First Build - Jacob Dickert .50 Cal. Transitional Period

[McGuire2003]

Patch Box engraving completed, screws browned, and back in its rightful location.

 

[Cattywompuss]

Exactly. Very impatient at this point, and I’m running out of time. Keep moving slowly, it is. Certainly can’t be rushed with at least 12 hour intervals between applications. I’ll get another go at it at 9pm tonight. So hopefully by Wednesday it’ll all be together. In the mean time there’s still a little detail work I can finish on the patchbox. A little shading is still left to do.

Your detailed posts thus far have been an inspiration!

 

[McGuire2003]

Your detailed posts thus far have been an inspiration!

Thank you. This has been such a wonderful learning experience for me personally. Would be a waste of effort not to share it with others.

 

[brazosland]

Beautiful work.

If you get a second…educate me on how you got that ramrod to take the stain?

I can’t seem to get my hickory rods to soak up any stain. Just using store bought stains…not a builder, so I need to get some learnin in me

 

[McGuire2003]

Beautiful work.

If you get a second…educate me on how you got that ramrod to take the stain?

I can’t seem to get my hickory rods to soak up any stain. Just using store bought stains…not a builder, so I need to get some learnin in me

I use alcohol based stains. The wood is prepared as you would any wood. They readily soak into every wood, and dry within minutes. I’ve found that oil based stains just won’t penetrate enough, with hickory especially. In my case I used the same stain as the rifle but only three coats. I like how the lighter ramrod contrasts against the depth of the darker rifle color. Go through the entire thread. I explain how I make my stain colors. And I finish both the rod and rifle using only boiled linseed oil.

 

[simonbeans]

When I make a ramrod for a gun, I usually follow these steps:

• Determine the length needed and the types of tips to install.
• Install the tips
• Shape the rod with scrapers, sandpaper or lathe to fit the gun’s thimbles
• Smooth the rod with sandpaper or steel wool
• Stain the rod with Magic Maple Stain. (Dunlop has it.) ( I also know some of the anti-product arguments, but it works for me)
• Heat with heat gun to turn dark
• Use steel wool to smooth to your satisfaction
• I use a buffing wheel to polish
• Apply BC Tru-Oil
• Final finish with Johnson Paste Wax

Steps work for me, your results may vary.

 

[McGuire2003]

As good a process as any.

 

[McGuire2003]

A sneak peak as the barrel comes into that beautiful plum brown color … almost finished. Maybe one more round of denim buffing and application of browning to go.

 

[McGuire2003]

Just add a little polish …

 

[McGuire2003]

For all but a little more polishing left to do, she’s nearly finished. Pictures to follow, but here’s four videos I took this morning after installing the stock to barrel.

 

[McGuire2003]

A few pictures …

 

[McGuire2003]

A few more …

 

[garypl]

Turned out beautiful! Let us know how it shoots!

 

[McGuire2003]

Turned out beautiful! Let us know how it shoots!

Thank you. I’ll post a video of the first shot. That won’t be until after this weekend. Once I get a load worked up I’ll be sure to post a target here.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Very nice rifle, congrulations.

 

[McGuire2003]

Well, a few take-away's from entering my rifle in the Kempton Gun Fair. My first rifle build came out just OK, when compared to the fine examples laying on those tables. For a first build, several master builders commented that it was much better than their first builds. I can't complain there. As for judging; I got banged around a bit on form and finish; which was not totally unexpected. The good part, I met a lot of wonderful people in this craft, and I was invited by several Master Builders to visit and discuss my next project. Overall, I'm happy for the feedback, and look forward to learning all I can to be a better builder in the future. Now I get to shoot this beast. Reports to follow... (no pun intended).

 

[McGuire2003]

Finally got around to shooting this beast … Range report. Playing with loads @ 25 yards …
Video is of the first shot taken with teh rifle. Please excuse the language of the bystanders.

 

[TDM]

You have a beautiful rifle! And those first time groups aren't bad either. A little tinkering with loads and sights and you'll be good to go!

 

[McGuire2003]

@garypl
Range report above.

 

[garypl]

@garypl
Range report above.

Looks like you are off to a great start!