This attractive Southern Mountain or Tennessee flintlock ..40 caliber longrifle is trimmed in iron furniture, and stocked in maple. Many period rifles from the Appalachians were assembled with imported English locks. This rifle is fitted with a late Ketland styled flintlock, which is mated to a double lever double set trigger tuned to fire set, or unset. This rifle is assembled with a light patina finish on the lock. Trigger reach is 13-5/8", to fit today's average size shooter. Weight is 6.6 pounds, and the rifle balances nicely in your hands under the ramrod entry pipe.

The 44" swamped octagon barrel gives this longrifle a modest weight, making it easy to handle. The ..40 caliber bore is cut rifled with seven lands and grooves. The square bottom grooves are cut with a slow twist for a tightly patched round ball. The barrel and iron hardware are finished to a dark brown finish. The semi buckhorn rear sight is dovetailed 11" ahead of the breech. Shooters with corrective lenses or "older" eyes will find the extra distance from the breech easier to use. A brass blade front sight is dovetailed 2" behind the muzzle.

The maple stock is stained to a dark brown with golden undertones to display a small amount of figure. The stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate with a modest curve to engage the shooter's shoulder. The wrist tapers into the lock panels, which flare widest at the rear in early longrifle fashion. The barrel is fitted with a long strap breech plug with the tang extending down the wrist. The iron triggerguard has a slender grip rail with curved spoon at the end. Copper rivets have been added to give the appearance of a period triggerguard that was riveted together. The 5/16" diameter ramrod is mounted through two forward ramrod pipes, and a entry pipe. The ramrod has a steel tip with 8-32 threads for loading and cleaning accessories. The muzzle end of the stock is unadorned. A single lock bolt is mounted through a washer style sideplate. The lock panels are nicely shaped with the upper edge a continuation of the line created by the side and quarter flat of the barrel. The buttstock is shaped with a square cheek piece.

The 1810 to 1820 era Ketland styled flintlock is perhaps the most popular style of flint lock found on fine original antique American longrifles. The pan and tail of the lock are rounded in English fashion. The tail of the lock plate is slightly lower than the raised panel that forms the lock plate, separated by an attractive molding. The frizzen glides over a roller bearing on the frizzen spring, which is retained by a hidden mounting screw. The Ketland family of lock makers were quick to incorporate the best new features in their rifles, fowlers, and flintlocks. We recommend our 3/4" knapped English flints, for use with this lock. The lock plate and flint cock are accented with some engraved scrolls and a border.

Fast ignition is assured by the stainless vent liner, positioned well above the bottom of the pan, centered on the heat of the flash. If your flint longrifle suffers from that infamous slow whoosh-bang ignition delay, study the work of today's best gun makers, and position your vent well centered on the pan, high above the bottom, to serve as a window on the center of the flash. The double lever double set triggers will fire from a set or unset position, and can be adjusted for trigger pull in the set position. Adjust the screw between the two triggers, inboard to reduce set trigger release pressure, or 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.

This .40 caliber rifle has a modest weight that makes it easy to carry and handle. Regular use and handling will age this rifle to give it the patina of a fine original. 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.