First model Virginia Manufactory rifle info

[moodyholler]

Anyone ever built one? What thimbles did you use? Any good pics besides Cromwells book. I have a Rayl barrel and a walnut plank. Castings are coming from TRS. Thanks, moodyholler

[TP]

Good to hear, they are wonderful rifles.  Cromwell is going to be your best source but there is also good information in George D. Moller's
American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period. 

Will you be using brass or iron furniture?  The First Model Rifle had round sheet metal pipes (no facets) with rings front and back. 

You can do a search at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture's website - https://www.virginiahistory.org/, they have an excellent collection of rifles, muskets, pistols, bayonets, swords and other items from and having to do with the Virginia Manufactory of Arms.  If you live within a couple hours drive of Richmond, Va., it may be worthwhile to take a trip to see some of the items. 

[KC]

I read about those recently and was really intrigued by them. I was interested in the early first models after I saw one Clay Smith built with the Rattlesnake patchbox. Thanks for posting the info links. I emailed The Rifle Shoppe several times and called and left messages asking about their castings and never heard back. I don’t understand how they stay in business. Maybe I’m on some sort of a black list for wanting to spend too much money there. I keep saying I’ll stop trying but then see stuff like these Virginia Manufactory rifles where they’re the only source for parts. Probably for the better anyway, I don’t think I have the skills yet to build from castings and a plank, I just thought I’d collect the parts just in case I ever do develop the skills.
K.C.

[VP]

One of the best sources is auction sites. First Model Virginia rifles show up from time to time. A couple nice examples within the last few months. I think Cowans has one on its site now.

VP

[wvcruffler]

Anyone ever built one? What thimbles did you use? Any good pics besides Cromwells book. I have a Rayl barrel and a walnut plank. Castings are coming from TRS. Thanks, moodyholler

Howdy!

Did you ever get this project going? I’m considering the same project. Will probably try to source an early Virginia type stock and fit the brassware to it rather than try to make my own. Was curious how it turned out. Have my inquiry to TRS on availability and delivery times. I know it takes a minute I’ve ordered from them before.

[moodyholler]

Got all my parts gathered, had 12 brain surgeries, sold out. Having trouble looking down. Sorry not much help. Later moodyholler

[wvcruffler]

sorry to hear!
Well if I ever get one built ill post a pic of it.
Cheers

[wvcruffler]

Aaaand I ordered the parts from TRS who has them in stock!
Game on

[Clark Badgett]

Got all my parts gathered, had 12 brain surgeries, sold out. Having trouble looking down. Sorry not much help. Later moodyholler

I bought your parts set. It’s patiently waiting it turn in my que, slow moving que at that.

[wvcruffler]

Saturday I’m going to Richmond. I get to examine 2 of the first model and one of the second model Manufactory rifle. Plan to take a lot of pics and measurements. Both of the first type are steel mounted. Should be fun.

Phil

[Clark Badgett]

Saturday I’m going to Richmond. I get to examine 2 of the first model and one of the second model Manufactory rifle. Plan to take a lot of pics and measurements. Both of the first type are steel mounted. Should be fun.

Phil

I didn’t think there were any original 1st model (brass) rifles left. Only 2nd (iron) and 3rd.

[wvcruffler]

Sharing my photo album from my trip to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. I was able to examine 2 First Model and one Second Model. The two first models are steel mounted with 43-44" barrels in 47-50cal. One is octagon and the other octagon to round. The Second Model is brass mounted. I think it was also 50 cal or near it. I have tracings of all 3 rifles so this week I'll try to add some other measurements that I was able to make.

https://photobucket.com/share/3b1b72e4-55b6-4862-95ae-45a5631af405

Hope its helpful.
Thanks to Mark Elliott for the advice to make an appointment ahead of time. I apologize for the trash photography.

Dr Phil