I am trying to figure out where and when this one may have been built. My best guess is western VA/NC/SC?
The specifications are as follows:
- Overall Length = 60.5"
- Weight = 10lbs 10oz
- Drop at heel = 4.5"
- Butt Plate width = 1.6"
- Butt Plate length = 4.75"
- Trigger pull = 14"
- The 43" barrel is .45 calibre, unmarked and utilizes a solid patent breech. It appears to be original length. There are no extra holes in the ramrod channel or plugged/extra pin holes in the stock.
- Slightly swamped: 1.04" at breech (actually measured just in front of the patent breech connection) / 0.94" fourteen inches from muzzle / 0.99 at the muzzle
- The barrel tang is rather long ( 3.5") but still is secured by only one screw. Rounded end.
- Iron buttplate, toeplate, triggerguard and nosecap. The wide triggerguard is, at least to my eye, very attractive.
- Brass ramrod thimbles and entry pipe.
- The very front of the nosecap was finished with lead some of which is now gone.
- Single acting set triggers. The rear trigger must be set for the lock to hold in the cocked position.
- The lock is marked "WARRANTED" in larger than usual letters but there are no other visible markings anywhere else.
Although a bit heavy it actually shoulders and points wonderfully.
I haven't had the privilege to examine up close too many true 'mountain' rifles so any and all ideas and comments on the subject would greatly appreciated. Is it even right to classify this as a mountain rifle?
Thanks to all for looking.