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52Bore

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Thanks for the new topic:
This type rifle may not be for everyone, but since this is the first post here, thought I'd do it with one of the best - if not the best.
George Gibbs-Metford 0.461" match rifle with sights in leather box, Gain twist estimated to finish at about 1:18. Most percussion match rifles were plain with little or no engraving - made for shooting. Ones fully engraved are just not seen much.
Notice the worn case, but it has protected the rifle in its 150 year life.
Not shown is the hand balance scale that was in the case. Gun was imported into the USA in the late 40's - early 50's, been our family since. Too bad not my immediate one.
 

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Re: One of the Best

Forgot to mention, these match rifles had to be less than 10 pounds with a 3 pound min trigger pull.
 
Re: One of the Best

What a treasure. I never could get into Hawken/plains rifles or Kentucky long rifles. The British knew how to make a muzzleloader whether a target or sporting rifle.
 
Re: One of the Best

crowhunter1: Sorry to tell you, but I never got the nerve to push my uncle to shoot it. I think he did before I was an adult and he really got me into Vintage ML. We would study it and learn.. He really prouded himself to built, restore, make stuff like these guys did. I can't imagine a better hobby than ML.
But, I have shot this one a lot in multiple positions! - until I could afford to buy an original for myself.
This one is an Alexander Henry 2-position 0.451" 9-groove.
 

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Re: One of the Best

Alexander Henry Sporting Rifle 0.451"
 

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Re: One of the Best

Inside lock of another Alex Henry Sporting/Target Rifle - 0.451"
IMO, This is a very important factor that differentiates/separates an original vs repo/kit.



And the inside is just as perfect as the outside.
 

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Re: One of the Best

I ask 52 bores Uncle once to make me a lock. He just laughed and said son I would be glad to. You just wouldn't be able to afford what I would have to charge you. He was one Fine Man and one of the best shots. I learned a lot from him on how to compete. Forgot , One way to tell a fine English Lock is when it comes to full cock it stops , no over travel
 
Re: One of the Best

Those rifles are really cool i absolutley love original rifles from that time period . It is absolutley amazing what they were doing over 100 years ago and doing it well .

So it sounds like Alexander Henry is the best gun/ copy ? I have been doing some research but honestly dont understand everything im reading . Everyone has their favorite that should be coppied . I realize its kind of a personal choice .
 
Re: One of the Best

Man i would love to have a original . I should of never started asking questions . If a person could find a good original will they shoot with todays repos ? Also it was said that original locks are better/ different than reproductions. How so and does the reproductions work as good as the originals ?

Im sorry for being so ignorant and asking all the questions . I would like to do this correct once unlike several of my other endeavors
 
Re: One of the Best

Dougs136Schwartz said:
Man i would love to have a original . I should of never started asking questions . If a person could find a good original will they shoot with todays repos ? Also it was said that original locks are better/ different than reproductions. How so and does the reproductions work as good as the originals ?
Im sorry for being so ignorant and asking all the questions . I would like to do this correct once unlike several of my other endeavors

In this LR section, look for 'New Whitworth'. recently sold at auction. One could not touch that price today if building one of that quality.
Originals can and do shoot with repos - obviously it's all about the bore condition with any gun.
 
Re: One of the Best

It just amazing how well the did that inleting, like they were done on a cnc. And remember the light working quality was no where close to the lighting we have today.Hope to see one in person when I get to some shoots .
 
Re: One of the Best

A few Whitworth's from Oak Ridge Match.
 

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Whitworth Military Target Rifle.
C-series, era 1860’s
Lots of photos to be used in an article for NMLRA MuzzleBlast magazine.

Good visit with an old friend..

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