Photos of finished Alexander Henry rifle

[JBJ]

A magnificent rifle. "Well done" is hardly adequate! I am in awe of such talent.

J.B.

[flatsguide]

Thank you for the nice compliment Curtis. The artist in you really shine in you beautiful engraving.
Best Richard

[Curtis]

Beautifully crafted! Is that a trigger stop I see?

Yes!

Curtis

[Curtis]

Thanks for all the kind words guys! 

Also, I forgot to mention that Yellowhouse Jake shot very well at the match with his Alex Henry rifle (much better than I), and came away with a trophy as well!!


Curtis

[flatsguide]

Curtis, did you get any or much distortion on the thin parts after case hardening?
Thanks Ricgard

[Curtis]

Curtis, did you get any or much distortion on the thin parts after case hardening?
Thanks Ricgard

Richard,
Fortunately, pretty much not at all.  Everything went back in their mortises like they did before.  The only thing I noticed was a very slight convex bow in the lockplate, less than half a millimeter...  drawing it snug with the lock screw flattens it out and it fits and operates normally.

Curtis

[yellowhousejake]

Thanks for all the kind words guys! 

Also, I forgot to mention that Yellowhouse Jake shot very well at the match with his Alex Henry rifle (much better than I), and came away with a trophy as well!!


Curtis

Sadly, I did not shoot the Henry at Oak Ridge, yet. I used my hot rod Pedersoli Gibbs. Tebbs barrel breached by Lee Shaver and lock rebuilt by Bob Roller, sights by Mike Neuman. I hope to live long enough to do it justice on the range.

DAve

[Curtis]

My mistake DAve!  I never got a good close look at your rifle, looked at it from about 10 feet away when I was scoring.  Sounds like I need to take a closer look next time, sounds pretty customized!  Great shooting regardless. 


Curtis

[flatsguide]

Thanks Curtis. I think your idea of building a ‘sporting rifle’ around Rod’s A.Henry’s parts is a great idea. Rod and I talked about this a few months ago. It would build into a beautiful well handling rifle.
Cheers Richard

[T*O*F]

I think your idea of building a ‘sporting rifle’ around Rod’s A.Henry’s parts is a great idea. Rod and I talked about this a few months ago.

Don Brown had a full sized print showing measurements for either a long range or sporting rifle from his parts.  That didn't get transferred to Rod when he bought everything.  I had one of them and was going to send it to Rod, but I have never been able to find it.  I'll run across it one of thee days.  A smaller illustration was included in the set of building instructions that Don supplied.  I think I sent those to Rod.  I have 2 barrels from the 1st run that Rod got from Rice Barrels.  One is on my personal rifle and the other remains to be built.

[Bob Roller]

I think your idea of building a ‘sporting rifle’ around Rod’s A.Henry’s parts is a great idea. Rod and I talked about this a few months ago.

Don Brown had a full sized print showing measurements for either a long range or sporting rifle from his parts.  That didn't get transferred to Rod when he bought everything.  I had one of them and was going to send it to Rod, but I have never been able to find it.  I'll run across it one of thee days.  A smaller illustration was included in the set of building instructions that Don supplied.  I think I sent those to Rod.  I have 2 barrels from the 1st run that Rod got from Rice Barrels.  One is on my personal rifle and the other remains to be built.
[/quote

Dave,
I have a pristine full size drawing of the Henry lock and grip section of the pistol grip and the stalking rifle and they ARE from Don Brown.
This can be mailed in flat format with no trouble at all.No charge for it.
Bob Roller

[flatsguide]

Hi Bob, I’d like a copy of the lock and grip section if possible, I’d pass on a copy to Rod England too.
Cheers Richard

[HighUintas]

If you are hunting with this rifle, where is the rod stored?

[Bob Roller]

If you are hunting with this rifle, where is the rod stored?

A less decorated version usually with an octagon barrel and barrel mounted sights and rib and thimbles on the bottom flat.
In other words,an upgraded Hawken and usually for a ball larger than 45 caliber or even a "Hawken"with a shotgun butt plate
Bob Roller

[snapper]

For hunting with a target rifle you have to carry a range rod.   The hunting models for a rifle like this is generally called a sporting rifle vs a target rifle.   Difference is ram rod and you dont need the same peep sights on a sporting rifle.

You can shoot or compete long range with a rifle that is a sporting rifle as long as you have the right sights.   Same basic rifle with a ram rod, assuming that it has a fast twist barrel as well.

Fleener

[Bob Roller]

I THINK I read an article in the now deceased Double Gun Journal by a man that hunted and killed a moose with a target model Whitworth and carried the rod.It was an unusual rifle because of the back action lock.I may still have that book but because they all looked alike it will take time to find it.That was a great publication but like so many other really good quality things,it passed from the scene.I still miss it
I did talk to someone involved with it who owned a Duesenberg car but did not know the "J"number which is odd because it's easy to see.
When I told him I owned a copy of the factory records and had all those numbers and can easily find it he seemed to get upset.
Bob Roller

[Daryl]

I thought the Whitworth versions all had steel rods?
The full stocked ones did.
Were there 1/2 stocked Whitworths?

[Bob Roller]

I thought the Whitworth versions all had steel rods?
The full stocked ones did.
Were there 1/2 stocked Whitworths?

Apparently at least ONE.It was a cased set.I know I am not the only one who bought the DGJ and maybe this article can be found.
My Whitworth was a Semi military and had a Henry barrel,4 pin Brazier lock with sliding safety in front of the hammer and Whitworth
Patent sights.The stock was fine walnut fill length and did have a steel rod and 2 barrel bands.A target rifle in work clothes and a good one.
The # is C760,
Bob Roller

[Daryl]

Sorry for the thread drift, Curtis.

[JTR]

That's a beauty of a rifle, and a fine fine job you did on it!
John

[Marcruger]

I cannot help but think the original Alexander Henry folks would be proud to have their name on that rifle.  Over the top beautiful in every way.  Is it going into competition, or just for someone to enjoy sparingly?   God Bless,   Marc

[Curtis]

Sorry for the thread drift, Curtis.

It's okay Daryl, it was a valid question!

If you are hunting with this rifle, where is the rod stored?

As Art mentioned, when hunting with a target rifle you must carry a rod separately.  I have carried one with a string on it so I can sling it over my shoulder when walking, take the string off when sitting. 

The best alternative is to build a stalking rifle, either in bullet or round-ball configuration.  The stalking rifle is a sporting gun like Art mentioned, and has a ramrod under the barrel.  Rod sells the stalking and hunting (sporting rifle) kits.  I am thinking I need to order one of them and put it together!


Curtis

[HighUintas]

Thanks, Curtis. I for some reason thought I saw it stated earlier in this thread that it was a sporting rifle and not knowing much about those tang peep sights didn't think about them only being used for targets. It didn't make sense to me that a hunting rifle wouldn't have a mount for the rod... Now I know   

[Justin Urbantas]

This should come back up for people to appreciate.  How has it been shooting?

[Steeltrap]

How does anyone have the talent to do this??  Great work!!