Tennessee Rifle By Daniel Coats

[Sequatchie Rifle]

Very authentic! I’ve owned and observed countless original examples very similar to this one in finish and workmanship!

[PHolder]

How did you finish the walnut?  Even lacking in shine it has a nice rich color.

[Daniel Coats]

How did you finish the walnut?  Even lacking in shine it has a nice rich color.

If you look closely you can see more than one color of stain over the already redish brown walnut. The exact method varies from one stock to the next and requires experimentation. Still to go after everything cures is a clear sealer to add durability but very little shine. The colors found here are orange gold red brown and black.

If you do it right you can nearly match almost any original color found on antique guns. The color layering technique I learned from Jack Duprey and Jimmy Kline. I would prefer to start a different topic rather than go into detail here.

[DBoone]

After reading over the comments in this post again I must say that Bill in Md and JTR have touched on and completely align with opinions of my own .  Well said gentlemen!!!

(I love that rifle, Dan!  Keep 'em coming.  We have our own school....Jack Hubbard called it the "real school".)

[Daniel Coats]

Thank you Don!

There's a reason why my work looks like yours. It's all the communication we've had about technique along with pictures shared over the years. I'm humbled and honored to be in the "real school" with you! And many thanks to everyone who have taken the time to give this project their consideration. Thank you Jack Hubbard.

[mountainman70]

I loved that ol rascal
We called him Hatchet Jack when he made his camp with us here in wv
I like your work too, Danl
Best regards
DaveF

[MuskratMike]

Now that's my kind of rifle. Reminds me of several of the ones Don Bruton has made for me. I appreciate the look and beauty of a beautiful "golden age" rifle, but for me a hand made iron mounted rifle that has the look and feel of a 200 year old rifle really appeals to me. Congratulations on a fine piece, I really like it.

[Marcruger]

Looks like an attractive and well used "hog rifle" as JB would call it.   I like it. 

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  .. well done, Daniel... !!! ... you got the style and profile of those SE Tennessee rifles right... she looks great... now go and put a lot of black in the sealer and you will really cause a controversy.. !!! ... BTW... the numbers tell me that old Peter Wright weighs 125 pounds... did you lift it up on that table by yourself...?? ... best wishes over there,... CCF

[Daniel Coats]

Yep no hands!

[parve]

I really like how this rifle turned out. I think all it needs to pass for an original is some blown out barrel pin holes and chewed up screw slots. Keep up the great work

[Daniel Coats]

Final set of pictures that show texture and color variations both metal and wood. This is after 4 different staining applications and 3 different sealants all common use but the method is proprietary 
 

[DBoone]

I love the color, Dan!  Just awesome!

[RobertS]

I liked it before and like it even better now!  By the way, I sure enjoyed the Soddy Daisy build that you posted a while back.  It was excellent and I'd recommend it for anyone contemplating a build in that style.

[ColonialRifleSmith]

Excellent rifle. I'm not sure if you were looking for any particular design other than So. Tenn., but she sure looks like a Soddy Daisy to me, very nice work.

[Daniel Coats]

Excellent rifle. I'm not sure if you were looking for any particular design other than So. Tenn., but she sure looks like a Soggy Daisy to me, very nice work.

You're exactly right! When I forged the butt plate it was too good to throw away but not enough diamond shape to fit what I wanted for a Soddy Daisy. Raw material I started with thinned out quicker than I thought. It does however taper front to back and from side to side leaving the tickest material in the middle...neat!

Also has a nifty double curve to it and not flat like most of the ones you see.

[RedOneFive]

She's a beaut Clark! What a pretty and practical rifle!