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6pt-sika
03-02-2009, 05:24 PM
Here's some pics of a Kentucky rifle we've had for over 30 years now .

It was made by A.B. Smith in western Pennsylvania sometime from 1830-1850 I would say . It's 36 caliber and has German Silver patchbox and furniture . Also a pewter forened cap .

I think I may have to shoot this thing ! Never really had an inclanation to shoot it until recently ! The whole time we've owned this rifle we had never even thought of firing the rifle .

So I suppose I need some .35" balls , some .015" patches and some Goex FFFG powder .

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/DSCN0560.jpg


http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/DSCN0559.jpg

6pt-sika
03-02-2009, 05:27 PM
Here's where the maker signed his work !

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/DSCN0558.jpg


The German Silver patchbox !

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/DSCN0556.jpg


The neat eagle inlay in the cheekpiece .

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/DSCN0561.jpg

6pt-sika
03-02-2009, 05:29 PM
Pics of the lock and the backside of the stock from the lock !

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/DSCN0557.jpg


http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/DSCN0562.jpg

45nut
03-02-2009, 05:51 PM
yup,, she oughta be taken out for some exercise! Cool old rifle!

waksupi
03-02-2009, 06:06 PM
That's a neat old rifle.
I'd sure shoot it!

Wayne Smith
03-02-2009, 06:31 PM
As would I, assuming the inside of the barrel is in as good condition!

northmn
03-02-2009, 07:39 PM
In all likely hood it isn't loaded but you might want to make sure, a lot of those old guns were left loaded and ready. Usually rifles of that design had a plenty heavy barrel of over an inch across the flats and felt pretty hefty. Really should be looked at close and see if the breech plug and thread drums can be examined or proof it a couple of times with a load and a cord. Kind of touchy work so that you dont's ding thme up. A little pitting in the bore will still shoot OK especially after fouling. Most 36's don't need more than 35 to 40 grains of powder anyway.

Northmn

6pt-sika
03-02-2009, 07:53 PM
It isn't loaded I've already sent compressed air down the barrel and felt it coming out the nipple !

curator
03-02-2009, 08:46 PM
From the half-stock design, I'd guess your gun was made in the 1840-50s. Just before the War between the States most Eastern gunsmiths switched to patent breech, oval cap box, and back-action locks. You should check the drum threads before shooting it. The drum & nipple precussion arrangement left a lot to be desired. If the drum isn't supported properly by the lock plate it can fail. Also, the old percussion caps with fulminate of mercury were extremely corrosive. With luck you can wind out the old drum and replace with a modern one and new nipple too. Check out Track of the Wolf for the "undrilled" replacement drum.

madcaster
03-02-2009, 08:47 PM
Nice ole smokepole!:-D
A .350" ball is pretty easy to find,or a mould.

6pt-sika
03-02-2009, 08:54 PM
A .350" ball is pretty easy to find,or a mould.

One of the dealers in town keeps a broad assortment of that type thing . I'm pretty sure he might have a box or two of Hornady .350" balls and some patches .

And I have a friend that keeps a pretty decent supply of Goex in 2F , 3F and 4F .

So when I get out of the house , the "fixin's" shouldn't be difficult to get at all !

oldhickory
03-03-2009, 02:53 PM
Yep, I would take the old girl out and dance with her in the sunlight!

KCSO
03-03-2009, 03:38 PM
Uh, measure it! Air coming from the nipple only means air is coming from the nipple. I have found a LOT of these things loaded and some shotguns loaded for over 125 years. I always use a rod and measure to the breech plug. If yo intend to shoot it check the threads on the breech and the nipple and replace the nipple before trying to fire it. The old nipples were case hardened and had a tendency to split with age or from dry firing. If the bore is ggod and the threads are ok it won't hurt it to shoot it IF you clean it afterword.

northmn
03-03-2009, 06:09 PM
On an original shotgun I disassembled I had to use a touch of heat to lossen things. I used a propane torch, oxyacetylene is definitely not needed. The threads were in great shape but the face was covered in crud. I know we sound like preachers, but a lot can happen in a 150 years.

Northmn

mooman76
03-03-2009, 10:07 PM
I picked up an old piece a couple years ago in a pawn shop. Couldn't believe my luck. I've wanted one for a long time but thought it would be out of my price range. It's a 32 long and heavy. Had a couple minor parts missing but nothing serious. It surprized me how good it shot too! It ain't a gun if you can't take it out and shoot it.

6pt-sika
03-18-2009, 01:19 AM
Took the old gun out yesterday !

First I made a new nipple wrench that wouldn't round the nipple off and finally got it out with a tiny bit of break free !

After that I flushed the drum out and scoured the barrel pretty well !

Then went to a friends for some afternoon shooting ! Once there I greased up a new nipple and replaced it . Then popped about half a dozen caps .

Decided to try 40 grains of Goex 3F along with a Hornady .350" ball and a .015" patch . Set the whole mess off with some Remington #11 caps I've had for a few years and want to use up !

Shot it first at 25 yards and cut a nice half inch group for 3 shots . They were all touching . Then tried some offhand shots at 25 yards . They weren't touching but they were all in the black in the NMLRA 25 yard target .

I was cleaning between each shot .

Next i decided to shoot from the bench at 50 yards and this time I shot a nice inch group for 3 shots . After that I tried 3 more offhand , these were not all in the black . But I think that is the fault of the shooter and not the rifle !

I'll certainly try and get a squirrel or two next season with the old gun !
Might even shoot it in a match this summer !

northmn
03-18-2009, 08:59 AM
A couple of tips if you are going to shoot it, which it is made for. Preserve her in pictures for collectors and researchers. Get a nipple cup to put between the drum and the nipple. they are quite inexpensive and prevent further erosion from the nipple flash and also help keep crap out of your face when you shoot it. Good suppliers are Track of the Wolf and Muzzle Loader Shooters supply. I am willing to bet she's a little heavy to hold. Most of the originals were about 1 1/8" barrels even in small bores. Enjoy.

Northmn

missionary5155
03-20-2009, 05:38 AM
Good morning
That is one fine looking rifle-- and better it IS a shooter ! Watch out tree rats ! I would be inclined to do in a few furry wabbits also !

Topper
03-22-2009, 10:37 PM
That's a beautiful old ML.
Should be very pleasant to shoot.