1792 Contract rifle.

[Einsiedler]

I have personally enjoyed the sister thread started by 4575WCF. Was curious as to who out there other than myself owns a recreation. I realize there is ample
Fantasy and artistic license in the recreation of such rifles. But I wanted something to fit in with my interest in those early filibuster days here in my area, as well as Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and even Mississippi. Such things as the Gutierrez -Magee expedition and the settling of Austin’s colony in tbe 1820’s. I have no actual historical verification of such rifles being used here. But they do fit the time period.

Here is my rifle;

 

[kansas_volunteer]

It certainly has the look of a contract rifle. What barrel did you use?

 

[Einsiedler]

I didn’t build it but it has a GM 7/8" by .50 cal. bbl. Weighing in right at 8 pounds. Not unpleasant to shoot or tote around in the woods.

It was built by Dr. Gary Peterson.

 

[BillinOregon]

That is an unusually handsome rifle you have there, sir!

 

[Einsiedler]

Thank you Bill!

 

[4575wcf]

Very nice rifle. Did you consider having the sling swivels fitted? I really must get this LC Smith shotgun build done and written up since I have my own L & C short rifle design firmly committed to memory now. Thanks so much to everyone who is having input, I am learning an additional thing or two about these rifles, and the "picture in my mind" of what to look for in a possible original is clearing up a lot.

 

[Einsiedler]

Thanks 4575. No sling swivels for me. I do not like them. They get in my way. For what I do they would not be correct anyway.

I don’t know if they had any on the ill fated Freeman-Custis expedition. I would be more apt to try something along those Lines as I would Corps of Discovery

 

[4575wcf]

I have the remnants of a CVA big bore mountain rifle kit on hand. That .58 bore octagonal barrel might be a good starting point for a light big bore short rifle, without breaking the bank. I have to research the Freeman-Curtis expedition I am not familiar.

 

[Einsiedler]

You should!!! A very interesting study.

 

[4575wcf]

Well you learn something every day. Out here in the west, the L & C expedition is all you hear about. Jefferson launched a few other expeditions around the same time it turns out. Zebulon Pike to the Rockies, Freemen and Custis up the Red River. These fellows are about as forthcoming about their weapons as the Corp of Discovery was. Pretty inconsiderate of us future gun cranks, if you ask me : ).

 

[tenngun]

Funny how that works.
I’ve read a lot about Land C, but never seen a book dedicated to Pike. This side of the border it’s hard to find much on Makinze or Fraiser

 

[Einsiedler]

LOL! Much Activity centered around the City of Natchitoches Louisiana. Cool spot with lots of cool history. There is a reason the city sprang up where it did. When Pike was released by the Spanish he made his way up the Camino real. Crossed The Colorado here in my neck of the woods. There was a small Spanish guard post and detatchment that rotated between the Colorado river crossing and the crossing on the Trinity up at Trinidad.
He made it to Natchitoches and stopped at the pioneer tavern. Where he was arrested by federal marshals and escorted down to Ft. Claiborne. There is still a plaque in the floor of the tavern that says on this spot Zebulon Pike was arrested by federal officials on the order of President Jefferson.

 

[Einsiedler]

Another story of intrigue no doubt planned the the smoky denizens of Natchitoches along Front street! Just gotta keep Spanish spy #13 from gettin ng his tentacles involved! All around the same time.

TSHA | Texas Iron