This plains rifle is typical for many of the plains rifles produced during the 1830 to 1850's. While not a copy of a Hawken or Leman, many gunsmiths produced similar rifles during this period. This rifle is stocked curly maple finished to a satin sheen. The barrel is retained by three steel keys, fitted without forend escutcheons. The rifle does not have a hooked breech, which was very common during the mid-19th century. A dark line can be seen across the toe, which apparently broke during construction. The wood has been repaired, and neatly finished together. This rifle is unsigned. The rifle weighs 8.8 pounds, and the trigger reach is 13-5/8 inches to fit today's average size shooter.

The .50 caliber 15/16" octagon 35" barrel has seven lands and grooves, with grooves wider than lands. Cut rifled for our .490" pure lead round balls. The barrel is a non pitted smooth brown finish on the outside, and the rifled bore is bright inside. The rear sight is 7 1/2" from the breech. The front sight is a nickel silver blade with a brass base. The rear face of the sight has been painted white.

The fullstock maple stock displays attractive curl over the length of the stock. The butt is fitted with a tall slightly curved buttplate in mid-19th century style. Viewed from the top, the lock panels are trim and the wrist flows back to the tapered comb. A single lock bolt retains the percussion lock. The tang bolt has the slot neatly aligned with the barrel. The forend has a short brass muzzle cap.

The brass toeplate is correctly mounted with three steel screws. This bottom view reveals the striped figure achieved when staining the maple stock. The triggerguard is brass and is correctly mounted in a fashion similar to the triggerguard found on Hawken rifles from the same period. The front has a threaded lug, while the rear curl is engaged by a screw from the inside of the trigger plate. The ramrod is fitted with 10-32 threads for loading and cleaning accessories. The cheek view shows the simple brass tear drop escutcheon surrounding the lock bolt. The sideplate inlay is inlet flush with the wood, and counter bored to accept the lock bolt. A classic J. Henry style cheek piece is simple and attractive.

This rifle uses a correct 1830 - 1850 era Siler Mountain percussion lock. The lock is finished with smooth chocolate brown finish. The spur on the top of the hammer is cut with a checkered pattern to provide texture. The 1/4-28 threaded nipple is surrounded by a brass flash cup, to protect the area around the nipple from the effects of repeated cap flash. The percussion drum is well supported by the lock plate, but strangely is not browned to match the barrel. The single trigger has excellent geometry, and has a crisp smooth release.

This fullstock Plains rifle would be ideal for a late fur trade or mid to late 19th century west bound settler impression. The rifle is used with a few handling marks on the stock. The bore is bright and has been well maintained. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.