Fine Contemporary American .40 Caliber Percussion Half-Stock Rifle

[Flintlock Fellow]

This exceptionally attractive contemporary American half-stock percussion rifle showcases superb craftsmanship from muzzle to butt plate.

It features a 36” octagon .40 caliber rifled barrel with a patent breech and under rib, fitted with a fully adjustable rear sight and a Rocky Mountain front sight. The lock, crafted by the renowned Bob Roller, is paired with finely tuned double set triggers.

All metal components—including the lock plate, butt plate, triggers, and trigger guard—are beautifully case-colored. The half-stock displays striking figuring from the wrist to the poured pewter fore-end cap. The rifle has no cheek piece, keeping the lines clean and balanced. The wood-to-metal fit is flawless, and the finish is free of any dings, nicks, or handling marks—perfection in every detail.

Mechanically, everything is in top working order. The rifle comes with its original wood ramrod, tipped in brass.

Specifications:
Overall length: 53”
Length of pull: 14”

Price: $2,750 $2,500 $2,400 shipped. I accept most forms of payment—just ask!

This is a superb example of a fine American rifle—both a shooter and a collector’s piece.

[Ky-Flinter]

That is a handsome rifle.  I have a few questions.

Do you know who made the rifle?  Is it signed?

Who was/is C. Baker?

You mention the barrel is "iron".  I have a habit of calling steel rifle furniture "iron".   So it the barrel really iron?  Is it an antique or contemporary made of old material.  Do you know who made the barrel?

What is the diameter of the barrel, flat to flat, at the breech?  Is the barrel straight, tapered, or swamped?

How much does the rifle weight?

What part of the country are you in? 

Thanks,
Ron

[Flintlock Fellow]

I’m sorry, Ron, but I’m simply unable to answer all your questions, though I’ll do the best that I can to address a few of them.

It’s my understanding that “C. Baker” refers to an Albany-based gunsmith active in the early-to-mid 19th century, specializing in percussion long guns—particularly fowling pieces and rifles. This is merely what I was told by the previous owner, and I’m merely parroting that info.

Any reference to an “iron” barrel was merely a typo on my part, and I’m sorry for any confusion. The barrel is steel, with a “St. Louis” stamping just rearward of the front sight. There doesn’t appear to be any indication as to who manufactured the barrel or the rifle. I’ve had the barrel off, and I didn’t see any markings on the underside. Judging by the condition of the rifle and its various components, along with the strong rifling and spotless bore, I have no doubts this is a contemporary piece.

Regarding the barrel flat measurements and weight, I’ll have to get back to you on that later in the week.

[madmtmike]

where would you be located & what is the weight of the rifle?
madmtmike

[Stoner creek]

Does anyone know who made the rifle?

[45-110]

This is a fine looking rifle and I find it slightly similar to a Dimick St. Louis rifle?

[Flintlock Fellow]

where would you be located & what is the weight of the rifle?
madmtmike

I’m located in the Idaho panhandle. Rifle weighs exactly 10 pounds and barrel flats are 1 1/8”.

[Bob Roller]

Whoever mad this rifle was reading my enfeebled mind and I really like it.It's the gun Jake and Sam would have made if they could figure out what to do with the fancy lock.Are the triggers mine? The name will require their removal but they do look like my triggers
Bob Roller

[Bob Roller]

That lock was one of the first "4 pin"locks I made because the small pin the sear turns on is 3/32 (.093) drill rod.The later ones are .1094 qnd the hole in the sear is .110.No difference in performance or quality. Thanks again for showing this classicly styled rifle and it reflects the ideas of St.Louis AND England.
Bob Roller

[Hungry Horse]

 45-110; I agree with you a 100% on this rifle looking like a Dimick. Dimick hardware, lock in wood, and no cheekpiece, are all known on Dimick Rifles.

Hungry Horse

[Flintlock Fellow]

Whoever mad this rifle was reading my enfeebled mind and I really like it.It's the gun Jake and Sam would have made if they could figure out what to do with the fancy lock.Are the triggers mine? The name will require their removal but they do look like my triggers
Bob Roller

Thanks for chiming in, Bob. I’m not sure if the triggers are yours, but it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest; the maker went all-out on this one.

[Flintlock Fellow]

This rifle sure is a joy to shoot! I was consistently smacking the smallest of my hanging targets at 30 yards offhand.

[Pierrepont]

I remember reading a reference to Dimmick’s “signature” rifle as a .40 deer and target rifle, this one would surely fit the bill. Always wanted a set of Dimmick parts from Don Stith, just waited too long — Any way , one beautiful gun.

[Flintlock Fellow]

Bump for price drop to $2,600 shipped.

I brought this rifle to the Coeur d’Alene Muzzleloaders club shoot today as a change of pace from my usual flintlocks—and it didn’t disappoint. It carried me to a match win and even earned me a pair of “5 pins,” awarded for cleanly hitting the 50- and 75-yard offhand targets five consecutive times without a miss. This rifle is a proven performer, both highly accurate and more than capable on the competition line.

[Flintlock Fellow]

Photos of the bore/crown:

[Flintlock Fellow]

Believe it or not, this guy’s still available. Price drop to $2,500 shipped.

[Flintlock Fellow]

Let’s try $2,400 shipped.

[Kurt]

Round ball rifle?

[Flintlock Fellow]

I see no indication as to the twist rate on the barrel. Of the little I’ve fired it, I’ve only shot round ball, and it was exceedingly accurate in that regard.