Got the new rifle
 

Well guys,
Got it today. A new used LH percussion rifle in the hawken style.
This looks like a custom rifle kit. New to kits but have studied the looks @ Track of the Wolf, Jim Chambers etc.This one is pretty cool one w/Longs Locks of Denver, and a 50 cal GR Douglas barrel, the forend cap of the rifle stock is poured tin or some type of mix, has a long hawken style step rear sight and thewood is light tigered maple. It is a quality kit if not a custom rifle.I lean toward a rear nice kitas there are some minor imprfections a master builder would not make.
Before I did anything I pulled it all apart to see who built it.

Sorry no pictures yet till I clean it it up etc. Yea, its a tease!
It needs a serious cleaning but the bore is nice so far and zero corrosion around the nipple. The barrel has a tang not a hook and breech.
I have heard of Douglas barrels for high powered rifles and have no idea how old this rifle is...
I would like to thanks Galngbeard for the tip on the shop who had it. Ken you were right on the stock.
Any info from you all on the spec's would be appreciated!
Post pic soon!
It is a nic'un!
Steve Hills

RE: Got the new rifle
 

Douglas makes a great barrel. That should be a real nice rifle with all of those quality parts.

RE: Got the new rifle
 

Cayugad,
You ever hear of the longs locks? I see one on ebay right now. Looks like they went belly up based on the info.
SHills

RE: Got the new rifle
 

No I have not. But if this is a Jim Chambers kit through TOTW it is quality all the way. He has some real nice stuff without a doubt.

RE: Got the new rifle
 

Congrats Steve! I'm glad it was a good find for you. That stock just jumped out at me when I walked into the shop. If it wasn't a lefty I would have given it a closer look but I'm glad you got it and looks good so far. Can't wait to see your pix and hear how it shoots! Does it have the barrel twist engraved on the barrel? The looks of that rifle just begs for round balls! Enjoy my friend and keep us informed.

Ken

RE: Got the new rifle
 

Thanks Guys!
I'll post pics after clean up.
I called GR Douglas (been in business for 57 yrs!)and spoke to one of the older guys. He said they made those barrels fron 1962-1987 approx. He recalled it as a 1:66 twist. Said they were good shooters and they are probably still some out there he would bet unused for sale. Dixie etc.
Apparently some one had died and the inheriter didn't want the collection and took it all to a shop. This was just one piece. Since it was a no name rifleI got it for $150.00. This is one that I'll never sell as I treasure the quality and the craftmenship that someone spent to produce a nice rifle.
Now my son who you saw the pic of the ear to ear grin w/ his TC Hawkenw/ his first deer, my new son in lawwhichI will most likely give the Austin Halleck to, and me,will all have percussion Hawkens...
We will do Trad family hunt when my son comes home from Iraq or @ least a litle shoot match... for sure.
Galngbeard, Got to thank you again Mister. That was a find!
Thanks,
Steve

RE: Got the new rifle
 

OK,
Here are some rough pic's after getting the grime off. I had to use steel wool to break the finish. After cleaning off the grime the outer clear coat/finish work could be much better on the stock. Around the curves it needs work to break out the color. Not sure what to do. I will have to research some. The pic's don't do the wood justice.
Take note of the barrel channel. It looks like some thick bedding compound like varnish or something I'm not familiar with. Any ideas? I do want to fill in the few voids and clean the exterior of the barrel good.
I want to refinish the stock but will wait till I learn more.








Thanks for looking!
SHills

RE: Got the new rifle
 

Well, I cleaned the bore and it is absolutely perfect. Couldn't dream for better. I also have worked the finish on the stock with 0000 steel wool and about ready to give it a finish satin coat. Probably will steel wool it again and one final coat. The barrel needs some rebrowning on the tang bottom and will probably just refinish the barrel to match. I did stain the insides of the stock for weatherproofing. Look forward to shooting this reacal to see how it groups....
SHills

RE: Got the new rifle
 

That is some nice looking wood on that stock. Its going to be a beautiful rifle when it is finished.

RE: Got the new rifle
 

Shills,

That really is one beautiful piece of wood. You could look a long time to find another anywhere near that pretty. Congratulations! Make sure you share some photos when she's done.