Hey y’all,
I’m saving up for a project and could really use some of y’all’s expertise who have been studying colonial rifles for a long time! I’m in the early stages of planning a reproduction based on a brief description of a rifle that made its way to Texas in 1819. This piece was said to have been "used in the first war against the English" and was described in the 1820s as a "very tall riffle, repaird along the butt end, with a fine silver round piece behind the britch."
Here’s the goal: create a rifle that’s historically plausible, true to its description, and also serves as a reliable hunting companion. I’m looking to gather ideas, images, and pointers to help guide the build. If anyone can help me sketch out a more concrete plan to bring to a skilled rifle maker, I’d be beyond grateful.
Historical Context:
Robinson (who brought this rifle to Tx) had two relatives in the Revolution so the rifle likely came from either
1. An uncle born in New Kent, Virginia, later of Buckingham County, who served in the 2nd Virginia Regiment before joining Morgan’s Rifle Company in 1776.
2. A grandfather from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (near Carlisle), who had been in the area since the 1750s and was militia captain in early 1777
Given this background, the rifle was probably from one of those two relatives and had the style associated with whatever was likely each of those men carried. The description of a "repair along the butt end" makes me think of several rifles originally built with a wood patch box but converted to brass with the dovetail cut out in the plate patched. The "fine silver round piece" I imagine is an oval thumbpiece. Its length was notable even by the standards of the period, so I imagine a 46" or 48+" barrel.
My Preferences for the Build:
I want to balance historical accuracy with some practicalities for regular hunting. Here’s what I’m envisioning:
1. Caliber: .54 cal
2. Barrel: Swamped Octagon to round (46–48+ inches)
3. Trigger: Double set
4. Stock: Cherry or maple
5. Style: Relatively simple—more refined than a “poor boy,” but not overly carved
6. Furniture: Brass
7. Patch Box: A simple two-piece design with a button release (not easily triggered while moving in the woods) built over something inletted for a wood box
Why I Need Your Help:
• Does this description and background align with what you’ve seen in 18th-century rifles?
• Have you come across any surviving examples or illustrations of rifles that might fit this description?
• Any tips for getting the balance right between historical plausibility and functionality?
I’d love to see photos, sketches, or links to resources that could help refine this plan. Especially interested in images of original rifles which could have found their way to the Cumberland Militia or Buckingham County so I can start looking at styles and profiles I like. Whether it’s insights into Virginia or Pennsylvania rifle-making traditions, or personal experience with similar projects, I’m all ears-
Looking forward to your thoughts and ideas—thanks in advance for sharing your expertise!
Cheers,
-JTM
