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I have a substanially un-molested Pa. Percussion full stock rifle that I will discribe in more detail in a subsequent post. That being said it needs a nipple and the set triggers need some work.
This post is primarily up right now to see if I can attach "thumbnail" Pixs.
More details and specific question later.
Mike Haas
Well...!! that seem'ed to work other than including the picture of my Mom on her new tractor. I couldn't fiqure out how to delete that picture!
More later...Mike Haas
More Pictures - I'll try to post the story behind the rifle and ask my questions later tonight.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Haas
Trying the pictures again!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Haas
Two more pixs to end the pics. Rifle overall length is 58" (4ft 10inchs)Approx. 35 to 40 Cal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Haas
OK - Dinners over..now the story about the rifle. My Dad got this rifle from a guy that lived near Altoona, Pa. (circa 1945). Dad's recollection the guy (Mike Lazinski {SP}..) got it from a relative.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Haas
Anyway I remember Dad & I shooting the rifle in the late 50's and it did quite well. Subsequently Dad Moved several times and the rifle pretty much remained in storage (deteriorting somewhat) and I remember Dad saying it needed some work. I suspect that Dad removed or attempted to remove the nipple to clean it; anyhow the nipple is gone. Otherwise the rifle doesn't appear to have been otherwise disassembled in a very long time; screws etc. are in great shape.
Dad died in July 2008 and I inherited the rifle. I took the rifle to the Maryland Antigue Collectors Arms Show in Timonium, Md. (March/April 2009)and multiple folks there stated the rifle appeared to be an excellant condition(age considered) 1840's/50's example of a Full Stock PA. Percussion Rifle typical of rifles made near Lancaster, Pa and as far west as Somerset, Co. PA. (Most offered to buy it for $1800.00 to $2500.). The rifle is not for sale!!
The Lock appears to have "Script" Letters, possible FL with the rest unreadable. There is no makers name on the top of the barrel although I was told there may be a makers name on the bottom of the barrel just forward of the breech plug. One person I spoke to speculated it could be a barrel provided to independant Gunsmiths by Remington. (beats me!).
At any rate I'm extremely reluctant to undertake disassembly of this rifle on my own. I do want the nipple replaced with a handmade "era" correct one and since the set trigger/trigger is not locking the hammer back I want that repaired. (the springs appear to function OK). I absolutely will not try that myself!! Essentially I want this rifle restored with the least disturbance to it's originality and potentialy to shooting condition.
I live near Gettysburg, Pa. and I'm willing to hand-deliever(300 miles or so)this rifle to a highly recommended Gunsmith for this job. Referances are solicited and will be checked.
I read in the latest 'American Rifleman' about the House Brothers in Kentucky and will be attempting to contact them but they may not be interested (nor my wallet either after having read the article).
I'll appreciate any and all comments and suggestions and info. :sos: :sos:
Mike Haas
Mike:
I know John Buck down in Virginia has done some excellent restoration work in addition to building new muskets. You might want to give him a call. His site is at http://www.musketmart.com.Quote:
At any rate I'm extremely reluctant to undertake disassembly of this rifle on my own. I do want the nipple replaced with a handmade "era" correct one and since the set trigger/trigger is not locking the hammer back I want that repaired. (the springs appear to function OK). I absolutely will not try that myself!! Essentially I want this rifle restored with the least disturbance to it's originality and potentialy to shooting condition.
I live near Gettysburg, Pa. and I'm willing to hand-deliever(300 miles or so)this rifle to a highly recommended Gunsmith for this job. Referances are solicited and will be checked.
I read in the latest 'American Rifleman' about the House Brothers in Kentucky and will be attempting to contact them but they may not be interested (nor my wallet either after having read the article).
I'll appreciate any and all comments and suggestions and info. :sos: :sos:
Good luck!
John Zimmerman in HarpersFerry VA is also top notch when comes to muskets
Civil War rifles and Muskets by John Zimmerman - Gunsmith
Thank you Matt - I go to the Martinsburg, WVA Hospital every two weeks and will call John Zimmerman and arrange a visit as I go right through Harpers Ferry on Rt 340.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Wolff
Kinda sounds like his expertise is a bit later than my rifle but we'll see. Again, thank you!!
Mike
Dixon's Muzzleloading Shop - Home of the Gunmakers Fair try either Greg or Chuck. They have a gunmakers faire the last weekend of july and know most of the competent guys in your area. They would probably have the parts at their shop.
also on May 13-17 north of Winchester, VA, is the North South Skirmish Association spring meet. gunsmiths on site. If you go saturday. carbines in the morning, cannons roll out at 230pm, all live fire. 700 guys/gals in line with blackpowder, but the cannons at 200 yards hitting the target tells you where you didn't want to be in the Civil War.
http://www.n-ssa.org/
Information
The 119th National Skirmish will be held at Fort Shenandoah, Winchester, Virginia, May 13-17, 2009. Click on the following links to view Musket, Carbine, Revolver, Breechloader, Single-Shot, Smoothbore, Mortar and Artillery team positions.
Please note: There is a slight chance positions may change, check the bulletin boards at the Fort to insure your team position has not changed.
Used to be a vintage gun parts seller on the East Coast called " Stoneman of the Delaware". Actual bought some oddball breach-block parts from him for a 1st Allen Conversion Springfield. That was about 25-years ago. To my understanding, Stoneman had much of the residue parts left over from New York's, Francis Bannerman company.
Purchased nipples for 1861 and 1864 Springfield rifled muskets too. Remember that those arms were often encountered with corroded nipples due to improper cleaning. Believe too, that some might have been reproduction parts. With a little aging, the components blended right in.
Well I spent yesterday going to three different Gunsmith's; one each in Pa. -Va. and WVA.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Wolff
I was most impressed with John Zimmerman in Harpers Ferry and he has the rifle now for the repairs I need.
John's shop is quite small but man-o-man was I impressed with his workmanship and knowledge. John said it work backlog is such it will be 3 or 4 months before he can get to my rifle.
I go through Harpers Ferry every three weeks or so and John said stop in any time just to BS. We never once discussed money, just what the rifle needed to repair it without otherwise disturbing it originality.
John asked if I intended to shoot the rifle and I told him No (although tempted). He just smiled and said "good, it's to nice to risk shooting".
Thanks Matt for the tip. I'll keep you guys posted. :)
Glad you found what you needed. He is really reasonable, a very nice guy, and not once have I heard anything negative about his work ect just praise in his work in the last 16 years ive been involved with civil war reenacting, and black powder weapons. I talked to him a few times on the phone, looking for help with repairs on my guns, or advice on something I found that I might buy. Hes always open to talk ect about anything, and never rushes you off the phone or out the door.
let us know how the rifle is when you get it back.
Matt