Antler ramrod pipes

[shawn_c992001]

Just wondering if anyone has used antler to make ramrod pipes or even bone. I think they would be an interesting and different addition to a rifle.

 

[blackdog of vt]

I made them on this gun http://bdarms.blogspot.com/2013/11/germanic-smooth-bore-62.html.
Its pretty straight forward as long as you can find denser antler like toward the top of a tine. The hole is easier to do with a wood boring bit because won't grab and break the antler. I've also made them by heating and folding horn. It worked pretty well I just haven't put them in anything yet.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I have made antler and horn pipes as well as ramrod tips. I use common wood and metal working tools, but then I have both a wood lathe and a metal lathe. :idunno:

 

[shawn_c992001]

Very cool! Those look really good. I will try that with one of my rifles.

 

[Col. Batguano]

I have to say, that I was expecting something that seemed like it was made in an Arab tent, or India. Basically, something quite hideous. But on a Jaeger, and, as executed, this actually seems quite at home and tastefully done, with a lot of care given to it. Was it done on the originals? I have to say that, given the style, and, since horn was used quite commonly, I would be surprised if it were not done on some of the higher-end pieces (using Roe deer and European stag horn of course).

 

[blackdog of vt]

Thanks for the kind words :thumbsup:
I have seen it on a few originals. The European smiths didn't work in the confines they did here so almost anything went. I really appreciate their work with horn and antler and find it really fun to play with. That particular one with the ramrod stained and the finish darkened over time makes the antler really pop.