Dressing Out a Gun?

[BP Addict]

I'm currently reading Hanson's Hawken book. The brothers were often paid for "dresing" out a gun. I've never heard that term before. What does it mean?

Thanks in Advance!

Walt

 

[Phil Coffins]

Rerifling.

 

[BP Addict]

Rerifling.

I thought it might be something like that.

Thanks!

Walt

 

[Scota@4570]

"Freshing" not "Dressing"

They used a lead slug cast in the bore to hold the rifling cutter. The cutter was made like a short section of file. It was not a single point hook or scrap cutter. The cast slug eliminated the need for a rifling bench. Lapping with a cast lead slug after freshing the grooves was part of the procedure to touch up the lands and make the bore the same size down the tube. They could lap in a choke into it which is excellent. They were not fully re-rifling but were getting a clean and even surface. Back then the bore rusted out very quickly, this method bought some time and required only simple tools.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Freshing" not "Dressing"

He asked what the term 'dressing' meant. I dunno, new one to me.

 

[BP Addict]

"Freshing" not "Dressing"

They used a lead slug cast in the bore to hold the rifling cutter. The cutter was made like a short section of file. It was not a single point hook or scrap cutter. The cast slug eliminated the need for a rifling bench. Lapping with a cast lead slug after freshing the grooves was part of the procedure to touch up the lands and make the bore the same size down the tube. They could lap in a choke into it which is excellent. They were not fully re-rifling but were getting a clean and even surface. Back then the bore rusted out very quickly, this method bought some time and required only simple tools.

I've heard the term "Freshing" and understood it to mean exactly what you've stated. This was the first time I've heard it described as "Dresing" a bore as listed on a Hawken Shop invoice.

Thanks for your detailed response!

Walt