Kentucky Rifle 36” .38 Cal Black Powder Percussion Rifle Tiger Maple Stock
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB250708MS001
Make: Unknown
Model: Kentucky Rifle
Serial#: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .38 Cal. Black Powder
Action Type: Percussion, Muzzle Loading, Black Powder, Set Trigger
Markings: This rifle is unmarked.
Barrel Length: 36”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a long blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch leaf dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a single piece tiger maple full stock with a ribbed brass muzzle cap, ramrod/ramrod loops, finger rest brass trigger guard, straight wrist, straight comb w/ cheek piece, and brass buttplate. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates at about Very Good + condition.
Type of Finish: Brown
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion throughout the bore but there is some faint fouling and light surface rust in the grooves. Overall the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its finish. There is faint thinning at the leading edges. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall this Rifle rates in Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The hammer locks. The trigger is crisp. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This rifle comes with its ramrod.
Our Assessment: The Kentucky rifle is one of the most iconic American firearms, synonymous with the frontier spirit of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Originally developed in Pennsylvania and the surrounding regions, these long rifles were prized for their accuracy, long barrels, and graceful styling. This modern reproduction captures the classic architecture of the Kentucky rifle but is configured as a percussion black powder arm rather than a true flintlock. Chambered in .38 caliber, it represents a practical small-bore muzzleloader well-suited for target shooting or small game hunting while maintaining the long, slender lines and ornate brass furniture of its historic counterparts. This rifle is built with care and displays attractive aesthetics. The full-length tiger maple stock features strong figure and traditional brass fittings including a ribbed muzzle cap, trigger guard with finger rest, and brass buttplate. The wood shows only light handling marks and remains free of cracks or chips, rating in Very Good Plus condition. The barrel retains nearly all of its original browned finish, with only faint thinning at the edges. The bore is another highlight, bright with sharp rifling and minimal fouling, rating 9.5 out of 10 and promising excellent accuracy with properly cast and loaded round balls.
For enthusiasts of black powder shooting and historical firearms, this Kentucky rifle reproduction offers both functionality and display appeal. Its set trigger and crisp lockwork make it a capable shooter, while the figured maple stock and traditional styling give it a classic look that would stand out in any collection. While it lacks the historical provenance of an antique original, its condition, bore quality, and craftsmanship make it an excellent choice for reenactors, black powder shooters, or collectors of American frontier–style long rifles. -R.E.
