Hello from Northeastern IL

[Chgowiz]

Hi, I'm Michael - aka Chgowiz around various forums and blogs. I live near the Gurnee area, north of Chicago.

I was recently given a Traditions Kentucky rifle - rusted all over and hasn't been shot in ages, if ever. It's a restoration project for myself and my daughter.

I'm handy enough with tools, wrenched on a stock car for a few years, do quite a bit of modeling (wargaming metal figures and plastic models) and a bit of woodwork. No expert by any means, always learning.

I'm here to read up on what I need to do to restore this old cap/ball rifle to service and see if I can make it into a shooter/hunter, as well as learn/enjoy what I've been given.

 

[Okie Hog]

Welcome from SW Oklahoma.

i've cleaned up some like that.

Remove the stock and go to work with emery cloth and steel wool. Use Evapo-Rust for bore and smaller parts. Be interesting to see the bore condition.

Dunk the lock in Evapo-Rust, leave overnight and wash lock with water. Pour Evapo-Rust in bore, stand on rear of barrel overnight.


Evapo-Rust, The Original Super Safe Rust Remover, Water-based, Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, 32 oz - Walmart.com

 

[Chgowiz]

Thank you for the welcome and tips, Okie Hog!

 

[Eutycus]

Howdy + Welcome from Texas!

 

[nit wit]

Welcome from Maine. get a jag smaller than your bore and use a green or red scotch pad.
Nit Wit

 

[deermanok]

Welcome from Oklahoma. Looks like a project for sure.

 

[thomas]

Welcome to the forum.
Thomas

 

[UndeadPoet]

You’ve got yourself a project, alright, but you have come to the right place to get good information.

Welcome, from North Carolina!

‘Poet

 

[Heath78]

Hi and welcome

 

[Old Timer 48]

Welcome!

 

[Celticstoneman]

Welcome and good luck with your project. I really like the fact that your daughter is to be involved. Let her get her hands dirty but wear eye protection! I didn't and was lucky.
John

 

[Dakota459]

Welcome from South Carolina.

 

[Wisconsin Relic]

I have that exact rifle! Only in good condition. I bought it as a kit about 1974. I hunted with it until 3 seasons ago, when I moved up to a .50 CL Hawken style. The Kentucky is a .45 and dead accurate. Enjoy the project.

 

[BigBeast]

Welcome from northern Wisconsin! Evaporust is really good stuff, works great on rust and will remove bluing, browning and the color case hardened look on locks, etc, Good luck!

 

[Duster340]

Hey neighbor.

 

[Billy Boy]

Hi, I'm Michael - aka Chgowiz around various forums and blogs. I live near the Gurnee area, north of Chicago.

I was recently given a Traditions Kentucky rifle - rusted all over and hasn't been shot in ages, if ever. It's a restoration project for myself and my daughter.

I'm handy enough with tools, wrenched on a stock car for a few years, do quite a bit of modeling (wargaming metal figures and plastic models) and a bit of woodwork. No expert by any means, always learning.

I'm here to read up on what I need to do to restore this old cap/ball rifle to service and see if I can make it into a shooter/hunter, as well as learn/enjoy what I've been given.

Welcome, I’ve seen sicker cats than that get well. Be patient, do one part/operation let it sit. Dig in again.

 

[Black Powder Guy]

Welcome from a former stock car guy. Did that when I was living in Florida. Keep us posted on your rifle. Brian

 

[Chgowiz]

I have that exact rifle! Only in good condition. I bought it as a kit about 1974. I hunted with it until 3 seasons ago, when I moved up to a .50 CL Hawken style. The Kentucky is a .45 and dead accurate. Enjoy the project.

Thank you, we are looking forward to it, once I'm done with deer hunting in November.

The barrel on mine says 50cal, I guess there were different calibers of the kit sold?

 

[Chgowiz]

Welcome from a former stock car guy. Did that when I was living in Florida. Keep us posted on your rifle. Brian

I will, I have started a project thread over in the percussion forum.

What did you race? Were you in any series or just local tracks?

 

[Chgowiz]

Welcome, I’ve seen sicker cats than that get well. Be patient, do one part/operation let it sit. Dig in again.

Thanks for the advice, that's how I usually operate when restoring/repairing. Rushing just means I'll end up doing it again.