offline alyce-james

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2011, 09:29:32 PM »
I really enjoyed the pictures you shared with us. I don't know the adjectives to describe the quality of craftmenship and skill level in this effort for your third grandson. Congratulations to you and your three grandsons. I've not seen your other two rifles but WOW!! Thanks, AJ     
"Candy is Dandy but Liquor is Quicker". by Poet Ogden Nash 1931.

Offline Tom Currie

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2011, 09:40:45 PM »
Well done as always Ron. An heirloom from their Grandfather. I will follow your lead on building for those grandkids when they are born, for God only knows what the future might hold. 

Offline Ed Wenger

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2011, 10:04:50 PM »
Ron,

As always, absolutely beautiful work.  I love the lower butt stock molding.  I'm sure Evan is going to be a very happy little boy!  Beautiful work with the wire and inlays.  Did you pin the barrel or use keys?  Thanks very much for posting the pics.

             Ed
Ed Wenger

Offline Rolf

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2011, 10:08:40 PM »
That is a really beautiful rifle!!! I love those sleak lines. Your grandsons are very lucky.

Best regards

Rolf

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2011, 10:52:05 PM »
I like it as well.  The gadrooning along the lower but molding is pretty neat.  A nice job and something that will be treasured for many years. 

Jim

raszpla

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2011, 10:52:38 PM »
It is beautiful when the artist's own work, ennobles the heart of another man

Offline Kevin Houlihan

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2011, 11:12:11 PM »
Beautiful...If you need a place to keep it until he's old enough to shoot, just let me know ;)

Offline smylee grouch

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2011, 11:15:00 PM »
Very very nice. If I wasnt so old I would offer myself up for adoption.   Smylee

Offline M Tornichio

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2011, 11:47:28 PM »
very nice looking rifle.
What are the specs on the rifle. Size of barrel, cal. length of pull.
I have a son that is 2 right now. I hope to build him a rifle sometime in the next 5 years. I am not sure what to do for length of pull ect.
Great job!

Daryl

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2011, 12:06:28 AM »
Beautifully executed - thankyou for posting the pictures, LuckyRA. He's a Lucky Lad. They are are.

jamesthomas

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2011, 12:23:55 AM »
 Good looking rifle! BUT what if he turns out to be a lefty? ;D

Odd Fellow

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2011, 02:46:06 AM »
Very nice work!

Offline James

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #15 on: August 07, 2011, 05:17:35 AM »
Very nice work Ron, meticulous to say the least. Evan is a very fortunate boy indeed. Smylee mentioned it, but I too will offer myself up for adoption  :D
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined... The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun." P.Henry

Offline rf50cal

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #16 on: August 07, 2011, 03:07:06 PM »
Stunning rifle, very nice job Ron. Perhaps you can persuade Evan to allow you to bring it to Lewisburg in Feb.
Roger Fleisher

Offline Lucky R A

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #17 on: August 07, 2011, 05:34:13 PM »
    Guys,  Thanks for the nice comments on the rifle.  I don't care who you are, or your level of ability, this site has much to offer.  I know that I have learned much from the more accomplished builders, as we share techniques and processes. 
     There have been several who have offered themselves up for adoption, Daniel Russell (Eric A.) was first in line) and asked what else beside the gun he would get if I adopted him.  I told him that I would come to live with him and he could take care of me in my advanced state of dotage...still any offers? 
      Although this rifle was built for my grandson (age 2years) it was built to to adult standards.  I feel that he will use and appreciate it the most when he reaches maturity.  In the meanwhile I have smaller guns to do the initial introduction and shooting with.  In each of the patchboxes there is an engraved brass plate with a seniment from his Grandmother and I along with a copy of the family genealogy, just to help connect them to their past as they go into the future...
       Roger, since I am the custodian of the grandsons guns at this point, I am pretty sure it will come to Lewisburg with me this Feburary---see you there. 

Ron
"The highest reward that God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work."  - Elbert Hubbard

Offline alex e.

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #18 on: August 07, 2011, 05:58:16 PM »
I am in awe.You just keep outdoing yourself.what is not to like.Even if he never has in interest in shooting it i am sure he will treasure it for the art it is and who it came from.

Alex.
Uva uvam videndo varia fit

Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #19 on: August 07, 2011, 07:09:15 PM »
 Holy cow! What a rifle, beautiful work.

 Tim C.

Offline smylee grouch

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #20 on: August 07, 2011, 07:37:21 PM »
Lucky, the engraved plate in the patch box is something that I had planed to do on my grandchildren's guns too. I think it adds more to the overall sentimental value for the owner. Again, very nice gun and a great jesture to family history.   Smylee

S_Heriger

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #21 on: August 10, 2011, 12:11:22 AM »
Beautiful piece, Ron! Thanks for posting...

Offline tpr-tru

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Re: A Fleeger for the grandson
« Reply #22 on: August 10, 2011, 04:51:16 AM »
Ron,   you first inspired me in the late 60's.  You are the master.  Foxy would be very proud of you also.

tpr-tru