Ohio target rifle

[steve1122]

I recently bought an old Ohio target rifle, that was built by W.A. Cunningham. All that I have learned so far, is that he was a gunsmith in Mt. Vernon Ohio, from 1852 through 1860. The percussion lock is marked Wm. H. Sowers Warranted, and I have not found any information on him.  If anyone can give me any information on this rifle, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.    Steve

[Avlrc]

William A Cunningham, Born 1829. In 1850 census he was listed as a mechanic in Miller Township.
1852 listed as a gunsmith , Knox County
1858 Gunsmith , shop Jones Block near Public Square, Mt. Vernon
1860 Mt Vernon , Wife & two children.
Cunningham made hunting & target rifles. Page 48 Ohio Gunsmiths & Allied Tradesmen, Volume III
On page 61 there is a picture of a half stock percussion rifle he made.

[steve1122]

This helps a lot! Thank you very much.

[Tim Crosby]

 It would be great to see Pix of it.

   Thanks, Tim C.

[vanu]

where to host photos
Here is a Cunningham rifle i had for many years

[steve1122]

This looks to be in the same style as mine. Did you ever shoot yours? If you did, how did it shoot?

[vanu]

Mine was in excellent condition and i shot it for many years, mostly at groundhogs on the plantation we were renting here in Virginia.
The bore was well worn but with a thick patch I was able to drive tacks at 50 yards.

Bruce

[steve1122]

That's good to hear! The bore in my rifle, seems to be in really good shape, and I'm looking forward to shooting it. It is a 36 caliber. What caliber was yours?

[vanu]

.38, i used a Speer swaged roundball designed for use with a .36 Colt Navy percussion revolver. Also, it had a semi-false muzzle (turned round) the bore was smooth for about 1" then the rifling engaged. The barrel was held by a pin 1/8" in diameter that when through the barrel, some age shrinkage cracks, otherwise in wonderful condition.

Do you have photos of your Cunningham that can be posted?

[steve1122]

That is the exact way mine is made. How thick of a patch did you use?

[vanu]

My wife had raw linen which she gladly gave me...worked fine once moistened the old-fashion way.
Its not the same rifle is it?

[steve1122]

No. Mine doesn't have any inlay's. Did yours have a Wm. H. Sowers lock?

[vanu]

Yup! Just cant find the old photo...these two are from 1981, if i locate it i'll post for your files.

[steve1122]

Thanks Buddy! You have been a big help, and I really appreciate it. I'm really pumped about this rifle, and can't wait to shoot it. Thanks again for all of your help!