Investarms Gemmer Hawken Kit

[BuschFlint99]

Hi everyone! I just purchased an Investarms Gemmer Hawken build kit and I have a few questions I’d like to run by everyone.

1: I am aware that Investarms produced the Lyman GPR prior to the new Pedersoli variant. My local black powder shop owner said that they’re now different rifles (spec wise) and not compatible with one another. This Investarms kit that I purchased seems to be “Lyman” GPR with the name Investarms rather than Lyman. Am I correct in saying this? It says “Plains Rifle” right on the barrel! 1:60 twist and all.

2: I currently own a L&R RPL Lock (LOCK-LR-05-F) for an “Investarms-Lyman-Cabelas. I’m thinking/hoping I can get this to fit on the kit I’m assembling. If so, what’s all involved with tuning these locks for optimal performance?

3: I know some folks may disagree with this (and that’s fine) but I plan on applying black cerakote to every metal part on this kit…L&R lock included. I will NOT however be cerakoting the inner workings of the lock or any other moving parts as this is strictly for visual appearance and protection purposes. Does anyone have any experience with cerakote on flintlocks? Anything you would have done differently?

4: The stock is a European Walnut stock. After researching quite a bit, I believe I’ll be using boiled linseed oil as the finish on this stock. It’s to my understanding that it is to be applied with your finger in very small amounts and rubbed into the stock thoroughly. I’m told it takes 7-10 DAYS to dry before applying the next coat. Is boiled linseed oil my best option for long term durability or should I look elsewhere?

5: I’m not new to shooting flintlocks or flintlock hunting but this is my first ever kit that I’ll be assembling. Is there any assembly tips, tricks, pointers that would be worth knowing about?

Attached are some photos of my L&R RPL lock for reference purposes.

Thanks in advance for ANY information that you’re willing to share to help me with this project!!

 

[Trot]

I'll address a couple of your questions, your rifle is the same as the old Lyman great Plains, and your lock should be the correct one. Boiled linseed oil is not the best long term solution, a dedicated stock finish such as Tru-Oil would be better. You may want to upgrade your touch hole liner to something like a white lightnin for better ignition. Tuning a lock would involve taking it apart, carefully smoothing contact surfaces. done wrong and you will have an unsafe lock. If your are uncomfortable with this, I would say leave it alone. You can always come back later and do it or have someone else do it if your are unhappy with the performance. When you sand the stock, keep the lock panel edges sharp, don't sand off the edges and get them "mushy". That is a very common mistake among new kit assemblers. I am sure more experienced voices will be along, good luck, and take your time, don't rush it!

 

[BuschFlint99]

I'll address a couple of your questions, your rifle is the same as the old Lyman great Plains, and your lock should be the correct one. Boiled linseed oil is not the best long term solution, a dedicated stock finish such as Tru-Oil would be better. You may want to upgrade your touch hole liner to something like a white lightnin for better ignition. Tuning a lock would involve taking it apart, carefully smoothing contact surfaces. done wrong and you will have an unsafe lock. If your are uncomfortable with this, I would say leave it alone. You can always come back later and do it or have someone else do it if your are unhappy with the performance. When you sand the stock, keep the lock panel edges sharp, don't sand off the edges and get them "mushy". That is a very common mistake among new kit assemblers. I am sure more experienced voices will be along, good luck, and take your time, don't rush it!

Thank you for the information! Much appreciated

 

[Grenadier1758]

Note: A White LIghtning Touch Hole liner has a different thread than the touch hole liner that came with your rifle. You may want to verify the diameter of your touch hole. Most will benefit from drilling the touch hole out to 1/16". On your kit, I would remove the touch hole to verify that there is an internal cone to the liner. That can be polished and slightly enlarged for a better ignition. Use a never seizing lubricant on the threads when reinstalling the touch hole liner.

 

[Trot]

Note: A White LIghtning Touch Hole liner has a different thread than the touch hole liner that came with your rifle. You may want to verify the diameter of your touch hole. Most will benefit from drilling the touch hole out to 1/16". On your kit, I would remove the touch hole to verify that there is an internal cone to the liner. That can be polished and slightly enlarged for a better ignition. Use a never seizing lubricant on the threads when reinstalling the touch hole liner.

Excellent point, I assumed they made metric liners too! As Grenadier stated you can enlarge the existing liner, or get an aftermarket one of the proper size!