Need suggestions for boy's rifle

[Black Jaque Janaviac]

I want a boy's flintlock rifle for my kids.

Seeing as no one produces such a critter en masse, I figure I'll have to build it myself which leads to another problem.  No one even offers boy's rifles as kits.

I'm thinking of a Jim Chamber's Queen Anne's lock (the little roundfaced one), and a 13/16" bbl (3/4" would be better), .36 cal, 24" long.  About a 11.5" to 12" trigger pull.

Ideally I'd make it a miniature version of my own Early Virginia.

Here's what I'm up against.  The stocks that are available.  They're all big.  I would think that chopping the butt down to an 11.5" trigger pull would grossly alter the rest of the dimensions such as the location of the cheek piece would be too far rearward.  The thickness of the wrist and forearm would all have to be altered too.  

By the time I consider all this the project starts to get beyond my capabilities.

Any suggestions?

[Jerry/PA]

Hi Black Jaque;


I have two suggestions for you.

First, if you do want a standard production rifle.  Thompson Center made a model called the White Mountain Carbine a number of years ago.  It had a 12 3/4" trigger pull, and an overall length of 37".  It weighs a little over 6 pounds.  It does have a factory installed rubber recoil pad, which although not period correct, is an excellent way to avoid having the recoil beat up on a youngster!  An ideal kid's starter rifle.  

You could find one on the used market.  Also, I have one, but it's promised to my nephew's son if he wants it.  I'll be talking with the lad October 23, and if he doesn't want it, I'd be willing to sell it to you.  Let me know if you're interested.

Second idea is this.  Pecatonica River Muzzleloader Supply makes a "Beck Boy's rifle".  It is a deliberately downsized rifle, patterned after the original Beck rifles, with young fellows such as your son specifically in mind.  It's exactly what you're looking for.  They downsized it specifically to keep everything in the proper relationships, so you won't have to butcher it up and still have a cheekpiece or something out of proportion.

You should call Dick Greensides, owner of Pecatonica and talk with him.  Pecatonica is a first class "kit" supplier, and I can personally attest to the excellence of everything they offer.

Pecatonica's phone number is 815-968-1995.  They also have a modest website, but it doesn't do justice to the quality of their work.

Regards,

Jerry

[HWooldridge]

I'd get a 45 only because that is the minimum for deer in many states and he may want to hunt with it (and you) someday before he's big enough for a full size.  The old Mowrey rifles are small and light if you can find one in the used market.

[jgalar]

check www.dixiegun.com they sell a gun called the cub that I believe has a short length of pull. I also think they have them in 45 caliber. I did I quick look on their web site and found this
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_92&products_id=914

You may want to look around their site or give them a call.

[fffffg]

i have a traditions 50 cal that is very light, could use some lock geometry work and would be perfect for a 8-80 year old. you can chop up a chambers if you like but i would never forgive you.. :-)       good luck dave..

[Black Jaque Janaviac]

Whaddayaknow I was wrong - again!

Someone does make a kit for a boys rifle.

For anyone else following this thread, here's a link.

http://www.cabincreek.net/boysandladies_rifle.html


It comes in two trigger pulls 11.25" and 12.5".  Might hafta get two :eek:

It's a might spendy though, tipping the scales at $650 for the kit.  It includes a swamped barrel which oughta be nice but I thought would be unecessary.

[filmokentucky]

Yeah, Black Jaque, but what a first rifle it will make! The standard for
quality that it will set will last a life time and it wil make a first rate family heirloom. Brad Emig's guns are of the first order and I'll wager his kit is, too. The price isn't that far from Track's if you think about it. I think I'd take mine with a cherry stock, just for varities' sake. Any how, I think you should go for it---I don't think there is a down side here and anything
that brings kids closer to their parents and the outdoors will always get my vote.

[Longcruise]

Here is a boy's gun that i made for my grandson in .36 caliber.  It's a 42" green mountain barrel cut in half.  That left me enough barrel stock for three pistols (yet to be built).

http://www.mikeswillowlake.com/images/Gunbuilding/kidgundoneright.Jpg

The stock was shaped out of a piece of walnut and the rest was pieces parts.  A piece of underrib, a thimble (too big but it works).  The lock is an inexpensive CVA but it goes off every time.  I probably have about $175 into this gun.  Won't win any beauty contests, but it's young owner thinks the world of it :-) [/quote]