Recommendations for a rifle builder

[crowbarforge]

I have most of the parts except for the stock to build an Early Virginia type squirrel rifle. Had a friend that was going to build, but life happens and he could not.
Larry Zornes lock, Rice 42" round bottom rifling, swamped .32 bbl with breech installed, butt plate, trigger guard, various thimbles and entry pipe, front and rear sights.

I'd like the stock to be a not-very-fancy piece of walnut.

Recommendations?

 

[rich pierce]

It’s hard to build an early rifle with a slim barrel. Not sure any 1700s rifles were .32 caliber. Going a little later and using a narrower buttplate would make for an easier build.

Ken Guy is a fella I can recommend but I’d find a builder whose style you like.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

How early and what part of Virginia? Brass or steel? Which Zornes lock? How much do you want to spend and how long do you want to wait?

 

[Huntschool]

What profile is your Rice barrel ???

 

[crowbarforge]

Rice bbl is 42" long. Receipt says "SQx42" .32 1;48 L/P. It is nicely profiled! Bought this at the 2015 CLA show.
Zornes lock is a Classic style flintlock according to his web site, bought from RE Davis at the same CLA show.
Not real particular about which school or style it is, just want a nice looking accurate squirrel rifle. Walnut stock, brass hardware. Would love to have it for the fall, but realize it may take a year depending on the makers backlog and schedule.

 

[crowbarforge]

It’s hard to build an early rifle with a slim barrel. Not sure any 1700s rifles were .32 caliber. Going a little later and using a narrower buttplate would make for an easier build.

Ken Guy is a fella I can recommend but I’d find a builder whose style you like.

***Rich, do you have contact info for Ken?

 

[crowbarforge]

When I say "Early Virginia" I mean a scaled down version. Yes, as Rich says, A narrow butt-plate and slimmer all around. Minimal patch box (or even none). Again, this is gonna be my favorite rifle in retirement for squirrel hunting. Not worries about particular period correctness. I have some photos of the kind of rifle I am wanting, and can email to any prospective builder.

 

[rich pierce]

[email protected]

He’s top shelf. Others can make one for less but none do better on my view.

 

[Col. Batguano]

What is the measurement across the flats on the barrel at the breach?

Me thinks in a 32 cal swamped barrel you may have an A weight, which measures .937" F-T-F. A-weights generally present some issues regarding lock bolster thickness in order to get away from the "puffy cheek" look.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Yours is a Rice squirrel barrel. Wayyyy to petite for an early Gun of any kind.
Would make a nice light little Tennessee rifle though.

 

[tenngun]

Besides being too light of a barrel for that time period in .32 caliber the gun would be heavy and bulky... a.22 on a M-1 frame.

 

[Huntschool]

Guys.…. I think the OP is talking about a generic SMR. He said above that he was not concerned about "school or style" but just wanted a good accurate shooter that looks good (that's his view).

Crowbarforge: If you would email me those pictures or at least a full view of the rifle I'll post it/them here.

 

[crowbarforge]

Working with a fellow on the project now. I will send Ken a note of this one falls through.

 

[crowbarforge]

Guys.…. I think the OP is talking about a generic SMR. He said above that he was not concerned about "school or style" but just wanted a good accurate shooter that looks good (that's his view).

Crowbarforge: If you would email me those pictures or at least a full view of the rifle I'll post it/them here.

How do i get your email? Kinda new here,

 

[Grenadier1758]

Send a personal message to Huntschool. In his message, #12, above, click on his name above the avatar. In the pop up, click on conversations and fill in the blanks.

 

[Huntschool]

What Grenadier1758 said above......

 

[crowbarforge]

THANKS...I'll try to get a message sent today. When i get to home PC.

 

[crowbarforge]

looking for a slender version of the Kibler Colonial....
or the Pecotonica River Lehigh

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

looking for a slender version of the Kibler Colonial....
or the Pecotonica River Lehigh

A lehigh would suit your parts better, except for the walnut stock. The trigger guard and buttplate on a Lehigh are very school specific as well.

 

[crowbarforge]

Thanks, that's good to know. Also thinking of a cherry wood stock...tentative builder is allergic to walnut dust!