Missouri River Rifle Works Hatfield Kentucky Rifle

[Junk Yard Dog]

I have been waiting on this one for some time, it's my Christmas gift to me this year. It's a Hatfield Rifle, designed by Ted Hatfield from an original Kentucky long rifle built by Moses Hatfield in the 1830's. Yes, he is one of those Hatfield's. It's full stocked in curly maple. 54" long with a 39" long 1:70 twist .50 caliber Green Mountain barrel and L&R caplock. It's got a set trigger and barleycorn sight, as close as you will get to the original Long Kentucky rifle and American made. The quality is second to none, and despite being at least 30 years old it looks to be unfired. It would have been fired today had I not felt a cold coming on and it being cold outside I wisely elected to remain indoors today. I badly wanted one of these 35 years ago but no way I could afford it at the time, but now it's mine The rifle has a great balance, and overall feel to it.

[millman]

Bring it down to KY and we'll try it out. I could possibly rustle up a McCoy or two.

[MN Fan]

Damn, that things just drips class. I love the stock striping! Merry Christmas JYD...it looks like you were a good boy in your eyes

I can't wait to hear about the first shoot. Wise decision to stay indoors for now.

And hey, thanks for posting up some photos lately. The tiny taste of your collection has more than confirmed what all I've read about here on the forum. I can't wait to see more

Nice Hatfield! That's a gorgeous weapon in every way!

[Longcolt44]

Nice Jim, that stock is just stunning.

[Junk Yard Dog]

I should point out that a certain forum member was instrumental in turning this rifle up at his favorite honey hole, he knows who he is, and he has my thanks in multiples Such rifles do not come along very often, an unfired one is like getting it brand new

[Junk Yard Dog]

I am working on the pics, I got photobucket to work by upgrading the browser to Internet explorer 8, something I was only willing to do once I got the repaired laptop back, it's drivers are loaded and I can use it to get online again, not to mention that the new desktop PC will be here in a day or so.

[Rongo]

Awesome... Simply Awesome.

[desdem12]

SAAAWEEET.

[Jumperwire]

That's just a whole new level of class. Very nice JYD.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Thanks guys, the Italian, and Spanish gunmakers don't quite come close to what the small US makers will put out. These were very limited production rifles, the smiths paid more attention to final fit and finish that is found in the mass produced products. That was reflected in the price, in today's dollars this would cost over a grand, and 30 years ago that was still real money.

[bunkysdad]

Well that clears up everything I have been wondering about. Santa Claus CAN be bought. I know you bribed him, cause there ain't no way you been that good a boy this past year! Super sweet. Curly Maple, for the most discriminating shooter. It's a work of art.

Ya gonna pull those pistols, or whistle Dixie?~ Josey Wales

[Junk Yard Dog]

It's not about what he thinks you have done, but what he can prove, and nobody saw me do anything bad this year

[bunkysdad]

Jim I has to come back and look again. In my opinion this may possibly be the finest rifle in your collection, it at least among the finest. It really is the catch of a lifetime!

Ya gonna pull those pistols, or whistle Dixie?~ Josey Wales

[MN Fan]

Bunkys, thanks for bringing this post back. I got a second look too! Well, it's more like the fifth, but who's counting!

Damn nice rifle JYD!

[Junk Yard Dog]

Hopefully I will get to range test it soon

[entropy]

Beautiful rifle, from one of the best. Hope you get out soon to shoot it.

[Ironnewt]

Hopefully I will get to range test it soon

wait a minute, doesn't your shop have windows? Poke the end of the barrel out one and let her rip!

[bunkysdad]

Heck yeah. Ker-boom!

[Junk Yard Dog]

My workshop at home has no windows, it's built from an old box truck body, of late the roof has gone critical and my patches on patches have stopped holding. The freak Halloween storm caused the roof to split and now it's leaking badly, I had to secure all the tools and reloading gear elsewhere, I am waiting for another box, or shipping container to come in, for the moment the kitchen table is my workbench , I eat amongst a litter of gun parts

[Scratch]

Heartfelt congratulations on your acquisition.
I had the opportunity to fire a Hatfield from the guy that introduced me to bp.
A magnificent firearm.
Still have the target hanging in the shop.

Scratch