Southern iron mounted rifle

[tallpine]

This is my third rifle, inspired by the "Plain an Purtty" thread on here a while back.  .40 cal x 3/4 x 42 Colrain straight barrel . Golden age Chambers lock. Stock finished with Vinegaroon and cherry stain. poured pewter nose cap. All furniture except front sight hand forged by me.
     I am hesitant to post this rifle on here amongst some of the finest examples of long rifles being made today , I do so for advice on improving my skills. constructive criticism very much  welcomed.... Dan 

[Mike Brooks]

Next time use an English lock and use set triggers. Show more barrel and ram rod. Shape your barrel tang to a point. Inlet your trigger guard.
 All that being said, It's better than my 3rd rifle!

[hanshi]

What he said.  But pretty nice, IMHO.  I used a 3/4" straight barrel on my .36; that .40 must be light.

[Stoner creek]

Your stock profile is very nice. Hand forged mounts will always add to your work. Keep cranking them out. Keep up the good work.

[bgf]

Was the stock precarved and pre inlet?  I'm not asking to pick on you but rather because it might have had some influence on the things I have to say.

I like the furniture you forged. 

[tallpine]

The stock was a roughed out precarve with barrel channel and ram rod hole drilled. I did all the inletting. The .40 cal 3/4 barrel balances beautifly, very light in the hand. Thanks Mike and others who replied I truly value your opinion. Dan

[bgf]

Tallpine,
Ok, I think the breech and thus lock are a bit too far forward, giving the tang area a flat area, sorta hump back.  It usually happens with precarves if you don't take the barrel channel back more, but sometimes you cant, especially if the lock is already inlet, thus my question...

I agree with Mike's other observations and would suggest also a different tang, not necessarily a long lollipop, but a pointed tang with a screw or even two in it would be more SMR like than the older flared tang.

No offense intended and I'd be proud to carry it as is, just making my observations.

[tallpine]

BFG, no offence taken. I see what you are referring too. I did set the barrel back  about an inch and redefined the lock panels . Should have went back a tad more Thanks for your critique. Dan

[mountainman70]

Nice  rifle,Tallpine,and welcome aboard. I like  the 3/4 .40 barrels in these type rifles. I cant offer anymore than what has already been said. Nice work.
In one of his posts, Cades Cove Fiddler posted pic of a real loooooong wristed beauty of a SMR. Look for it and see.
I bet your rifle weighs about 6lbs,if that. Nice to shoot and carry.
Best regards, Dave f

Do a search on Cades Cove Fiddler,posts,go to number 98 for a look at a long neck/wrist beauty. Dave F

[bama]

You're craftsmanship appears to be good as far as fit and finish goes but the architecture is lacking. As time and study goes on you will improve in that area. My first rifle was an architectural and mechanical wreck but I learned a lot by building it, I still learn something from every build, it's part of the journey.

Thanks for sharing

[Roger B]

I like it. You did two courageous things; dive into rifle building and put your work up for criticism. That takes fortitude and character. Congrats!
Roger B.

[David R. Pennington]

This post illustrates why I love this site. You asked for and got exactly what you needed. Constructive criticism. I am a student as well and have learned a lot here. I went back to my firstun’ and corrected what mistakes I could after I couldn’t stand them anymore. Your mounts are nice and fit and finish looks good.
Here is what I can offer:
Stock seems too square at tang area. I went back on my first one and took off a lot of wood.