New Flintlock Pennsylvania Longrifle (Lot's of Pics)

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Yesterday I was at Dixon's Muzzleloading Shop, in Kempton, PA when this Pennsylvania flintlock longrifle caught my eye. It started out as a left handed Dixie Tennessee Mountain Rifle.

According to Greg Dixon, the original owner wanted something different, so he took the rifle to G.L. Dech, a 'smith who lived a bit North of Allentown. Dech retained the original barrel, lock, trigger, and ramrod. He then turned the barrel to a half-octagon, half-round profile. He may have coned the muzzle as well. The metal was then mounted into a new stock made of what appears to be curly maple.

The barrel remains at the original length of 41", but because of the metal removed when turning it down, the rifle balances much better than the stock TMRs (I had one so I know).

It's a .50 caliber. Based on the TMR I had about 15 years ago, it should shoot well with a .490 ball, pillow ticking patch, and 70 to 80 grains of 2Fg Goex.

Full length views:

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Lock and triggers:

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The lock throws a good shower of sparks.

Opposite from the lock:

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Cheekpiece and vent pick:

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Incising on the the butt:

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Patchbox (the latch mechanism needs some tweaking):

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Toeplate with patchbox latch button:

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Nosecap and front sight:

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Entry pipe showing transition from octagon to round:

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I need to get some Brasso to get the brass all nice and shiny. I'm really looking forward to shooting this.
 
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The lock IS on the wrong side !

Maybe he's a lefty.

You could also try Mother's or Meguires Aluminum and Mag polish on the brass. It seems to work on pretty much everything.

I have always thought that the two most beautiful firearms ever made, were the Pennsyvania Rifle, and the 1860 Colt Army Revolver.

Congratulations. I want one too. Enjoy.
 
I was liking it up until I saw "Made in Japan".

Consider this: Most replica muzzleloaders are made overseas, e.g., Spain or Italy. By having the TMRs made in Japan, Dixie was able to have a very high quality rifle sell for an affordable (though not inexpensive) price. By using TMR parts, the gent who restocked the rifle was able to make a semicustom piece which is of high quality yet affordable.

If this rifle was made otherwise identical, but using a Siler lock, Douglas or Colerain barrel, and US made triggers, it would've cost two or three times as much. Instead, I was able to acquire it for $600 + tax.
 
You could try burnishing the "Made in Japan" and any other objectionable markings away. Too bad it wasn't thought of before refinishing.
 
Very nice. I've always had a thing for the Pennsylvania Rifle. I use a .36 flint for squirrels, and considering giving up my caplock for another flinter for deer. Nice wood in that stock, too.
 
You could try burnishing the "Made in Japan" and any other objectionable markings away. Too bad it wasn't thought of before refinishing.

It doesn't really bother me. It identified the barrel as a factory original TMR barrel, which is known to be of high quality. Plus, then I'd have to refinish it.

I hand rubbed a coat of tung oil on yesterday and wow did it bring out the grain even more. I may put on another coat or two.
 
I've had my eye on the Tenn. Mt. Rifle from Dixie for a while now. Looks great!
 
That rifle is pretty pretty (which is to say that it is quite attractive). Working up loads can take a lot of time, and it's always good time. Let's see the pics of your 100 yard targets after you've dialed it in!
 
RON in PA and I took it to the range yesterday. Unfortunately, the club's IDPA crew had the outdoor range monopolized. Forgot to check the club calendar. :banghead:

The day wasn't a total loss, though. RON brought his new Middlesex Village Trading Co. Sea Service Pistol and we went to the indoor pistol range. That thing is too cool! I'll let him post a range report.
 
As a lefty myself, I'm proud to show this to you :
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That Tennessee is purely American (I ordered it from Track of the Wolf) but was proudly made in France :evil:. The flint siler lock is nearly finished now.
 
Thank you very much. And it's a shooter too. 2" groups at 100 m, using a patch and a round ball. My second kit, a Lancaster, is under way...
 
I finally got to shoot my rifle today. It shoots great. Ignition is fast and reliable. I put about 15 - 20 shots through it, first at 25 yards to make sure I was on paper, then at 50 yards. It puts them all into one ragged hole (if I don't flinch or a strong gust comes along).

Load was 80 grains 2Fg Goex, Ox Yoke pillow ticking patch, Ox Yoke Wonder Lube, and a .490 swaged Hornady ball.
 
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