Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautiful mid-19th century American percussion hunting rifle representing one of the most iconic firearm traditions in United States history: the Pennsylvania rifle, commonly known today as the “Kentucky Rifle.”

Despite the famous Kentucky name, these rifles originated with talented gunsmiths in Pennsylvania before spreading westward through the Ohio River Valley and into the American frontier. Known for their accuracy, graceful lines, and individual craftsmanship, these long rifles became essential tools for generations of hunters, settlers, and marksmen.

This example dates to approximately 1850 and represents the later percussion era of this classic American design. It features a wonderful “Tiger” flame maple half stock with exceptional natural figure, a heavy octagonal rifled barrel, brass furniture, and a precision set trigger system. Built as a serious hunting and target rifle, it reflects the transition from early frontier long rifles into the more robust and accurate sporting rifles of the mid-19th century.

The rifle measures an impressive 51 5/8 inches overall and is fitted with a substantial 36-inch octagonal barrel. The bore measures approximately .34 caliber and features six-groove rifling, a common small-game and target caliber of the period. The heavy barrel construction is very similar in concept to the bench rest and target rifles of the era, where additional weight provided increased stability and accuracy.

The half stock is the true centerpiece of this rifle, made from beautifully figured tiger stripe maple. The wood displays excellent chatoyancy, with the flame pattern changing and shifting dramatically as it catches the light. This type of highly figured maple was prized by American gunmakers and remains one of the most desirable features collectors look for in Pennsylvania rifles.

The rifle is fitted with attractive brass furniture throughout, including a classic hooked butt plate and an elegant trigger guard with a pistol grip style finial designed to improve handling. The nose cap is made from contrasting white metal, providing an attractive accent to the brass mountings and figured maple stock.

We carefully inspected the rifle and were unable to locate any maker markings on the barrel or lock, which is very common for American sporting rifles of this period. Many were produced by regional gunsmiths who combined their own handmade components with commercially available “trade locks” sourced from specialized manufacturers.

The lock on this example is a straightforward percussion mechanism without decorative engraving. It appears to have been manufactured originally as a percussion lock, as there is no evidence of conversion from an earlier flintlock configuration, such as a removed frizzen or pan.

Like many higher quality hunting rifles of the period, this example features a functional set trigger system. By first pressing the rear trigger until it “sets,” the front trigger becomes extremely light, allowing for a much more precise shot. This was a major advantage for hunters and marksmen who required accuracy at distance.

The set trigger mechanism operates correctly. This rifle was specifically designed around the set trigger system, and the lock will only fire once the rear trigger has been engaged. As a result, the lock was not configured with a traditional half cock position.

The barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a simple fixed flat-top rear sight, a practical arrangement designed for accurate field use.

The bore remains in good condition for a rifle of this age, with the six-groove rifling still clearly visible and a partially bright finish. There is some expected wear, along with evidence of past fouling and oxidation, indicating the rifle saw genuine use but was also well cared for during its working life.

Overall condition is very good, especially for a 170+ year old American sporting rifle. Unlike many surviving examples, we do not see any major stock repairs. Highly figured maple can be more fragile due to the complex grain structure, but the important wrist and lock areas remain solid without structural cracking. There are only some minor hairline cracks toward the front and near the lock screw escutcheon.

The stock retains a beautiful appearance throughout, highlighting the dramatic flame pattern and craftsmanship that make these rifles so desirable. The included ramrod is a display replacement.

Overall, this is a wonderful example of a classic American percussion hunting rifle from the mid-19th century. With its highly figured tiger maple stock, heavy octagonal barrel, functional set trigger, and elegant handmade construction, it represents the craftsmanship and shooting culture of early America.

A beautiful and highly displayable Pennsylvania rifle, ready for any early American firearms or frontier collection.

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1850
Caliber: Approximately .34 Caliber
Rifling: Six Groove
Ammunition Type: Loose Powder and Ball
Barrel Length: 36 Inches
Overall Length: 51 5/8 Inches
Action Type: Side Action Percussion Lock with Set Trigger
Feed System: Single Shot Muzzle Loader

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.