First build so far

[kruzer1]

Actually this is close to a two year project, just posted it towards the end.

Initially I was going to have the peep sight on the tang but decided against that. By that point I had the wood pretty much done and just decided to live with it (as many originals in that time did not pefect match from tang to wood fit)

I also was not sure how to bend the tang that close to the back of the barrel. It's a good question I should ask now if nothing else for future builds is how to bend the tang right up to the breech plug? :hmm:

 

[Col. Batguano]

Most guys just file it to be thinner, (you really don't NEED a full 1/4" of thickness in the barrel tang--1/8" is plenty) but you could drill a rounded relief hole similar to what was done with later versions of M1 Garand op rods to keep it from cracking, so you could bend it closer to the end of the barrel. Be careful though, because the whole top of the tang could break off, and then you have a mess of a welding job to try to fix it. Or, you'll need to get a new plug / tang assembly, and need to re-fit it. Don't ask me how I know that!

 

[TC Tommy]

What an amazing build. Beautiful job. I probably missed it but what caliber is it? One more, is there a video out there on it? Thanks, Tommy.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

:thumbsup:

 

[kruzer1]

Thanks- It is .62 Cal smoothbore (20 guage) with a 23 inch barrel.

No video yet but I hope to get it out for its first shooting session later this month and will try to get some video I will try to get more pictures in sunlight- my basement LED and flourescent lighting do not do the finish justice.

I'm also curious to see how it groups. Hoping I can work up a good load before next fall to take it out deer hunting :grin:

 

[Treestalker]

A rare medium, well done! I have a couple of questions; did you dovetail the pan to the barrel? and can you share your dragon's blood stock finish formula? That's a gorgeous stock; I can't wait 'til you really get wound up in carving and inletting (shell and ivory?) a fishtail hunting matchlock gun with all the bells and whistles. I especially like the ones with engraved antler/ivory panels accented with flower inlays in profusion! Blessed be your talents and thank you for sharing. George.

 

[kruzer1]

Thanks for the input.

I did not dovetail the pan- I brazed it on... dovetailing would have been more period but I had a pan from the rifle shop already ready to go that was not set up for that.

As far as the dragon's blood. It was a happy accident. First I used aquafortis/heat on the whole stock (to save time you can look it up on the forum if you are not familiar with it). Then I applied crushed dragon's blood into denatured alcohol . I don't have an exact ratio but it was deep red. Apply several coats. After a few days of that I then applied "Tru Oil" (linseed oil but drying faster) with some mineral spirits to cut it down then went to the pure stuff. This pulled a lot of red out. So much I actually was going to start over but I am glad I left it as it is a nice tone.

As far as carvings interestingly the Spanish never had any in this period. They were very much about guns being functional. Even the Kings personal collection did not have any Spanish stuff in the 16th century with much for inlays/carvings. One of the reasons few Spanish arms survived. That being said I am planning on a french petronel down the road that will have those. My next project is actually a 16th or 17th century Miquelet Escopeta with a cherry stock.