Make: Mowrey Gun Works, Olney Texas

Model: Allen and Thurber Style Rifle

Serial#: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1960s-1970s

Caliber: .54

Action Type: Single shot, muzzleloading, percussion rifle.

Barrel Length: 31"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf U notch semi buckhorn with screw elevator dovetailed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece walnut with brass forend, straight grip, straight comb, with crescent brass buttplate. The LOP is 13" from trigger to buttplate. There are light scratches and handling marks. There is minor water spotting on the stock. The brass is lightly tarnished. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Brass

Finish Originality: Original to build

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is well defined. There is light fouling and storage grease. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original to build finish. There is handling and operational wear. There are light scratches and corrosion freckles scattered throughout. There is some tarnish and fouling around the nipple. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The lock works correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Mowrey Gun Works was part of the American traditional-muzzleloading revival that gathered momentum during the 1960s and 1970s. Bill Mowrey based his distinctive rifles on the side-hammer percussion designs associated with Ethan Allen and the firm of Allen & Thurber, simplifying the mechanism into an enclosed action with only a handful of moving parts. Mowrey rifles became known for their heavy octagonal barrels, distinctive brass or steel actions, and unusually simple lockwork. Period-style rifles were offered in several calibers and configurations, with options including walnut stocks, brass furniture, and custom barrel lengths from approximately 22" to 40". This .54-caliber example with its 31" barrel, walnut stock, and brass forend fits comfortably within the range of Mowrey’s Allen & Thurber-inspired sporting rifles.

This example retains about 90% of its current blue and brass finish with scattered light scratches, corrosion freckles, and normal handling and operational wear. The walnut stock remains in Good to Very Good condition with light handling marks and some minor water spotting, while the brass furniture shows light tarnish. The mostly bright .54-caliber bore retains well-defined rifling with only light fouling and storage grease and rates 8/10. The lock functions correctly. With its long octagonal barrel, brass furniture, and distinctive Allen & Thurber-inspired action, this is an appealing example of the American muzzleloading revival and one of the more recognizable designs produced by Mowrey Gun Works. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!