W. Beck California Heavy Barreled Percussion Target Rifle in .41 caliber. 34.25" barrel, no apparent serial number, circa 1850s-1870s This is an extremely interesting heavy barreled percussion target rifle by W. Beck, from the Shelton Collection of California firearms. It is half-stock, octagonal barreled, with elegant German silver mounts of fine quality, including a patch box, double-set triggers, and massive buckhorn iron sights.The top of the barrel is stamped W. Beck. W. Beck is not mentioned in Mr. Shelton's outstanding book, California Gunsmiths 1846-1900. but he was apparently in the midst of researching him. W. Beck was apparently William Beck. This may be the German born San Francisco gunmaker Augustus Beck, whose original first name was Wilhelm, anglicized to William when he became an American citizen in 1876. Dimensions: 50 1/2 inches long overall. This firearm is antique and does not require special licensing. Processing and shipping within the Continental US $125 . All FedEx packages are sent with Direct Signature Required and insured at full replacement value for a fee of 1.5% of the purchase price, unless buyer accepts complete liability in writing. Discounts given on combined lot shipping. Good overall condition with an crisp action. There are slivers of wood missing from along the barrel on both sides. There are minor spots of rust overall, and the bore is quite dirty, although the rifling is strong. There is a crack in the butt below the wrist, but the stock seems strong.