Overall, a very nice second gun. I think the metal work and inletting look very nice. I do have a couple of observations on the architecture though. First, the stock is too tall through the lock area. Rupp and other classic Lehighs have the step curve coming clear up under the lock in an attempt to minimize the vertical profile. This carries through almost to the forearm. Look closely at the Rupp on Kettenburg’s site and you’ll see what I mean. A few months ago, Eric von Aschwege posted some pictures of a very nice Moll that also show this well. You could probably find them in the archives.
I think that carving the curve under the lock correctly is one of the most difficult parts of building a Lehigh. To get it really right, you need a skinnier lock than can be purchased, although the Large Siler can be modified to get you pretty close. The treatment of the lock panels is also not in Rupp’s style. The cheek piece is too far forward, although I suppose since this was a precarve, there may not have been anything you could do about that.
Keettenburg has written extensively on Lehigh design, and if you searched the archives you’ll find a lot of other useful discussion as well. Finally, I think the edges of the carving look a little soft. I’m no carver myself, but I wonder if sharper tools might help.
I like the trigger guard. It’s not historically correct, but if it suits your shooting style better than a smaller guard, I think that’s a nice way to customize a gun to suit your own personal needs.
