Friend's gun

[Blessmag]

I have attached some pictures of a gun a friend of mine acquired at an auction or garage sale. He has tried to identify it and had little luck. though of my friends on here. Any help appreciated.

 

[Cumpston1862]

It is commonly called a "benchrest rifle"or "bench rifle". These were extensively made before, during and just after the Civil War period. They are not a military issue weapon but more of a civilian sporting gun. They were very popular and accurate guns. So much so that many soldiers both north and south marched off to war with them at the start. Especially if they were planning on enlisting in a sharpshooter unit.

A Civil War era benchrest rifle with a long range scope.

The 36 pound benchrest rifle found in the Devil's Den after the Battle of Gettysburg.

 

[rhettbutler1865]

I often wondered what the Confederates used to "pick off" the soldiers on Little Round Top...now I know. Thanks.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

IMHO, I would not call it a "bench rest rifle" because it has no provision for resting it on a bench like the one example shown, nor does it have either a false muzzle or a ball starter. You would have to rest it on the rib which isn't likely. I would call it just a mid-weight sporting rifle, which were also often called "wagon guns".
J.

 

[hrobalabama]

Looks like a typical PA or KY long rifle that has been crudely converted from a flintlock to a percussion .
The ornate patchbox ID's it. These were rifles of artistic merit as well as everyday tools. They were usually made of Maple(Tiger Stripe or Birdseye) or Cherry. Some were artificially striped.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

With respect, the back action lock prevents the rifle from ever having been in flint lock configuration. It was built as a percussion rifle.
J.

 

[Cumpston1862]

I often wondered what the Confederates used to "pick off" the soldiers on Little Round Top...now I know. Thanks.

Than you will enjoy this article...

http://www.civilwarnews.com/archive/articles/1st_gettys_relic.htm

 

[Patrick H]

My first instinct was that it was a sporting rifle. Once upon a time, it was a pretty nice one, too. I love that top-hinged, oval patch box in the stock. Of course, it's not your friend's fault that it is now so beat up. I see what I think are replacement screws holding the butt plat on. I do believe it was always a percussion rifle. The engraving on the lock plate and hammer are very nice. Too bad about the wood chip missing above the lock plate, but that's not unusual. I think it's a very neat display piece. I just noticed the little floral stamps all around the muzzle, too. COOL! This was a gentleman's rifle. Consult with Jobe and some of the other guys about how your friend should best conserve this piece.

 

[hrobalabama]

With respect, the back action lock prevents the rifle from ever having been in flint lock configuration. It was built as a percussion rifle.
J.

The lock is not original as you can see. It is morticed for a larger lock of some type.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

I'm sorry, but your observations are incorrect. If you will observe closely, there is no inlet for a front/bar action lock forward of where the current lock is placed. The arm was built in the percussion configuration in which you now see it.
J.

 

[hrobalabama]

I'm sorry, but your observations are incorrect. If you will observe closely, there is no inlet for a front/bar action lock forward of where the current lock is placed. The arm was built in the percussion configuration in which you now see it.
J.

Your observations and mine are completely different. The lock is either not original or the gun was morticed out for a different lock.
My observation: This was originally a PA or KY long rifle. It has been cut to a half stock. Usually the makers name is on the flat of the barrel top. This has a common look of a typical Lancaster, PA long rifle mfg 1825-1850, I would guess the caliber to be in the 40's, with the type of cut rifling of that period.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Perhaps hrobalabama and I are more or less on the on the same page! I agree that the lock appears to be a period replacement for a larger back action lock, as evidenced by the cavity inlet above the plate. If you look at the left side photo you will see the lock panel is not large enough to have ever had anything but a back action lock. Much less the very clear photo of the lock & drum area show the stock had never been inletted forward of the drum, which eliminates any possibility of it ever having been a flint lock rifle. As a side note the barrel appears to be a "hook breech" type. Whether the rifle had ever been a full stock, or not, is a matter of conjecture. If the barrel were signed we would have a much better chance of determining location and time period.
J.
Long time member of:
Kentucky Rifle Association (KRA)
Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA)