Showing posts with label George L. Dech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label George L. Dech. Show all posts

Friday, January 25, 2019

My George L. Dech Flintlock Pennsylvania Rifle

I've had this rifle since 2008 but only just got around to taking some good detailed pictures.

It can be a challenge to get a good, full length shot when the gun is 57 to 58 inches long.




Closeup of the lock and patchbox:




Closeup of the cheek piece with a vent pick underneath, some incising on the butt, and the lock bolt and side plate:




The front sight, which is brazed or silver soldered to the barrel:




Rear sight and the barrel's transition from octagon to round:




The ramrod entry thimble:



The trigger guard and toe plate. The button to open the patch box is visible in the middle of the toe plate.



The rifle started out as a left handed .50 caliber Dixie Gunworks Tennessee Mountain Rifle. George L. Dech, who was a gunsmith near Allentown, PA restocked it into more of a Lancaster, PA styled rifle in curly maple with brass furniture. He retained the original lock, double set triggers, the .360" diameter ramrod, and barrel. I replaced the ramrod with one that's a bit longer and with a brass tip threaded 10-32 for cleaning jags or other accessories.

One of the more notable features is how the barrel was turned from a full, 15/16" octagon profile to a 1/3 octagon and 2/3 round profile. This makes the gun much less muzzle heavy, although it is far from a lightweight piece.

The lock sparks very well and ignition is quick. It's a good shooter that I've taken deer hunting several times (although I've yet to bag one).