Mike Brooks
Cannon
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2005
- Messages
- 6,686
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Such an annoying term.... It gets tossed around here alot, and thought we might just discuss what it actually means in reguards to colonial made rifles.
Early Lancaster and Early Virginia are most commonly heard. In this case, what does it mean? Earlier than what? A time line needs established before we can call anything early. I personally would call any Lancaster rifle made before 1770 early. There are a couple surviving examples made by Dickert shown in Shumways books.
Many people think much earlier when they use the term. Many want an "F&I war" rifle. That's a real tough one, and I'm asked to build these all the time. Here's my solution to the problem of "early" when applied to the elusive F&I war rifle.
I try to use alot of contenental european influence. Many times I approuch this with a "restock" in mind. I like to use an unbridled frizzen for these. wide butt, at least 2" to 2 1/4". I try to avoid following any identifiable "school". Barrels that are large at the breech are good, at least 1 1/8", 1 1/4 or better is even better. Either long or short is correct. Caliber should be fairly large, .54 or larger. Buttstocks should have a slightly "pregnant" appearance.
Here's my interpretation of an "F&I" gun. Discuss as you will.... http://www.fowlingguns.com/burrifle.html
Early Lancaster and Early Virginia are most commonly heard. In this case, what does it mean? Earlier than what? A time line needs established before we can call anything early. I personally would call any Lancaster rifle made before 1770 early. There are a couple surviving examples made by Dickert shown in Shumways books.
Many people think much earlier when they use the term. Many want an "F&I war" rifle. That's a real tough one, and I'm asked to build these all the time. Here's my solution to the problem of "early" when applied to the elusive F&I war rifle.
I try to use alot of contenental european influence. Many times I approuch this with a "restock" in mind. I like to use an unbridled frizzen for these. wide butt, at least 2" to 2 1/4". I try to avoid following any identifiable "school". Barrels that are large at the breech are good, at least 1 1/8", 1 1/4 or better is even better. Either long or short is correct. Caliber should be fairly large, .54 or larger. Buttstocks should have a slightly "pregnant" appearance.
Here's my interpretation of an "F&I" gun. Discuss as you will.... http://www.fowlingguns.com/burrifle.html
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