Clay Smith Trade Gun Build

[TDM]

Nope , never drill through the barrel proper BUT .... The barrel bolster , the metal of the Breech plug behind the barrel , the middle bolt goes through the center of it .....

Got it, and I actually almost realized myself that the mainspring spacing won’t be a problem by drilling through the lock bolster. Rob, you are the Man.

 

[TDM]

If you need to call me go ahead bud .....

May do that tomorrow before I turn the drill press on!

 

[Rob M.]

May do that tomorrow before I turn the drill press on!

Oh ok .....good . I could show you some pics from out in the gun shop too , of lock bolt holes etc , if need be , if I can explain it over the phone .....feel free to bud . I want it all to go smooth as possible

 

[TDM]

Thanks @Rob M.

 

[Rob M.]

Thanks @Rob M.

Anytime bud , glad I can help a little . I'm gettin excited !!

 

[Rob M.]

Sorry to beat the dead horse but ....want to show you this pic. This hole for the middle screw . I dont like it position , its a bit far to the right , to rear of gun , for my taste but .....its in the middle of the bolster so its fine and safe ....my point ....because your sideplate position is probably set already you may have to go one way , left or right, or the other for the bolt hole position . BUT .....it has to be in the middle , up and down wise , of the bolster !! I did not drill this one ....

 

[TDM]

My dead horse needs a good beating. Got it, middle of the bolster. Still probably call you tomorrow!

 

[Rob M.]

My dead horse needs a good beating. Got it, middle of the bolster. Still probably call you tomorrow!

Good deal bud ....Good job !!

 

[TDM]

Got the lock plate drilled and tapped today thanks to @Rob M. advice. Once I enlarged the hole in the breech bolster the hole broke through on the back edge, but I couldn’t drill the hole any higher. I got the side plate inletted too. The pre-inlet was close, but it needed a 1/16” to almost an 1/8” cut out which was time consuming. Unfortunately the pre-inlet was slightly oversized at the tail, but I’ll address the gaps down the road.

 

[Rob M.]

You did a GREAT job ! That breach bolster sucks ! I didn't know it did not extend out further like most do ...makes it Harder to drill , the kind of bolster you have , and you did great ..... Perfect positioning !

 

[TDM]

You did a GREAT job ! That breach bolster sucks ! I didn't know it did not extend out further like most do ...makes it Harder to drill , the kind of bolster you have , and you did great ..... Perfect positioning !

Thanks Rob, that makes me feel better, it wore me out!!

 

[Rob M.]

Thanks Rob, that makes me feel better, it wore me out!!

It will ....each frikken step is not only important but noticeable ... It can be mighting straining on the nerves ....your doing great

 

[TDM]

It will ....each frikken step is not only important but noticeable ... It can be mighting straining on the nerves ....your doing great

Thanks much!

 

[WALT53]

Got the lock plate drilled and tapped today thanks to @Rob M. advice. Once I enlarged the hole in the breech bolster the hole broke through on the back edge, but I couldn’t drill the hole any higher. I got the side plate inletted too. The pre-inlet was close, but it needed a 1/16” to almost an 1/8” cut out which was time consuming. Unfortunately the pre-inlet was slightly oversized at the tail, but I’ll address the gaps down the road.

Coming along nicely can’t wait to see a picture of it all finished and a video of you shooting it. Walt

 

[TDM]

Coming along nicely can’t wait to see a picture of it all finished and a video of you shooting it. Walt

Seems like a long time off right now.

 

[Bnewberry]

Seems like a long time off right now.

You are doing much better than I am! I got stalled on my Ohio build due to ice storm damage cleanup and other life events. I am taking inspiration from your progress!

 

[TDM]

Thanks @Bnewberry !

 

[TDM]

Cut the lock bolts to length and dressed the tips. Re-assembled the lock and polished the side plate. Did some more polishing on the lock face too. Thought I might get the trigger pinned today, but the casting was rougher than I remembered, so spent a couple of hours filing, shaping, sanding, and polishing it. Tomorrow I’ll install the trigger.

 

[TDM]

Installed the trigger this morning. I wanted it pinned as high and forward as possible. Almost over did it!!! Used a 5/64” finishing nail for the pin. With all the polishing I did to the lock, sear, and trigger the pull is nice and light with just enough creep to keep to avoid any sear contact at full cock. Next is centering the trigger guard and marking the holes. Then I’ll get my point to point jig set up and drill the dreaded angled tang bolt!

 

[TDM]

Rigged up my point to point jig, measured, marked, and crossed my fingers. Luckily it worked as it’s supposed to. Carefully tapped the tang and put it all back together. Drilled a short 1/16” pilot hole for the trigger guard screws and put some beeswax on them before screwing them in. Still need to put a bit more bend in the front trigger guard tab. But it all fits and functions properly. It’s almost alive now.