Comfortably_Numb
The Evil Mike Brooks
I have shot damascus barrels for 43 years. No problems. Of course I don't shoot rusty old crappy guns either.
A lathe was mentioned by Phil. The fact that you want to get interested in older guns a small lathe really makes a good choice. I take for granted that since you wish to get involved in fixing old guns you have some mechanical skills. But it takes more than just a lathe; you need the skill or training to use it. My skills on a lathe came from a extremely strong desire to be able to make things for myself. Reading books on how to run a lathe. Later in life I served an apprentice for Tool&Die. I was really able to shine on the lathe do to dedication. Have had a lathe for over 65 years and would not want to think how life would be without one, it is really that much of my life to be able to make just about anything I want. If you can get a small second hand lathe and learn to use it would be hard for me to believe that it would not be worth its weight in gold for a vast amount of different jobs. For the people that say I wish I had a lathe, stop talking about it and get one.You’ll need a lathe so you can make parts to match the old parts rather then re-fitting the old gun to modern parts. Old guns need to be restored not up graded. If that isn’t of interest to you then build a bench copy to shoot and keep the old gun as is for its own history.
I have a few original 1760's to 1890 firearms that I do shoot. Years in military service having sort of ruined my enjoyment of shooting most "modern firearms".Most of it depends on the condition the gun is in, to begin with. I've brought several original guns back to shooting condition. Mainly I don't buy the ones that are basically trashed, The bore seems to be the main issue with most of them. I'm working on one now that was in pretty good shape considering its 170 years old.
I just talked to Bobby Hoyt this morning about a rebore, so it's off to him for that.
But you have to consider the additional cost of something like this.
Me me me metallic C c c cartridges....I have a few original 1760's to 1890 firearms that I do shoot. Years in military service having sort of ruined my enjoyment of shooting most "modern firearms".
I just can't look through any form scope at anything I plan to eat.
Those antique guns that I do shoot have been extensively examined, bore scoped, magnafluxed, rebuilt, rebored, re-rifled (I have to thank Romano rifles in NY for his fabulous work on my barrels) where needed not just by my eyes but by other professionals who have equipment that I no longer own or in some cases never could afford.
I can't speak for other folks here but for me using a gun built between 200+ or 124 years ago to hunt with or target shoot with has emotional rewards that out weight the cost of remanufacturing / devaluing (?) the few guns I choose to go this route with.
The cost to do this is high but then so is the feeling of reward at taking game with a firearm like my original factory produced Spencer Sporting Rifle, where literally I have to make or design every component to use it, from the mold for it's heeled 327gr bullet (thank you Accurate Molds for working on that with me) to cutting / reshaping 50/70 brass to fit it's uncommon 56-46 long Springfield Armory designed chamber.
I do own a few "reproduction" and contemporary hand manufactured firearms.
But we all have something that gives us an otherwise unattainable feeling of accomplishment that in some way
helps make getting up in the morning still worth the effort.
But then, I also make all my archery bows, arrows, fletching (from my heritage turkeys and geese) make fish/hoof glue for putting it all together.
My hunting clothes and gear from what I killed in the past years too, so maybe I'm just a bit of a freaking weird ass.View attachment 188924
What part of 1760- and flintlock lover did you miss?Me me me metallic C c c cartridges....
Metalic cart's need to be reloaded also. Semper Fi.Me me me metallic C c c cartridges....
My intention was to applaud you. I was enjoying your cartridge gun. It looks great.What part of 1760- and flintlock lover did you miss?
If your intention is to discourage people from joining in the conversation, you're doing a good job.
Thanks TDM,Sound advice @Relic shooter.
I agree, I’m only a few steps behind you. But your knowledge and the knowledge of other “oldies” here are priceless.Thanks TDM,
Providing some tips & advice to newer shooters is about all us old timers have to offer.
Back in my 20s I thought I knew everything, some old timers at Friendship & other ML shoots were kind enough to show me otherwise.
Many of us oldies have had great troubles accepting that our worn out chassis are unable to keep up with our addictions to hunting & competing
We're fortunate to have this fantastic forum with so many knowledgeable members who are willing to share their individual areas of expertise.I agree, I’m only a few steps behind you. But your knowledge and the knowledge of other “oldies” here are priceless.
Same here, I used the forum as a resource for many years before I finally took the time to join.We're fortunate to have this fantastic forum with so many knowledgeable members who are willing to share their individual areas of expertise.
Helping new members resolve problems & get more enjoyment is the best way to keep our historical sport alive.
I've learned a few new gunsmithing tricks from the younger crowd & should have joined years ago when I was still an active competitor.
Relic shooter
I'm interested in old rifles.i don't think I'm good enough with a shotgun to do anything much with them but lean them in the corner. I don't actually want to make old rifles exactly new again. What I would want them to do is be shootable again, like a new rifle. I wouldn't want to shoot anything but mild loads. I know I've read about replacing drums and nipples. If an old barrel is shootable might the drum possibly be a weak link? Perhaps the old nipple is too battered to accept a cap, would a new nipple be a sin?
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