1861 Rifle Musket Norwich .58 caliber

[acavdragoon]

I picked up this rusted up, pitted, abused derelict a few months ago. I was debating to part it out, or bringing it back to life. A number of parts were already missing, the stock was substantially battered with dents the nose of the stock was broken and missing. i had some of the missing parts and pieces from previous projects, I thought I would have a go at it.

I made no attempt to sand out the rust, instead I boiled and steamed the metal parts and carded them bring out the blueing from the rust conversion. The wood was cleaned and dents steamed to little avail. A new nose was made and new nose cap installed. Four coats of BLO to finish it up. Still need a ramrod and rear sight for it, but once again a shooter.

 

[hawkeye2]

It looks good so far, lot of work. How is the bore?

 

[acavdragoon]

The bore was a female dog to say the least! I soaked the bore in vinegar for about a week, changing it out with a good brushing every other day. It had a crud ring towards the end of the breach that the patches and jag would stick to, even broke the jag threads from the cleaning rod. Took the nipple off added some 4F and a musket cap to shoot it out. I even lost a bore brush down the bore, that took four firings to get it about 6 inches away from the end. I then used a coat hanger to fish the brush out. All in all it was an experience. Crud ring is gone and the lands and groves are standing proud! Looks to be a good shooter to me!