Any members build their own underhammer rifle lock and or rifle?

[Larry (Omaha)]

I need another project, and mulling over the thought of a underhammer rifle build. I have ordered the book "The Underhammer Rifle", by Baron. I know very little about them, but seek input from experience UH builders.
Thanks in advance.
Flintlocklar

 

[FishnRod]

I love the looks and feel of the underhammer. I used to fondle a 62 caliber at the BP shop all the time. I need to check that book out.

 

[Metalshaper]

Well here's two of mine, with a drawing of an Hilliard/Kendall style of action.

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

 

[FishDFly]

Do a search for "Underhammer Society".

The blog is closed, but there is a lot of information there you cannot find any other place about underhammers. Pictures of some of the finest ones ever made.

 

[Larry Akers]

This is one I built for my grandaughter a few years ago. The barrel and fore stock are from a wrecked Wesson rifle sleeved to .40 cal. and the action is of my make.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

How long is the barrel, and does the nipple thread into the breech plug?
Thanks
Flintlocklar

 

[Larry Akers]

The barrel is 7/8 octagon x 28" long. The "receiver" and plug are integral and they are bored for a powder chamber. The nipple is at the rear of the powder chamber. The nipple is completely recessed into the receiver. My aim was to contain cap/powder flash so my grandaughter would not be stung on the supporting arm by the ignition. In this I was successful. The opposite side of the receiver has a cut-out to facilitate capping as can be seen in the picture below. The tip of the nipple cone is just visible.

 

[kansas_volunteer]

The H&A type action could be modified to fit into a one piece stock, just like a modern rifle, are your typical ML. The receiver doesn't need to be round and thick. It could be made flat sided and no wider than the barrel, or even narrower. I've often thought such a rifle might be really fun to build. Inletting would be very simple. You could even do it with a hooked breech..

 

[Obi2Winky]

Well here's two of mine, with a drawing of an Hilliard/Kendall style of action.

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

I noticed one of it had a double set trigger. Do you mind showing us mechanism for that? Thanks!

 

[Metalshaper]

I noticed one of it had a double set trigger. Do you mind showing us mechanism for that? Thanks!

Obi,

Need to remake that lock insert actually.. I had an area too thin and it broke. I also need to refine the design as its a prototype. In reality,
a good UH design doesn't really benefit from a DS trigger?

in hindsight, it was an ego build.. after being told "better builders than I had tried to make a double set UH and couldn't..
so what made me think I could? "< someone else had suggested the idea, at a campfire, I just when Hmmmm >
After being told that, it was game on!!! the whole working length of the lock insert fits into about 3 1/2"x 1/2" if I remember correctly??

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

 

[BS]

My Buggy Rifle with 7/8" 50 cal barrel.
I have more!
32,36,45 and 50 cal barrels fit it.

 

[BS]

This is my latest. [Not Finished]
Not your typical under hammer.
I have a walnut stock for it.
This one is a .58 cal.
I have several ideas for a half cock, but have not made one yet.

 

[Metalshaper]

BS

Kind of a Carleton action?? that's NICE!!!

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

 

[Metalshaper]

also make a few Mule ear locks.. just because?

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

 

[BS]

And there is the stainless 7 bore, shoots a 1000 grain 7/8" diameter round ball or a hand full of bird shot!

 

[Metalshaper]

Hey B,

What flavor of stainless are you working with? I've not had a lot of experience with SS and but have seen some work hardening
when I did. Any Hints and tips? Always wanting to learn.

Metalshaper/Jonathan

 

[BS]

I do not remember.
Non magnetic.
304 is more than likely.
It dents easily.
The 7 ga was double balled and loaded with 340-350 grains of FF several times.
Tied in a tire, behind a tree.
Has over a thousand rounds thru it.

 

[Obi2Winky]

How are you gents making up the frame/receivers? Do you use a mill?

 

[BS]

How are you gents making up the frame/receivers? Do you use a mill?

Yes

 

[Mark Herman]

Kansas,
I built a one piece full stock underhammer a lot of years ago. Worked out fine and shoots well. I used H&A parts, not the receiver.