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Hand-me-down percussion rifle - homemade?

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Twostep

32 Cal
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Hello all. New to the site. I’ve done some searchI am trying to get some information for the pictured rifle. It was handed down through the family. No idea how many generations.
Bore: smooth & measures 0.355”

I would love to get this old rifle back to operational condition for my son and future generations but I also wouldn’t want to ruin a piece of history (if it even has any historical value). Any help would be appreciated.
 

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Additional photos.
 

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I can't help you with much information but suspect the rifle is from later in the muzzleloading era and probably 1840 or later. Also you indicated you thought it maybe was a smooth bore. Looking at the picture of the bore I suspect it may be rifled but due to wear the rifling at the muzzle is very faint. I'm sure the experts here will chime in.
 
'sgot a rear sight - looks like a rifle to me. Shotguns don't usually have any kind of a rear sight, especially a fancy one liked that one. My $0.02.

Also, with a bit of enhancement, you can make out the rifling. Also, note the relationship of the hole-to-barrel diameter/thickness - the walls of the barrel are thick enough to have decoration on the muzzle.

Octagonal barrels usually = rifle. Round barrels = shotgun - a matter or economy for a start.
 
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Check out my post Whitmore, Duff, Wolff & Co the lock on your gun is just like the one I am working on in many respects. I posted a lot of pictures already. What really intrigued me about your lock was the number 3 stamped on your lock parts like mine and the hunting scene engraving. You have an original screw that holds the lock in place and I need measurements from it. Here are two lock pictures of my post.

IMG_6589.JPGIMG_6703.JPG
 
Check out my post Whitmore, Duff, Wolff & Co... What really intrigued me about your lock was the number 3...You have an original screw that holds the lock in place and I need measurements from it.
Thanks for the reply. I’ll check out your thread. PM me and I’ll get you the details on that screw.
 
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Octagonal barrels usually = rifle. Round barrels = shotgun - a matter or economy for a start.
You might be right... I stuck a pick down down the barrel and ran it around the inside but couldn’t feel anything.
 
I am pretty sure that is a Goulcber lock.
With a cast sear spring. Also the davis type #4 trigger.
Looks pretty cruddy. A good cleaning would tell a lot.
 
I am pretty stoked to see another Rifle similar to mine.

I am comparing parts and workmanship

The inletting to the lock on my rifle is shown below. Compare it with yours and see if anything looks like the same hand worked it.

IMG_6622.JPG

This next picture is yours then mine below it

TwoStep 1.JPG

IMG_6627.JPG

Next is your trigger inletting then mine

TwoStep 2.JPG

IMG_6618.JPG

The Hunter and bird engraving, yours then mine

TwoStep 4.JPG

TwoStep 3.JPG

On my lock plate very damaged likely from black powder residue is the maker's name. Although barely visible in the photo, there is enough showing to clearly see Pittsburg, Pa. More can be seen under varying light conditions at high magnification.

WDW.JPG
 
What exactly is it you need to get it operational?
A stock, or lots of stock repairs. Now the trigger assembly won’t even attach to the stock. The breach plug is loose. So I need to check that out. A good cleaning will help a lot. What is everyone’s suggestions on cleaning the years of crud?
 
A stock, or lots of stock repairs. Now the trigger assembly won’t even attach to the stock. The breach plug is loose. So I need to check that out. A good cleaning will help a lot. What is everyone’s suggestions on cleaning the years of crud?
I’d start with cleaning up the bore. If the breech plug is loose and easily removed, should be able to clean and get an idea of what you have. If rough and you still want to get it ‘operational’, you can possibly get the bore relined and the barrel re-breeched, maybe $200 plus cost of a new breech plug from by a guy like Bobby Hoyt. Once you know if you have a usable barrel or not, on to the stock - repair or restock. This may not be an economically wise decision, and will all come down to the emotional value your family puts on the gun. Worst case, conserve what you have. Best case, depends on your budget. Just one opinion.
 
Looks like (most) all the parts are there and in ok shape. If it was me and had a few spare dollars I would go ahead and restore it. It is a fairly plain, common rifle so any real historical $$ value wouldn't be great. But as a family heirloom with functionality it is priceless. I spent more than the current value to restore an old Stevens .22. More than worth it to me.
 
Two Step:

Smoothbore front stuffers generally have a bore much larger than 3/8" - more like 3/4"


Many older rifles have been shot enough with pure lead boolits that the grooves become filled, making it look like a smoothbore.

Instead of picking at it, I would scrub the bore with a proper brush and some lead remover.
 
'sgot a rear sight - looks like a rifle to me. Shotguns don't usually have any kind of a rear sight, especially a fancy one liked that one. My $0.02.

Also, with a bit of enhancement, you can make out the rifling. Also, note the relationship of the hole-to-barrel diameter/thickness - the walls of the barrel are thick enough to have decoration on the muzzle.

Octagonal barrels usually = rifle. Round barrels = shotgun - a matter or economy for a start.
Also, set trigger points towards it being a rifle
 
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