Thanks for the kind words everyone. I really had fun with this one. This has a .36 cal straight Green Mountain barrel.
Richard, I'm not sure how correct the chevron and jagged pewter muzzlecap is - there's definitely some fantasy in this rifle. I have seen chevrons, vertical stripes, and solid pewter nosecaps with the jagged edge - I just decided to combine them. Dave, That first mark on the stock is the most difficult! Same with the first dents, dings, and vise marks on the barrel and hardware. After the initial distressing, adding some walnut dye, soot, oil, finish, rubbing back, and burnishing, then adding more dents, it all starts to come together and look pleasing. It's tough marring the steel barrel and parts because they're a lot tougher than wrought iron.
I think on the next fake I'll play with a heat gun and steam to try to keep the stock from becoming so smooth. If I had a fireplace I'd hang the completed rifle from the top of the chimney and let it smoke for a day.
-Eric