Hall Carbine

[Michael Bodner]

Does anyone know of a modern reproduction of the Hall Carbine??

OR

What is the going price for a decent shooter? Got a friend that has the hots for one.

Thanks!

-Mike

[John Holland]

To the best of my knowledge there are no reproductions available at this time. For pricing take a look at the various antique arms dealers websites, such as the Horse Soldier in Gettysburg.

Which type does your friend want, Rifled, or Smoothbore?

John

[DaveCVG]

Please allow me to offer a few comments. I owned and shot a Hall .64-caliber smoothbore carbine ... it was made with that caliber so that the shooter could use Musket Round Balls (.64 caliber) made for the standard-issue .69-caliber Musket. I think I had the same "disease" as your friend. CAUTION: The Hall is not a "robust" firearm ... it has to be in essentially "new" condition to ensure safety. The fundamental issue is the ability of the old wood to contain the firing recoil of the metal breech parts. I tested mine using the old "tie gun to a tire and fire from a distance with a rope on the trigger" technique from the Dixie Gun Works Catalog circa 1973. I would suggest having a blackpowder-expert gunsmith examine any original Hall before attempting firing. CAUTION AGAIN: Sorry I have to sound so negative ... the metal separation between the front of the powder-ball chamber and the rear of the barrel is also significant ... the tighter the better. Please see above bp-gunsmith suggestion. SOURCE: The National Park Service at Harpers Ferry had a modern reproduction that they used for powder-only demonstrations some years ago. You might inquire of them about that gun and who made it ... it appeared to be new wood with original metal from a rifle.
Respectfully, with a Final CAUTION,
DaveCVG (retired)

[rachbobo]

I own 3 Hall rifles, not a carbine. All three are 52 cal, two are rifled and one is smoothbore.
One of the rifled versions I replaced the stock with one I got from the sutler Dunlap whos contact info is here at this site. The price is around $275 and that would be your best bet if you are concerned about damaging the original stock.
The two rifled versions are in original Flintlock and I'm building another in percussion.
Is yours a bottom lever or side lever. The gap between breech face and barrel can be adjusted by replacing the recoil plates that are held in place by side screws. You can get new ones along with any other part for a Hall Rifle from The Rifle Shoppe.
I left the new ones on the long side and slowly did some careful file work then valve grinding compound for a final tight fit with minimal gap.
I have to get off my butt and finish fine adjusting the sight but shooting 60 gr of 3F and a 52 cal round ball is very comfortable.
I have parts on order from The Rifle Shoppe to build a 4th one in Percussion but I've been waiting 9 months now.
I too love the Hall Rifle and it's a fun weapon to shoot. I am far from the expert John Holland is but if you have any questions about them just ask away.

Bill Cheek
Cockade Rifles

[John Holland]

Mike, the above two posts from Dave and Bill are sage advice.

Bill, you humble me, and I thank you for your confidence!

John

[rachbobo]

I have to get off my butt and finish fine adjusting the sight but shooting 60 gr of 3F and a 52 cal round ball is very comfortable.


Correction, that should read a 54 cal round ball. I slugged the bore and with the real deep rifling a 54 cal works fine.
A 52 cal ball will work but there will be a lot of blowby



Bill Cheek
Cockade Rifles

[Michael Bodner]

Thanks, boys!!

I'll pass the word along to my friend.

-Mike

[Jim Wimbish, 10395]

If you like the Hall, why not shoot a Burnside? It's just an updated and improved Hall design. There are plenty of Burnsides around that can be shot with little or no work done to them. The brass cartridge eliminates the seal issues with the original Hall design, which can be a real flame thrower. Shooters have set their gloves on fire with them.

[rachbobo]

Thanks, boys!!

I'll pass the word along to my friend.

-Mike

I checked Gunbroker and they have 2 up for bid. Both have been up for bid for a long time.
One is a Carbine and way over priced at close to $5,000 or so.
The other is a 3 band rifle and priced reasonably at $1,700. If I wasn't building a 4th Hall, I'd consider buying it.

Bill Cheek
Cockade Rifles