DrDeFab
Member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2005
- Messages
- 251
I recently found out that I have two ancestors who most likely carried 1803 Harper's Ferry .54 rifles in the cavalry. (Or it could have been a mix of those and M1814s and M1817s.) I would be interested in building a nice replica if one can be found. I have seen a couple of links but would love more info from those with blackpowder experience.
What I have found:
Harpers Ferry Model 1803, Pecatonica River Long Rifle Supply (longrifles-pr.com)
1803 Harper's Ferry Rifle kit (muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com) (NOT available at this time)
Jedediah Starr Trading Co. On Line Store (jedediah-starr.com)
...nothing at TotW.
[Edit: it looks like all three of those may be the same kit, which makes me wonder about availability.]
FWIW, as a trial run, I built a Traditions Kentucky Trapper kit during the recent stay-at-home months. I did the inletting cleanup, stock reshaping, brass filing & fitting, etc. by hand. (Also had to stone the sear - it would not stay reliably cocked as shipped. It is now 1 3/4 pounds when set, and a bit under 8 when not.) I found that to be pretty simple, if slow going. I may have left the plum brown solution to sit a little too long, but it isn't a problem from six feet.
Sadly, I made the mistake of not buying caps/powder/balls until I finished it, only to find there are none to be had in my neck of the woods, so I haven't been able to fire it yet.
Thanks!
What I have found:
Harpers Ferry Model 1803, Pecatonica River Long Rifle Supply (longrifles-pr.com)
1803 Harper's Ferry Rifle kit (muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com) (NOT available at this time)
Jedediah Starr Trading Co. On Line Store (jedediah-starr.com)
...nothing at TotW.
[Edit: it looks like all three of those may be the same kit, which makes me wonder about availability.]
FWIW, as a trial run, I built a Traditions Kentucky Trapper kit during the recent stay-at-home months. I did the inletting cleanup, stock reshaping, brass filing & fitting, etc. by hand. (Also had to stone the sear - it would not stay reliably cocked as shipped. It is now 1 3/4 pounds when set, and a bit under 8 when not.) I found that to be pretty simple, if slow going. I may have left the plum brown solution to sit a little too long, but it isn't a problem from six feet.
Sadly, I made the mistake of not buying caps/powder/balls until I finished it, only to find there are none to be had in my neck of the woods, so I haven't been able to fire it yet.
Thanks!
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