Studying the longrifles of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, might cause you to imagine that time nearly stopped in Bedford County, or that this region was isolated from the world. How can we explain why these men continued to make Bedford County rifles for over 120 years, much later than we might expect? How can we explain these very odd locks, with long thin lock plates and "slash" molding decoration filed across a rattail? Why would the Bedford County makers laboriously hand file and hand fit each lock part, long after other makers were using purchased locks? Perhaps the answer is suggested in Calvin Hetrick's book The Bedford County Rifle and its Makers. The reason behind the success of any commercial enterprise is customer acceptance and demand. Longrifles made in the region of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, are immediately recognizable. These rifles are long, thin, and graceful, with a low comb. Perhaps the customers of the Bedford County makers knew and liked this style, and demanded fine quality hand made flint locks. Or perhaps purchased locks would have altered the style of the gun too much to satisfy Bedford makers.
Order our Bedford County percussion longrifle parts set from our suggested list of parts to build a rifle similar to the one shown. This project requires drilling, tapping, inletting, shaping, and finishing. This parts set typically requires 40 to 60 hours of skilled labor to complete. A basic understanding of longrifle building techniques, as shown in the book Recreating the American Longrifle is advised, or the mentorship of a skilled gun builder. Plain or fancy maple, double set triggers, brass furniture with four keys. Many options are available. Each part will add to the website shopping cart individually. Select the parts you need for your project, so you can create your own custom rifle. Click on one of the links above or below to start your selections. You can find additional information about each part by clicking the product image, or part number.