Friendship Find

[451LRML]

Not only did I find some great folks from TN at Friendship, I found a nice original ML as well.
From $150 CVA Hawken styles repos to $10+ originals - they have it all.
This one had a lined barrel (40 cal RB) but no other evidence of anyone messing with it and finish looks original.
British Sporting Rifle made by Mills, London.
Feels about 7/8 scale.

 

[Wobblyshot1]

I love those London guns from that era... great find!
Met Rick Weber and got to shoot the Pedersoli Whitworth. Actually hit in the white on the mini creedmore at 500 yards.
My find was a Ron Long, Denver Hawken lock. Had a little rust but cleaned up well. 50 bucks wasn't too bad I reckon for a quality percussion lock.

 

[Matador]

I like the British Sporting Rifle and I know that lock was a good deal. Congrats on both.

 

[451LRML]

Although not a British Best quality lock - still far better than most repos today.
Can't help but wonder if the sights were actually graduated to the rifle/load?

 

[Smo]

Great finds Guys!

I love that rifle, had a chance to shoot it yet?

You are going to shoot it aren't you ?

LOL I'm glad y'all had a good trip and found some good deals.

It sounds like some good shooting was done as well.

Congrats to all.

 

[451LRML]

Found some info about the maker..
Sending barrel off to have the lettering recut before it's lost.
Mills, Holborn, London

 

[Wobblyshot1]

Sounds interesting. Are there any markings indicating what the original bore was?

 

[451LRML]

Oops, I see I didn't post that photo.

25 bore is a 0.577" - not sure I wish to have that size ball in this small frame?
For now, I'm going to leave it a 40.
Now working on a new ramrod for it..

 

[451LRML]

My rendition on how to hide a 40 cal rod..
I didn't like the rod that was with the gun, don't think it was original to the gun.
Has to think how to hold the large diameter rod in place?
Drilled a hole thru a piece of ebony, then added brass to each ends.

 

[451LRML]

The hole in the ebony, then turn the OD to diameter took a while.

 

[451LRML]

Turned a piece of horn for the handle and a taper fit to hold the 40 cal rod in place.


A hidden 40 cal rod..
And the ebony rod/sleeve stays in place!

 

[Smo]

Looks great!