Original Southern Mountain Rifle Photographs
Series #13
Gentlemen, there's many novices who just don't know what an original Appalachian, East Tennessee, Southern Mountain, bear or hog rifle really looks like. Unfortunately, they git a hold of a catalog, buy up all th' cast iron parts listed, slap'em together, an' then tell everone they built an "EXACT" replica of Joe Hillbilly's squirrel rifle. Yeesss, indeedy! They saw the picture inna catalog and now they have a real McCoy in their hands.............SO.....I'm offering these photographs from my personal collection for their education AND your enjoyment. I'll swap'em out ever once in a while. CAVEAT: Some of these photos are intended for use in a book later on and just might be copyrighted. If you want to use'em on your website an' don't have th' balls to ask permission.....don't.
Series 13 of this album features a beautiful, signed William Beals rifle. Bill Ferguson very kindly sent photos of his pride and joy to share with us. I am honored to be able to have it on my web site. So here's 8 comin' at ya.....
Just so you know who made this sweet thing, here's old man Beals' signature:
Now that's established, here's his side plate.
Following on back is the cheek piece. Notice the squareish grip rail?
The muzzle tip has a nose cap and the wood has been rasped off to allow your fingers to grab the rod.
Flipping the rifle up, take a gander at the loooong tang. I like it, don't you?
Here is the patch box side of the rifle. I'm likein' it even more......hubba-hubba.
Yep, you're right. There is a trap under that lid! Looks kinda rough and crude to me.
Last, we have the lock. It has a nice single throated cock and makes me think of my Grandpappy's lock.
If you get to see this rifle in real life, count yourself as one lucky individual. I certainly would!