1840s Halfstock from a Traditions Kentucky Rifle kit

[Tumbledown]

I find the early, pre-Civil War halfstock rifles more appealing than the common Hawken style and built this from a Traditions Kentucky Rifle kit. I chose a few elements from period examples, most notably a fore without a nosecap that so strongly resembles a whale, I doubt it was a coincidence. The rib is wood, held in place with tenons I had to cut dovetails for. The barrel key required cutting a dovetail, and the slot in the stock. The long inlay along the underside, patchbox finial, single lock bolt plate, fluted butt, and thimbles all echo period elements. Stained with leather dye, finished with danish oil.

Even managed to get a cheek rest done.

And some of my inspiration:

 

[smokepolehall]

I think you have done well with your out of the box mods.

 

[ppg1949]

Very nice work! I really like what you have done with the stock. But shame on you for giving me wild ideas that will make me lust for another Kentucky rifle to abuse, lol.

 

[64Springer]

Very nice work! I really like what you have done with the stock. But shame on you for giving me wild ideas that will make me lust for another Kentucky rifle to abuse, lol.

Was thinking about a wooden under rib on a Kentuckyish just last night.

If I come up with any more rifle ideas, I'm gonna have to build more walls to hang them on.

Nice work, OP.

 

[Tumbledown]

Was thinking about a wooden under rib on a Kentuckyish just last night.

If I come up with any more rifle ideas, I'm gonna have to build more walls to hang them on.

Nice work, OP.

Thanks! I'm trying to find wall space, too!

 

[Hermit Tim]

Very nice and innovative. Great use of a kit gun.

 

[akroguy]

That's taking an ordinary kit and making an extraordinary result. Bravo! One helluva great way to get rid of that fugly stock mating plate.

 

[Secesh]

That’s a nice looking rifle. Good work.

 

[fjrdoc]

I really like your rifle. Kudos for thinking outside the box.

 

[longcruise]

@JB67 interesting project.

Did you make the under rib out of the original stock?

 

[2 shots]

 

[Tumbledown]

@JB67 interesting project.

Did you make the under rib out of the original stock?

No, I used a piece of square stock from a big box store, then shaped it down. I don't have a table saw, cutting the original fore down without screwing up would have been quite difficult.

 

[user 31232]

I find the early, pre-Civil War halfstock rifles more appealing than the common Hawken style and built this from a Traditions Kentucky Rifle kit. I chose a few elements from period examples, most notably a fore without a nosecap that so strongly resembles a whale, I doubt it was a coincidence. The rib is wood, held in place with tenons I had to cut dovetails for. The barrel key required cutting a dovetail, and the slot in the stock. The long inlay along the underside, patchbox finial, single lock bolt plate, fluted butt, and thimbles all echo period elements. Stained with leather dye, finished with danish oil.View attachment 246179View attachment 246180View attachment 246177View attachment 246183View attachment 246182View attachment 246181

Even managed to get a cheek rest done.View attachment 246197

And some of my inspiration:View attachment 246187View attachment 246188View attachment 246185

That is sweet!!!

 

[longcruise]

No, I used a piece of square stock from a big box store, then shaped it down. I don't have a table saw, cutting the original fore down without screwing up would have been quite difficult.

It's well done.

 

[Edm]

That’s a very nice project and a good looking rifle.

 

[Pratt]

if I remember correctly the ramrod does not have a threaded jag on one end. I asked Traditions about it and they said they were going for most traditional. I could buy another rod if I thought that I needed to clean the bore. Thought to clean the bore.!! That piece was the Davy Crockett .32 Yeah I bought another rod.

 

[Tumbledown]

if I remember correctly the ramrod does not have a threaded jag on one end. I asked Traditions about it and they said they were going for most traditional. I could buy another rod if I thought that I needed to clean the bore. Thought to clean the bore.!! That piece was the Davy Crockett .32 Yeah I bought another rod.

No, it doesn't. I bought a separate rod with a threaded tip and will use that one.