W. Beck Half-stock Rifle

[Second-rate Marksman]

For your viewing pleasure is a William Beck half-stock rifle in excellent condition. I believe this rifle to have been made sometime in the middle or late 1800’s.

When I initially purchased this rifle, it was listed as being a .45 cal. My calipers show that it’s more like a .44 cal, and it would probably do well with .430-.435 balls. Barrel has some light surface rust, but no substantial pitting to speak of. Rifling is strong. Although the stock has some minor nicks and dings, there are no cracks whatsoever and it is in excellent shape for its age. It’s my opinion the stock has been refinished. Trigger is exceptionally light and is of the double-set, single-phase variety. The lock functions well with a positive half and full cock. Barrel appears to be marked “Remington” on the bottom flat.

William was the grandnephew of John Phillip Beck, a master gunsmith in Lebanon, PA. A rifle built by J. P. Beck was presented to President George Washington, and is currently exhibited in the Frazier Museum in Kentucky. It’s accompanied by an original document from W. Beck & Son.

[Second-rate Marksman]

The document (a correspondence):

[Nessmuk]

a beautiful rifle indeed, Eric. Hard to believe it's over 150 years old.is it still "shootable"?

[Second-rate Marksman]

Thank you, Mark! It is still shootable, and I’ve had a few rounds through it. I’m able to get a .440 ball down there with a .005 patch, but it’s a tight fit. The nipple threads are a little boogered, and although the nipple appears to fit positively with no play, I’m a little apprehensive about shooting it extensively until I can resolve the issue. It currently takes a 1/4x28 nipple, and I’ve toyed with the idea of going up five thousandths with a tap and oversized nipple. What do you think?

[Bigsmoke]

Eric, I think the idea of an oversized thread is a good one.
Not sure where to get the oversized nipple as Treso seems to be a business of the past anymore.
I would probably try either Track of the Wolf or Dixie Gun Works.  They should be able to supply both the tap and the nipple, and I would probably buy two or three nipples, just to have them on hand.
In Treso's absence, Track seems to have started making some of the old Treso items.  You might be able to get stainless nipples in oversize thread size from them instead of the Ampco that Treso made.  Worth checking into.
That sure is one mighty fine rifle you have there.
John (Bigsmoke)