I see details that suggest a more modern rifle, perhaps with some older parts. The stock looks relatively new to me, despite a few dings here and there. If this were an antique southern mountain rifle with any real usage, I would expect to see more damage/dings along edges of side-facings and around lock plate where lock had been in/out over the years. A troublesome area is the butt plate and its "fit." The fit is way too snug for an old rifle, with no wood shrinkage visible, particularly at the toe/toe plate area, and it's very tight on the top extension. Odd lock, odd trigger, odd butt plate, odd "double pin" at toe of butt and toe plate, and odd guard with such a heavy, almost cast looking, rear spur where it runs up to the rear extension. Too many "what ifs" on this gun for me to believe it's an original southern mountain rifle. I'd have to handle it, and probably drop the lock and barrel, before I'd make a final decision, but I am doubtful of any real age from what I can see here.
Shelby Gallien
