Cast steel, gain twist, choke bore - shooting an original American percussion picket rifle, 1850s

I bought this American percussion picket rifle a few months ago to repair it for my son. It took a lot of work to make it shoot again. Although it is a poor boys rifle, it tells a lot about the early years of the industrialization of gun making in the United States. Cast steel, gain twist, taper bore, choke bore. If you want know more about these terms, this is your video.
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[@hazcat640]

You may call it plain (not fancy) but to me that is a beautiful gun and one that shoots at competition levels. Your son will be a very proud owner and with your coaching I expect impressive results from him. I would love to see his reaction when you present it to him. From one Dad to another: "You're a good Dad".

[@capandball]

🙂

[@NORTH_CAROLINA_REAPER]

That's a fine rifle your son has

[@1Ringsmith]

Surprised myself as knowing all that you were talking about, grew up with English gunmakers doing things like this, takes me back, thank you

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

A beautiful restore on a Lovely sweet shooting rifle! I believe your son will be delighted with this beauty! A quote from the Shakers is this: That which in itself self has the highest use possesses the greatest beauty. This rifle is indeed a beauty! Thank You So Much and Many Blessings to You and your Family! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@vioreltoderas1092]

I’d like to see you hunting with that rifle…good job👍👍👍

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Vielen Dank für dieses hervorragende Video. Es ist eine Freude ihren Ausführungen zu zuhören . Sehr lehrreich und sehr gut aufbereitet. Vielen Dank dafür. Das Gewehr ist ein sehr schönes Stück Geschichte das perfekt funktioniert Viele Grüsse Frank Galetzka

[@johngulyas695]

Son: “Dad? Can I watch your new video?” C&B: “Ummm...No.”

[@capandball]

:D

[@NoTimeAllTime]

I fear sometimes that these old frontier guns get lost to time so it was wonderful to see yours in great condition and firing.

[@jimf1964]

I hope it will be close to your sons heart too, and that he’ll keep it as a cherished item for the rest of his life……unless he wants to sell it to me cheap. 😀 Nice job. I’m really impressed.

[@redsky8509]

truly a fine save.

[@BcFuTw9jt]

Wish the caps and powder market would come back. Haven't seen anything but musket caps if any. Hopefully Estes gets the Goex factory running again soon. Miss shooting my big cloud rifles

[@christopherreed4723]

(Edited due to posting before watching the whole video...) Gain twist rifling was also used in the Parrott Rifle cannon used extensively in the American Civil War. They were known to be extremely accurate cannon, albeit not without their issues. Beautiful little rifle. In it's day it would likely have been the bane of the local squirrel population.

[@Afro408]

There is a lifetime’s enjoyment,for your son, in that rifle. 👍👏👏😁

[@straightpipec6099]

I just had to rewatch this. What a beautiful Ohio style rifle. Fantastic job on refurbishing it and equally fantastic video. Truly the gold standard.

[@NORTH_CAROLINA_REAPER]

Nothing is beautiful in Ohio 🤮

[@myrlstone8904]

I doubt the patched round ball accuracy can be bettered, but from a historical point duplicating the Picket ball and making the required loading guide would be interesting. One could say, completing the story. The gun is beautiful in its form and clean lines, rather than relying on any fancy adornments. Thank you for the excellent informative channel.

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

This story resonated with me. I have saved at least two rifles from the scrap heap because I felt they had both potential and some historic significance. Well done and thank you!

[@gunrelatedvids]

Im on the same path at the moment. One sks and one colt 1903

[@АндрейЦиников]

This is the relax video. Watching what go on in real war in Ukraine this video make us some relax.

[@BuntaBall40]

your a champion

[@duybear4023]

It's satisfying to see old machines restored. Old watches, old cars, old guns, etc.

[@billskinner623]

When I saw your video in the feed, it was the first one I clicked. I always look forward to your videos.

[@archeverything]

I have no doubt that your son will be ecstatic upon receiving this fine rifle. Beautiful work and beautiful video as always.

[@VashGames]

11..I feel so old now. That rifle is a real looker now. Awesome restoration!

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Thank you for giving us the history and the inner workings of these different muzzleloaders we rarely see.

[@jeffe.9904]

Fantastic Cap! I Really, Really Enjoy Your Videos, Thanks Again.

[@pauletxfish4976]

excellent presntation

[@SilverSaxon]

I love seeing old firearms brought back to good functioning order. Well done!

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

Your content is outstanding sir. I think your production values and depth of research are second to none. I always enjoy your videos, free from the usual clickbaitery and obnoxious advertisements as they are. Thank you!

[@capandball]

What I know I learnt from books. I strongly recommend Ned H. Roberts' book, The muzzle-lpoading cap lock rifle. Excellent source of info!

[@williamhart4896]

Your boy will love that rifle

[@lawrencehudson9939]

I learned a lot seeing you lap the bore on this rifle. I have not seen any program on you tube do as well as you have on this subject. I appreciate the peace symbol at the beginning of the segment given the current events.

[@capandball]

This is also an excellent source of info on lead lapping: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmnSdZmMfN-LgJY

[@WRAnglican]

Gun greetings from Cleveland! Thanks for bringing us this kind of content.

[@marcusjones7082]

Ayyy!!! Hello from Cleveland!

[@cliffnoll2445]

I would be interested in the performance of a picket bullet of about 120 to 130 grains weight. I read a book that was published about 1860 in Pennsylvania, USA. The hunter was shooting a Nelson Lewis double rifle shooting a .42 caliber picket bullet in a gain twist barrel. There was a foot of snow on the ground. He was chasing a black bear that had stepped in his steel trap and had broken the chain with the trap still on his foot. He chased the bear 14 miles and saw him going up a steep grade on the far side of the ravine, some 200 yards away. The hunter sat down and steadied his rifle on his knees. At the shot the bear rolled into the bottom of the ravine and set up-right. The hunter shot the bear in the head with the left barrel. I really enjoy your videos.

[@iduswelton9567]

My godfather taught me how to properly clean and repair several types of fire arms from flintlocks to modern weapons ( newest was a 1967 Remington 30-06 ) and that knowledge has carried thru to today- iit also came in handy in 1968 while i was serving in the Marines as a sniper

[@josephsawicki9335]

The firearm Gods are thanking you for reviving this old girl, And she is rewarding you for doing so, Its beautiful I wish I could have seen the whole restore from start to finish, Thank you for your great video's Joe.

[@americanpatriot126]

Nice video! This firearm takes me back to a time when men were men.

[@Emanmonster13]

Great video! A few years back I restored a Remington "cast steel" 4 bore back to functional condition. I never could figure out who made it, but an amazing gun to shoot. The recoil will alter space-time with each firing, but always a blast to use!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

l really like how you go in great detail about the Gun you are shooting💥💥💥....Congrats from America🇺🇸

[@ashoksinghnegi5415]

I have Watched your many videos on the KZbin channel.... Really enjoyed watching your videos.... Sending my blessings to you and your family as well.... Stay blessed and stay safe and healthy.... Keep it up....

[@armADa_GS]

Goregeous gun, amazing it still works, thanks for sharing this piece of history

[@tomandtinadixon]

Time to build one, I think. Ok, I have to use newer parts, but I like what you get for a finished product.

[@TrainmanDan]

Good job on lapping the barrel. A mind-numbing job that can't be hurried. Cheers.

[@mrmeowmeow710]

From a history nut outstanding video

[@csorgb05]

I love seeing old guns made to fire again. Your son will be very happy with that rifle. I wish I was your son, I'm jealous.

[@gresvig2507]

Gorgeous little rifle, thanks for putting in the effort to bring it back to shooting order. One of these days I'd like to build a small bore muzzleloader for plinking completely from scratch-- I've done some minor gunsmithing, and I have the nessasary machining equipment, but finding the time...ALWAYS that dang finding the time.

[@loganosmolinski4446]

Advice on your mindset if you'll have it? Don't think about finding the time, make the time deliberately. If you keep trying to find the time you'll just fill your free time with other things that require less effort to set up.

[@gresvig2507]

Definitely good advice-- I really do have a billion projects, though, and a ton of car and home repair I have to do. My bad habit is having a ton of ideas and way too much that needs attention. And now that I'm in my 40's I don't have the energy I used to, which is doubly frustrating; had all the energy in the world when I was younger, and now that I have the equipment and experience to make cool stuff I just want to go to bed half the time. I envy people with real focus who can find a hobby and stick with it since I'm just running around like an idiot half the time with multiple.

[@StarSwarm.]

@@loganosmolinski4446 That’s some pretty sobering & good advice. Need to think about that myself.

[@user-oz1fd1hz9d]

What an amazing firearm for a first gun!

[@proudwhitesettler7746]

Excellent starter rifle for your son. Good job on "freshening" the bore.

[@hawkenrifles]

Otro vídeo excelente. Saludos desde España.

[@jamesmandahl444]

Love the snarling sound black powder makes

[@richardt.4224]

I'm a big fan of yours and this was a very good instruction video. Another reason I like a choked gain twist barrel is, at the breech the ball is fractionaly loose, on firing, the patched projectile will obturate and be a tighter fit and be more accurate, as long as the patch material is not too thin! Your son is a luck lad 😄.

[@TripleAAA53]

Absolutely outstanding Sir !!

[@mikeblair2594]

The half stock rifles in the percussion era and before were more expensive than than a full stock rifle. It takes more time to solder the rib for the thimbles which had to be soldered to the rib than just making a full stock. I'm only a minute or so into the video, so I haven't gotten a good look at the barrel, but I don't think it has a rib which was done if you didn't know how to solder one on properly. From what I've seen, that's A fine small game rifle. No poor boy there, just a good working rifle. P.s. I build custom flintlock and percussion firearms. One of the most fun things I've ever done.

[@wolfganglanz8345]

Good morning Balazs! I watched this video recently and couldn't believe my eyes, that a rifle, made in about 1840, has a twist and could be so accurate on 50 meters. Congratulations from Becs, Wolfgang

[@straightpipec6099]

Outstanding video. That’s really a special piece. I’m glad you saved it. Stay safe my friend.

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

That's an amazing restoration and as soon as I saw it I thought it was a Hawken. I'm fitting a curly maple full stock for my TC Hawken now. What a wonderful gift a father could give his Son. You are a good Father.

[@janrobertbos]

nice shooting, nice gun too!!! Greetz from the Netherlands!!!

[@OurLanding]

Very inspiring. My local gunshop has two original percussion rifles sitting in the rack. One has been there for several years. I will go back to have a look!

[@xxclaro]

Everything about this channel is excellent, has become a favorite since I found it

[@chasetower6773]

I live in Cleveland Ohio in the USA. We’ve only made Quality items. ;)

[@williamstuart9812]

Great video as always! That is a fine rifle to have restored and a great piece of history!

[@rebeccaback3287]

Excellent shooting! Excellent presentation! I love to hear about restoration of old guns,and history lesson .I have learned something new! My third grandfather made guns like these and simular to this,also different calibers.He would be 216 years old.David Back from Menifee county Kentucky USA.

[@williamkoppos7039]

Simple, yes, but classic in line and nicely finished. Your vids are the best BP vids out there.

[@davidinghram2494]

My favorite type of rifle. One that you have brought back from the brink of death, only to find out, "Wow, this thing is a shooter". I used to have a Norwegian Krag in 6.5x55 that was like that. It was rusty and dark and pitted, but after some work it was still dark and pitted but would shoot 3 shot groups at 100 yards that were under an inch with the old barley corn sights. Will we be seeing this rifle in a hunting video in the future? I love this channel.

[@capandball]

We need at least 45 cal for hunting in Hungary, so unfortunately no.

[@jic1]

@@capandball What about small game?

[@cameronmccreary4758]

Very nice work on lapping the bore. I did this when I was in high school. I started with lead laps but then changed over to bismuth laps because they expanded on cooling and then used fine lapping compound.Gotta love that gain twist rifling.

[@Heydad956]

Just started watching but I know I'm gonna like it off the jump. Just wanted to say, peace to you.

[@deeparks3112]

Very nice presentation and demonstration - thank you! Your son will love that beautiful little rifle.

[@paulsly7246]

Great video again,If you call it a plain rifle I would hate to see something fancy(lol),It looks great,You have done some amazing work on it.It should bring some great memories ,a few trophies and some meat for the table.Thanks again for sharing,from Australia.

[@randyperkins5063]

Beautiful rifle thanks for sharing

[@saboningm]

Hermoso se ve bien robusto un arma especial para el tiro. 👍👍🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@lesleybruner1008]

Hey man love your channel been watching it for a while and have always been interested in old guns

[@sudosden3567]

First class restoration for a very fine gun. Congratulations !

[@ProSimex84]

Thats so sweet, what an amazing gift for your son, from one dad to another, well done. Peace ✌️ ✌️ ✌️

[@tobiaswolfram9552]

Excellent and informative video as usual! Thank you!

[@Tipi_Dan]

It's a beautiful little rifle and I really learned a lot. Thanks.

[@chrisr001]

Lovely little rifle, so glad you saved it for future generations 👍

[@curtforeman9014]

Great video!

[@bjglover5794]

No doubt your son will love it!

[@chuckman20]

Always a treat to see an old rifle that gets the tlc that it needs. Great Video! I hope your son enjoys the time behind the old girl!

[@cavscout888]

Always great, thanks! Glad you could keep that one running.

[@SB-qm5wg]

You have a great gun laboratory.

[@glenndi1]

Beautiful rifle,great gun to reproduce maybe you could drop somebody a hint.

[@1248dl]

Fine presentation, thank you. May your son have many years of enjoyment with the rifle. I still have the Remington 22 I bought when I was 7.

[@hawkpilot6-actual]

As always. Very interesting video. You’re inspiring me to take on a similar project! 👍

[@derekseiders3597]

Thank you for sharing your project. Great video I had to do a similar process the my lyman GPR made in 1999 it had really sharp rifling

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

Nice work! I make it a habit to remove the breech plugs from every old gun i restore. There's no good way to be sure everything is good to go if you don't.

[@Homested_Happenings]

I recall being eleven. My father mad a couple Pennsylvania Long Riffles. Long and heavy were those rifles and I wanted one. When he passed away, years later, I found three unfinished rifle stocks and the parts for one of them. The rifles are displayed in their unfinished condition. My father never finished these rifles due to carving embellishment errors in the floral designs.

[@capandball]

Many thanks for sharing this story!

[@shijongeorge7260]

Beautiful gun brother. and Super video

[@arl0xen551]

The thin copper plates you used to prevent tool marking the rifle I thought was very nice, I am going to have to add that to my tool-set. Love your work.

[@robertlassiter907]

I love this channel! I learn something with every video. That’s a beautiful little rifle and I’m sure your son will treasure it. Thank you for sharing.

[@A14b19]

What a beautiful rifle..

[@IamtheIZ0D]

Beautiful rifle. I think its better if they show some wear/character than if they are spotless. Your kid's very lucky.

[@loupuleff571]

This is my favorite video I have seen from you that rifle it a shooter your son will be very lucky !

[@Wow22109]

Like usual excellent video, and nice shooting

[@oneshotrand2176]

Excellent video as always. Packed with history and shooting data. Please keep doing what you do. I hope you and your son have many years and great memories together with this beautiful rifle.

[@wm.traynor1143]

Very good shooting mate. The elevation (vertical dispersion) in your last group was excellent so your eyesight must be very good too.

[@Rumblestrip]

Thank you for sharing... I really wish there were some modern muzzleloaders that did gain twist still. The limited experience i have with such have been extremely good.

[@DocLaw172]

Have you tried the method of polishing the barrels using an abrasive pad similar to Scotchbrite Dishwashing sponges? Mike Beliveau (Duelist 1864) has a video showing this kind of polishing. Worked for me to smooth up my barrels for better shooting.

[@michaelgarrow3239]

I had to watch this. My dad gave me a .36 cal from Pennsylvania that looks almost identical. It has a set trigger and a hexagonal bore instead of riffling groves.

[@samuelstambaugh5181]

Here in northern Kentucky we refer to that as an Ohio Valley rife ! I have had several over the years in .28 & .32

[@Broken_Yugo]

.28? Neat, I thought they bottomed out at .32, which is about a 40gr round ball IIRC, kind of the original 22LR.

[@samuelstambaugh5181]

@@Broken_Yugo historically 32 has been used to take game as big as white tale ! I have seen them as small as .22 ! If you go to the National Match Shoot in Friendship Indiana too may run across .29s contemporary ,built by a few CLRA gunsmiths ! Both flint and precision

[@greglaroche1753]

Another interesting and informative video. Thanks and keep them coming.

[@rickgaston7118]

Thank you , once again many questions answered .