Offering a nicely executed early style rifle in 62 caliber. The gun is an early style (I think perhaps Christian Springs or that area/time) and shows a mix of German and American colonial influence.
Fit and finish are very good, with all steel parts polished bright, including the barrel. The barrel is a 36-inch long, later Bill Large in 62 caliber. Barrel is tapered from 1 1/16" at breech to 15/16" at muzzle. Muzzle is coned for easy loading and the gun likes 0.61 ball with a 0.18 patch. Bore is bright and shiny. Best load seems to be at 100gr 2F, and with the wide butt and hefty barrel it's actually very pleasant to shoot. The barrel is mated to a Davis Germanic flintlock, which is strong, fast and sparks like crazy.
Stocked in a nice piece of figured walnut, with some simple but well done incised carving. The sliding wood patchbox works smoothly. Poured pewter nosecap and fitted with sling swivels to help carry the rifle afield. The right-handed shooter will enjoy the cast-off in the stock. Despite it's 10 pound 11 ounce weight, the rifle handles and shoulders naturally. It is very easy to quickly get behind the sights and line up for the shot. Cast-off is 5/8 inch, LOP is 13 1/2 and overall length is 51 inches. Gun is a hoot to shoot, and at a club shoot last weekend I spent more time talking about the gun than shooting it. It's a very pretty gun and you will get a lot of attention -both for the looks and the noticeable size holes in your target.
Gun was made by Kent Hardway, sometime around 2001-2002. There are a couple bumps on the stock and a small crack near the toe. Crack at toe doesn't appear very deep and follows the grain in the wood for about 1/2 inch. Butt plate has a couple persistent dark spots. I had considered taking a dremel buffing wheel to them, but then I'd have to polish the whole thing... I have photographed these as best as I can, but happy to send more detailed photos -just ask.
Asking $2500 shipping included in the US.
