Author Topic: Pike Smooth Rifle  (Read 996 times)

Offline Bill Ebner

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Pike Smooth Rifle
« on: September 07, 2021, 02:06:33 AM »
Has anyone built a copy of the Pike smooth rifle from Moravian Gunmaking II?  I find the speculation of its history fascinating and plan on making it my next build. Would the barrel be a shortened Long Land?  Was the original constructed with a 38- inch barrel or was it initially longer and then cut down? Any comments would be appreciated. If anyone has built this gun, photos would be appreciated if you would like to share.

Thanks,

Bill Ebner

Offline rich pierce

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Re: Pike Smooth Rifle
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2021, 03:38:55 AM »
I’ve not built it but it’s on my list. I would do a couple of changes. A single trigger and a recycled barrel of some kind. A Bess would be good.
Andover, Vermont

Offline blienemann

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Re: Pike Smooth Rifle
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2021, 05:17:00 AM »
Bill, the gentlemen who examined this smooth rifle, and who compared it to the Marshall rifle and signed Albrecht rifle felt this probably used components from a private militia or officer's fusil - whether restocked, or stocked up with those type components. I don't know if the barrel dimensions given fit a finished barrel from such an arm, or if the barrel was shortened from a longer tube.

They felt and I agree that this piece was stocked at this length - in this configuration. The design and spacing of components look appropriate. Also the stocking appears to be very close to that of the Marshall rifle with a similar length barrel. Remnant bits of carving remain, suggesting a fully carved rifle similar to the Marshall and others from Bethlehem or C's Spring. The rifle stock form with carving and the double triggers go together well, but a .75 smooth barrel is not what we think of as a target rifle! It certainly is an interesting piece, and we look forward to your version.  Bob