Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! Here is an octagonal barreled very nice New York Target Rifle, very similar in design to "Pennsylvania" and "Kentucky" style rifles, but definitely with a straighter overall profile. It features a VERY heavy 33 1/4" long two stage half octagon - half round barrel, and measures 48 1/2 in overall length. It has the standard appointments one would usually see on a target rifle, including a globe front sight, and an inlet for an adjustable "peep" sight on the rear of the wrist.

However, it looks like after the rifling was worn down, the barrel was bored out to 20 bore to use as a fowling piece. The barrel is still very heavy in spite of this, and is maker marked on the top of the barrel:

J. MILLER
ROCHESTER. NY

We have found several other examples by this maker, usually rifles and other long guns, however we have not been able to find out much information about their background. They were active in the mid 19th century making / retailing guns out of Rochester, New York. The lock is a standard trade lock, made elsewhere, and has some nice engraving but no maker markings.

We estimate that this rifle converted to fowler was made about 1850, and features all brass mounts except for the white metal nose cap. The half length stock is lovely, and looks to be made from walnut, a very popular and durable hardwood that is also quite attractive. The stock is really in great shape, and we do not see any major damage, just some stress cracks and the like.  The wooden ramrod looks to be a display replacement.

As with most U.S. hunting guns, this example is fitted with a "set trigger", where depressing the rear trigger first until it clicks and just touching the front trigger discharges the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. It is fully functional at present, and the rear trigger must be "set" before the lock will fire at all. There is no half cock position due to this.

A very interesting early American hunting gun from New York State, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 20 Bore - about 0.615"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 33 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.