Built in the style of those 1840 - 1860 vintage Ohio halfstock, this piece is signed on the top flat of the barrel P. Sheets. The walnut stock has been stained dark and a poured pewter cap protects the forend. The barrel is .40 caliber smoothbore, and this shotgun would make a great boys gun for small game hunting. The gun has a 13-1/4" length of pull and weighs just 7.7 pounds, perfect for today's average to smaller sized shooter.
Ready to shoot, the 34" long 7/8" straight octagon barrel is .40 caliber smoothbore. The bore is bright and has been well maintained. The barrel is finished to a smooth chocolate brown and the top flat is signed P. Sheets 24 just behind the rear sight. A browned iron blade front sight is dovetailed 2" behind the muzzle. A semi buckhorn rear sight is dovetailed 9-1/2" ahead of the breech. A polished bright domed tang bolt passes through the rounded tang of the breech plug and engages the trigger plate below. We note some filler used around the sides of the tang. A small iron pin retains the barrel to the forearm.
The gun is stocked in walnut stained dark and finished to a satin sheen. The buttstock is fitted with a browned iron buttplate with a deep curve and pointed heel in classic Ohio rifle fashion. The deep curved buttplate is comfortable to hold and engages your shoulder with surprising comfort. Although light weight, recoil is never a problem in a .40 caliber rifle. The bottom view shows the browned iron toeplate which protects the critical toe area during loading. The browned iron trigger guard is mounted with two steel screws. All of the screws on the gun are polished bright, which nicely compliments the browned iron furniture. The 5/16" diameter hickory ramrod is not fitted with any tips for loading and cleaning accessories. We recommend our #RAMROD-C-36-10 to service this gun. The side panel is fitted with a tear drop shaped sideplate inlet flush and polished bright. A beavertail cheek with accent line provides a comfortable rest when aiming.
Sure-fire ignition is provided by a Jim Chambers' Siler Mountain caplock. The lock is browned to match the barrel, and has a strong mainspring for fast lock time. The polished bright drum is well supported by the lock plate and is fitted with a 1/4-28 threaded steel nipple surround with a nickel silver flash cup to help protect the stock from cap spray. The single lever double set trigger is properly adjusted to allow the lock to be cocked before or after setting the trigger. The single lever design requires the triggers to be set to fire the lock. Adjust the screw between the two triggers, inboard to reduce set trigger release pressure, our outboard to require a stronger pressure. The set trigger can provide very light release, perhaps an ounce or two, for accurate aimed shooting during pleasant weather. We note the screw that retains the rear of the trigger plate is missing.
This 40 caliber smoothbore is an example of a mid to late 19th century Ohio longrifle. The bore is bright and is ready for your next small game hunt. 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.
