Got my Deerstalker, have some ?'s

[WildBillJr]

Hello again. I received my Deerstalker just before Christmas. When I opened it up and checked things out,I noticed a couple blemishes. It had some scratches on the underside of the stock, and a small nick on the corner of one of the corners of the octogon barrel. Is this normal? Should I send it back for a replacement? Dont get me wrong, its not real bad. Maybe I am too picky. My second question is that I have never had a sidelock and want to know if there is anything I need to know in regards to putting it together. Other than that the gun looks good and cant wait to put it together and shoot it. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

wbj

 

[BrownBear]

The scratches and nicks on a new gun aren't normal, but replacement gets down to questions of taste. I can accomplish more than that on one trip into the field, so it's not a big deal to me. More like marks to be proud of when I put them there myself. But for a collector, they're a no-no.

As for putting it together, the manual warns against forcing the barrel down into the channel far enough to seat it. It is possible to have the barrel mis-aligned a little, so that it's difficult to get the barrel to drop far enough. At the same time new guns can be pretty stiff, so it's hard to tell how much resistance is normal, and how much is too much. Stock splits are supposed to result from forcing it when misaligned, but I've never managed that. I'd just be careful to have the barrel well-seated all the way back as you swing it down into the barrel channel.

You'll be impressed how that gun shoots, I think. I got my wife a 54 cal a couple of years back, figuring in the back of my mind that eventually she'd lose interest and it would eventually be one that I could shoot a lot. Aint gonna happen. She's advised me to buy another for myself if I'm so gosh darned interested. Or words to that effect! :rotf:

 

[playfarmers]

I also tink you wil be pleased with your new rifle. I used a .50 Deerstalker for many years before I finaly got my Lyman Trade in .54. I would have got the Deerstalker in .54 if they had one in stock, but ended up with the Trade rifle and put Deerstalker sights on it. It has now taken 4 Whitetails, but it will take many years to catch up to my old Deerstakers numbers.

 

[necchi]

My second question is that I have never had a sidelock and want to know if there is anything I need to know in regards to putting it together.

Any ding's or scratches are really up to you for the return, I side with Bear,,it's gonna get some anyways,,but it's up to you.

Put it together? Is it a kit?

 

[WildBillJr]

Thank you for the input guys. I will try and take some pics tomorrow, and if I can figure out how to post them, I would like to get your opinions on the blemishes.Thanks again.

wbj

 

[WildBillJr]

Necchi it is not a kit. but it came with the barrel unassembled to the stock. I have only had an inline (not by choice, it was a gift). I am not familiar with sidelocks, but have always wanted one and I picked a Deerstalker, I think it will be perfect for my hunts. Thanks again.

wbj

 

[necchi]

Well ya gotta clean the barrel really well, there's a packing grease in there that's really stuborn. Clean with solvent till white patches come out white.
The lock will only come out with the barrel out of the gun, there is a small "hook" part to the breech that fit's over the lock plate.

A guy really should take the lock and trigger guard/trigger out and clean inside the lock/trigger mortice areas. Usually there are loose wood burrs left from machining in there that come loose at inoppertune times, a small blade or chisel takes them out quickly.
When you re-install the lock don't tighten that screw too much, you can mistakenly pull the lock in too far and bind the spring or mechinism tite against the wood stock..Like Paul V say's "keep the gorilla away from the screwdriver"
There's other stuff, but don't be afraid of it,,it's all really basic timeless systems in there and generally user freindly.

 

[WildBillJr]

Thanks for the info. Can I put it together before I clean it, for a test fit? Is the lock difficult to remove? I am mechanically inclined, but have never done it before. What about hammer position when removing the lock? Thanks again.

wbj

 

[WildBillJr]

Update: I just pulled it out of the box and inspected it carefully. The scratches are not deep, they are more like scuffs. After looking at the ding on the barrel, it seems to have been done before it was blued. It is small enough I think I can live with it. I would like to put it together without cleaning it for now, so I can put it in my safe. The reason being that I have to have back surgery in a couple weeks and will be down and out for at least a few months, so I wont be able to shoot it till then. Thanks for all the help.

wbj

 

[paulvallandigham]

Why would you WANT to put together a gun that is greasy and dirty?

There is almost NEVER any finish in the barrel and lock mortises. After removing wood chips, and burrs, as well as the factory grease, I recommend putting stock finish in very lightly in both mortises and let it dry. Then after cleaning and oiling the metal parts, put the gun together.

I like to put wax on the stock, and in the barrel mortise as a barrier to oils, and solvents, and water before placing the barrel in the stock. Any furniture wax will work just fine.

I think that the gun will store properly in your safe this way, and you won't have all that gunk from the factory to have to clean out of the barrel and lock mortise when you get back from the surgery. :hmm: :surrender:

 

[WildBillJr]

Thanks for the tips,I appreciate it.

wbj

 

[Walks with fire]

I try to keep my rifles in tip top operating condition but I don't worry about working marks and such. My guns are for hunting so they do get a few marks sooner or later and it doesn't bother me a bit. To me it all about function. It must fit me well and be totally reliable, it must be very accurate; looks don't matter much. Some of the custom rifles I see are nice to look at and would be fine hanging over the fireplace but would not appeal to the meat hunter in me. I just made up a nice seasoned deer backstrap in the oven last nite; gotta go get some more.

Get to the range and get er tuned in.

 

[WildBillJr]

I agree. I picked my Deerstalker for shooting, not for wall hanging. As long as it functions reliably and is accurate, thats all I care about. Thanks for your input. I cant wait to finally be able to work up a load for it!

wbj :thumbsup:

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

Have fun with that carbine and good luck with the back surgery!

Happy New Year!

Dave

 

[WildBillJr]

Thank you for the well wishes, I appreciate it. I cant wait to get through this surgery and finally get to shoot my Deerstalker! Im sure I will have lots of questions during my long recuperation so that I can make sure I am ready for my first range trip. Thanks again!

wbj

 

[vietnam71]

WildBill,

Good luck to you. I had 2 back disc removal operations 1983 and 1994. The recuperation was fairly short 8 weeks. I'm back playing Golf and most all things i was doing before.

Just listen to the doctors and do what they tell you. You'll be shooting again in no time.

:thumbsup:
Here's to a speedy healthy recovery
vietnam71

 

[WildBillJr]

Thanks a bunch Vietnam71, I need all the support I can get. I was stopped and a young man in a 1 ton truck was texting and hit me from behind going 60 mph. That was back in May. It has changed my life,and not for the good. Last option is this surgery. I hope and pray I turn out half as good as you did. I bought my Deerstalker as an incentive to get as well as I can, as fast as I can. Thanks again!

wbj

 

[RescueGuy]

I had back surgery a few years ago, and am back to normal. You'll do fine! I'll keep you in my prayers. Enjoy the Deerstalker!

 

[WildBillJr]

Thanks RescueGuy, I cant have enough prayers brother! I hope to give a range report as soon as I can!

wbj