Help ID this rifle

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • gtodave

    Member
    MDS Supporter
    Aug 14, 2007
    14,159
    Mt Airy
    This rifle has been hanging in my grandpa's basement since I've been alive. He can trace it back to at least his grandfather, which puts it 1870s or earlier. It is a single shot .22, with a ram rod to remove spent shells. The chamber does not seal up tight any more, so if you shoot it, you get combustion in your face.

    I can't find any writing at all on it, only a few etchings on the trigger guard and plate. It doesn't even specify caliber.

    His aunt used to shoot rats in the cornfield behind her house with it, so it must have been accurate. She lived in Indiana, and we suspect the gun could be from there too, if it was custom built.
     

    Attachments

    • 20181109_075436.jpg
      20181109_075436.jpg
      73.7 KB · Views: 367
    • 20181109_075545.jpg
      20181109_075545.jpg
      59 KB · Views: 369
    • 20181109_075613.jpg
      20181109_075613.jpg
      47.1 KB · Views: 351
    • 20181109_075651.jpg
      20181109_075651.jpg
      44.7 KB · Views: 361
    • 20181109_075700.jpg
      20181109_075700.jpg
      49.9 KB · Views: 367
    • 20181109_075712.jpg
      20181109_075712.jpg
      55.3 KB · Views: 377

    Jimbob2.0

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 20, 2008
    16,600
    I remember guns like that when I was a kid. Have no idea who made them, always assumed they were produced by local smiths from parts.

    Ejecting spent cartridges manually with a rod is about the worst but simplest system I can think of.
     

    K-43

    West of Morning Side
    Oct 20, 2010
    1,881
    PG
    It appears to be a "Flobert" gallery or garden rifle.
    They aren't .22 rimfire. They take a CB cap or 6mm Flobert round.
    Yours doesn't have a locking breach and isn't really safe with modern .22 rimfire.
    These type rifles and the proper ammunition are discussed in this thread. https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=228793
     

    K-43

    West of Morning Side
    Oct 20, 2010
    1,881
    PG
    I remember guns like that when I was a kid. Have no idea who made them, always assumed they were produced by local smiths from parts.

    Ejecting spent cartridges manually with a rod is about the worst but simplest system I can think of.

    Most were actually manufactured in Belgium, with a smattering of German and others. They were popular and quite common in the 19th century.
     

    gtodave

    Member
    MDS Supporter
    Aug 14, 2007
    14,159
    Mt Airy
    Forget the rifle. What's that Bigfoot looking thing sitting on the dresser?

    Haha...that a mantle above a fireplace. Grandpa retired early (mid fifties), and is in his 90's now. Since he's had 40 years of free time, he goes through hobbies every 5-15 years. One thing that has endured is collections...he went through an "Indian" related collection phase at one point, and that is one of the collection.

    He also has Matchbox cars, knives, belt buckles, Avon glass, half dollars, State quarters, and probably about a dozen other collections I'm forgetting.
     

    gtodave

    Member
    MDS Supporter
    Aug 14, 2007
    14,159
    Mt Airy
    Example: he used to metal detect a lot, and this is how you sort your pennies when you have tons of free time. This is labeled "Pennies: 1950-1959"
     

    Attachments

    • 20181031_100218.jpg
      20181031_100218.jpg
      77.7 KB · Views: 182

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Latest posts

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    274,919
    Messages
    7,258,773
    Members
    33,348
    Latest member
    Eric_Hehl

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom