Finding a decent gunsmith...

[flm_shooter]

Finding a decent gunsmith... that won't make fun of me.

Many of you have read of my fine rifle that I am slowly destroying see: siler lock problem

I love shooting this rifle, but it needs some TLC from someone better than me. I just can't get good sparks off it any more, I just can't get good groups, and my cleaning methods seem to take more stock finish off than BP residue.

On the other hand, the same cleaning/shooting regimen makes my wife's ugly , non-traditional , left-handed , CAPLOCK shoot just fine. So much so that I only shot her Lyman this weekend while cursing my own rifle.

So how do I find a decent gunsmith willing to massage this lock back into shape? I really, really don't want to hang this gun on the wall, but I feel the seductive call of the caplock. Heck, I'll mail it anywhere, I just want it to work well.

Help.

 

[Herb]

Fillmore, if you still need some help, send me a private message. You can see photos of my work on this forum. I have excellent advisors and among us (if I need help) we can cure your rifle.

 

[Birddog6]

Sent you a PM on a reliable gunsmith & locksmith.

 

[flm_shooter]

Recently, someone passed me Walter Cain's address (the original builder). I wrote him, he contacted me by phone,and I sent him the lock. Barely over 2 weeks later, the lock is back. New tumbler, screw, etc. He even ground and re-finished the frizzen. All for the cost of the parts. The only bad part was, he remembered me as, "the little kid with the glasses."

No more excuses for my shooting now

 

[Swampman]

You don't need anything other than tepid water to clean it. That shouldn't remove the stock finish. If you must use something other than water, Windex or windshield washer fluid works great.

 

[aragorn]

Was it made from a kit? Just out of interest.

 

[Slowpoke]

I would be happy to fix it for you, but I have to warn you, I will make fun of you.... a price has to be paid. :rotf: No seriously if you can't "get'r done" with the others that have offered, let me know.

SP

 

[flm_shooter]

Was it made from a kit? Just out of interest.

Not from a kit. Mr. Cain sent along a copy of his notes from when he built it. Seems in 1978 a Douglas swamped .50 cal barrel cost 83 dollars.

Buttplate #34 from Schroeller......$4.50
Curly maple stock..................$45.00
Siler lock.........................$22.00
Chance to retain a piece
of my Father's life................Priceless