Bedford School

Bedford rifles developed into its very own unique later style. Further west than Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Bedford County gunmakers used details originally from makers of the Chambersburg area. Chambersburg characteristics originally came from the Emmitsburg school. Gunsmiths of the Bedford school consisted of Joseph Mills, John Frazier and Peter White. Other makers are unknown to me. Peter White is understood to be the first gunsmith to settle in Bedford County after the revolution. I believe his to be the finest of all Bedford flintlock guns. White made some of the most ornate of the style. His inlay work around the tang and rear entry pipe was silver and quite extensive. Patchboxes were very large and heavily pierced. One of the other Bedford makers was Joseph Mills who is thought to be the second gunsmith of the Bedford area. There were a Joseph Mills, Sr. also Jr., and brother Isaac, all listed as gunsmiths. It is interesting to see such an individual style evolve into the long and slim Bedford rifle which style all these men favored. This stock is made specifically to reproduce this unique style. This pre-shaped stock comes standard with straight octagon barrel and rod channel with drilled ramrod hole. It is not inlet for lock, triggers or cut for buttplate. Inletting options shown below for lock, and triggers. Specify barrel size when ordering. Right hand only.