Bucks Co. 40 cal just finished

[Tom Currie]

Tom, I'll offer a couple of things that maybe are just personal preference but something I see as a bit different than I would have done it. In my mind the patchbox could be tapered a bit more , it likes sort of wide near the rounded portion. Also expanding on what Don said, maybe the wrist/comb transition dish could have been extended a bit further back just until it needed to flatten out for the patchbox lid itself.  I think that would look sleeker.

That's really nick picking. I think your work is first class.   

[Michigan Flinter]

Hey Grits bring it to the next shoot if you still have it . You have a God given gift my friend. Seeing your work always inspires me to do my best.

[Eric Smith]

Yes, thanks for posting. I like it, even though I am not a fan of Bucks Co. rifles. I would pick it up and shoot it.

[wattlebuster]

I think it looks GREAT

[b bogart]

Wonderful gun!! The only nits I could pick is the lock panels (Bucks are really small) and a bit more distance on the wrist on the patchbox side. Not meant as a critisim mind you, just an observation! Very nice craftsmanship Mr Caster.

And Mr Crosby maybe we should get together and finish our Bucks Co rifles.

[heelerau]

G'day, you blokes amaze me with you craftsmanship!! That is one lovely rifle!

Cheers

Gordon

[WMnBR]

Actually, it makes me want to build one.

[t.caster]

Thanks for all the nice comments and critiques! It's all good and the crits are valid & well taken. The one chastisement is out of line.

Can't bring it to the shoot Eric, it's at it's new home in Fond Du Lac already.

[Glenn]

Nice rifle.  Very well done. 

[750k2]

This is a awesome rifle!
Very trim - very.
Jury still out on if it is a better fit than my Beck till
I get it out to the range - It'll have to be very good to
beat the Iron Beck.
Tom you do fantastic work

[t.caster]

750k2, that's music to my ears! You just made my day!
Thanks

[kutter]

Very nice looking rifle. Another style I have to add to the to-do list now.

[Rick G.]

What do they call that type of patchbox? Beautiful job BTW!

[duca]

Awesome! Very nice indeed.

[t.caster]

Rick G, it's called a side opening pb, and is characteristic of Bucks Co. rifles, but it does show up in other schools occasionally as well.

[cheyenne]

Beautiful rifle Tom!

[cheyenne]

Tom, I have a question....where is the release for the patchbox door?

[David R. Pennington]

If it's like most of the Bucks Co. style its hidden under the toe plate. The front rounded lollipop section of the toe plate flexes in when you push on it and pushes on the rod underneath to release the catch.

[Birddog6]

Tom,

That is a beautiful job on that rifle. The only thing I find fault with is you didn't sent it to me for extensive testing ..........   

Nice job well done.   

[cheyenne]

Thanks David...makes sense, and I don't feel bad not seeing it!

[t.caster]

David R., you are correct.

[cmac]

Nice looking rifle! I just picked up a Bucks Co. youth stock and barrel at the CLA show. I was thinking the same type of patch box. Would you be so kind as to post photos of how that type of release works(inside)?

[KLMoors]

Tom, very nice once again. Also, thanks for the information on the incised carving. It really is beautifully done. Some of the incised carving that has been posted here lately is a great inspiration for me to keep working and trying to improve my own!

[t.caster]

CMAC, when you push in on the forward end of the toeplate it engages a rod that pushes the latch spring and the lid pops open. The lid and actuator was copied from some great photos I received of an old original Bucks rifle. It took some careful planning and finess to get the hole for the rod in just the right alignment. I hope no one is offended by my shiny sst springs.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Tom, its beautiful! I especially like the incised carving. I don't like the modern end on the untapered ramrod. I notice a lot of guns being made this way lately and I wonder why?  Why not a tapered rod without the brass tip??