"Bean" Souuthern Mountain Rifle.

[Carolina Joe]

I am waiting on a rifle that I purchased from a custom shop. The rifle is a Southern Mountain "Bean" style rifle. Can anyone give a time period from which this rifle is from? Thanks.

[heatherhistorian]

Hello.  Here is what I found so far...


A full-scale drawing of a Southern Mountain rifle, circa 1760. Full length views of right side, top and bottom; left view to front lock bolt. Six (6) cross sectional views through the wrist and butt; three (3) more through the forend. Extensive text explaining some historical background and tips on recreating this rifle. 18" x 64". (http://www.logcabinonline.com/index1.html)


http://www.sittingfoxmuzzleloaders.com/Southern%20Mountain%20Bean%20Style%20Rifle.htm

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0916838811/jonhageeA/

http://occupiednashville.blogspot.com/2009/01/flintlock.html

http://www.iowatelecom.net/~toadhall/new_page_7.htm

http://mymilitaryhistorypages.bravehost.com/RifleRegiments.htm



I'll keep looking.

[pathfinder]

I LOVE the southern guns and Bean in particular. awsome to hold,carry and shoot. Built these two,top one is "Pox" bird's-eye maple,.50 cal. Bottom is curly maple,.50 smoothbore(traded to Two-Bellie's)

[tom h]

and he is in seriousle love with it  may  just be  the best  shooting gun i ever owned and the cast off is dead on for me.

[Hanshi]

got one in .36.  Love it!

[beowulf]

I have one in .40 , nice little rifle . traded a green river bear rifle for it .was all beat to hell when I got it ,tore it apart fixed er up and its not only a good shooter ,it looks as good as it shoots ! have no idea who built it ,or when . the only markings on it are on the triggers ,r.e.davis , and 1857 on the bottom flat of the barrel ! she has a curly cherry stock ,I named her emmylou ! all the screws are the old type found on original pieces !

[Pete Stines]

The Foxfire book (Volume 5) has some history of the Bean gun makers. And the new book THE TEXAS GUN TRADE by Chris Hirsch has some more info. Peter Ellis Bean of Early Texas fame was from that family and worked as a gunsmith.
Also, take a look at GUNS AND GUNMAKING TOOLS OF SOUTHERN APPALACHIA by Rice Irwin. Hope this helps. I like Southern rifles too!

[FrankG]

Heres otiginal one made by J.Gross one of the Bean clan its a 1830's vintage that has been converted from flint to perc olong the way. Ive had it since the 80's. bore was recut to .46 from .38.

[beowulf]

very nice !