A couple of rifles that need some love

Bad Karma said:

I really doubt they ran after elk like that. In moccasins in mountain terrain? You’d be on your butt more than you’d be on your feet.

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First time I made mocs I was so excited thinking I was going to have these tough leather feet only to get outside on the gravel to realize they were just leather socks. Don’t know what I expected, still wear ‘‘em tho.

BillinOregon said:

Day-Lewis was a dedicated actor. From Wiki:
"Day-Lewis starred in the American film The Last of the Mohicans (1992), based on a novel by James Fenimore Cooper. Day-Lewis's character research for this film was well-publicised; he reportedly underwent rigorous weight training, and learned to live off the land and forest where his character lived, camping, hunting, and fishing.[27] Day-Lewis also added to his wood-working skills, and learned how to make canoes.[44] He carried a long rifle at all times during filming to remain in character.[27][45]"
To the OP: Congratulations for finding your way back to that rifle. Hope you bring both of them to life.

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heard a lot about him.enjoyed the movie and the music in this movie really moved me.watched the movie more times than i know.aint many actors on his level.

Bad Karma said:

Getting older ain’t for sissies!

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I don't run anywhere anymore. Arthritis has me feeling like I have a 5lb block attached to each foot.

One of those muzzleloaders with the OP should be saved for a winter project.

TSnave said:

Well, the rifle in the picture arrived last night and I've spent some time measuring and pondering. Then I made an order to Track of the Wolf for nearly as much as I originally paid for the rifle. After looking it over, it has been christened the "Nuthin' Special". I would kind of like to find the individual who put boogered-up round-head screws in several spots and show them the error of their ways.

The lock is doing something odd. When it's on the rifle, it won't come to full cock, but take it off and it works just fine. All I can figure is the trigger bar is pressing up on the sear and interfering with it. I'll have to pull the triggers and see what's going on there.

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There’s a darn good chance that the small screw in your set trigger group is screwed in too far. Back that rascal out a couple of turns and try it. If it now works, use this procedure to correctly adjust:
Screw that adjusting screw in until it no longer holds full cock. Now back the screw out one full turn and try it. Might just work!

hmm. You mean the screw that goes in that little hole between the triggers?

Yeah. That one's not out of adjustment. I'm going to have to replace the tensioning screw also, looks like. But in good news, I have been able to remediate much of the damage done by the WECSOG graduate who built this gun. The lock works, and the triggers work as they are supposed to. Ugly, but functional.

WECSOG, for those who don't know, is the "Wiley E. Coyote School Of Gunsmithing" and is characterized by - well, that screw in the picture.

My Hawken is an Investarms just like yours- you’re gonna love it!
Jay

Man, these things breed like rabbits. What's up with that?


You can see this one needs some attention too. No wedge key, and the stock should really be refinished and detailed. I blew down the barrel when I got it unwrapped and there's an obstruction. A look down the bore with a bright flashlight, and it sure looks like a patched ball. So, here's hoping that when the new wedge key arrives and I can get to the range, a cap will set it off! And that it's a dry charge of something resembling BP, not smokeless. I'll be standing a good distance away with a string tied to the trigger, for sure.

@TSnave, being the cautious fellow that I am, I'd be very leery of firing off that rifle since I don't know what kind of powder was used in the loading. The CO2 discharger is my first choice in this ball removal. First of course is a bit of a wet lube such as Ballistol and water or Dawn and water to put some moisture on that patch. That will make the discharge process easier. Second choice is the grease gun removal process.

Even with a string to the trigger and a long distance between me and the rifle, why risk damage to the rifle?

@Grenadier1758, now that's a darn good idea. I bet I can rig my air compressor and a rubber nozzle to emulate that. Have to swing by the gunsmith's friend (Harbor Freight) and pick up a nozzle set.

In the meantime, I went out and tapped the rear sight back into a semblance of straightness - I've no idea how it got bent up, but it's better now. I was afraid I'd break it but it behaved itself. Then I started scraping the nasty finish off the stock.

Well, there's a little figure up near the comb, I guess. Have to see what it looks like when I get it all down to bare wood. I'm wondering if I should put some reddish stain on it? It's pretty pale. Nordic blonde, maybe. Any thoughts on what species of wood this is?

Whew. Squirted some dawn/water down the bore and noticed it leaked out the nipple right away. Put the air hose to it and it was just a clogged nipple/flash hole - but it sure looked like there was a ball down there! Ran a bunch of patches down the bore to get some cleaning done.

Last night I got the stock all scraped and started doing some detail work around the lock inlet. When I get some time, I'll have to transfer it over to the offside.



I am by no means a great woodworker, but I like it so far. Need to do some more touch up work and get it all sanded smooth.

Alrighty then. The 54 has gone from this:


to this:



Have to see if I can get to the range this week.

Bad Karma said:

I really doubt they ran after elk like that. In moccasins in mountain terrain? You’d be on your butt more than you’d be on your feet.

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Who in their right mind tries to run down game! The idea is to bush wack them not compete with them at their advantage.
Some times you do have to move a great distance but not while the game is aware your doing so. I used to Dall Ram and Mt. Goat hunt in my younger years here in AK and that my friend is a work out, usually requiring moving through a lot of vertical real estate where walking on your tongue is quite common. Interestingly running doesn't do much for you in the muscle tone arena other than the cardio part which is a big help also.
I've heard guides talk about having professional sports stars not being able to stand the rigor of carrying a pack loaded with meat , rifle and spotting scope up or back down the slope.
I could have easily killed the Dall Ram or Mt. Goat I have on the wall with any of my muzzle loaders had I had it along.
The .45 cal in this post would have worked nicely at the range both were taken after a long stalk.

TSnave said:

Alrighty then. The 54 has gone from this:
View attachment 326715

to this:
View attachment 326716
View attachment 326717

Have to see if I can get to the range this week.

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That'll work!

Wescog diploma requires ownership of a Dremel tool and Stilson wrench.