Last winters project

[JIMHAY97]

Several years ago I came across a photo of RJ Renners Faeton under hammer. It is beautiful, slim and graceful. So I tried to duplicate it. I had access to a milling machine and also I’m a retired machinist. I found a 50 cal section of barrel on eBay plus trigger and hammer. Barrel has no markings at all for cal or maker. I draw filed it then lightly browned it, (came out more of a dark grey but I like it).Everything else I made. The brass receiver is out of a 1 3/8 dia piece of bar stock. Turned the taper on my lathe cut the flats on the mill, and drilled and threaded both ends for stock lug and breech plug. Bent it with a 30 ton hydraulic press then milled and bored for trigger and hammer. Breech plug is made out of a 5/8 - 18 grade 8 bolt. It was drilled and counter sunk. Also cross drilled it so the nipple comes up into the powder chamber. The nipple also holds the barrel, receiver and breech plug together and inline.The stock is out of some local maple I had, the trigger guard is made from .065 thick 1095 stock. First one I made shattered like a piece of glass when I pulled the hammer down. The front site is brass stock with the blade made with a piece from a silver bullion coin. Rear site came out of a rail road spike I had. Ramrod and ferrules, plus tips I made. Butt cap is .090 brass stock that I textured with a small ball peen hammer to hide the ripples from forming it to the stock. Butt cap leaves a very colorful bruise on shoulder! Will probably make a leather pad for it. The rifle shoots better then I can hold it. I’m 74 now and my eyes ain’t what used to be. Mr Renners rifle is like a sleek sports car while mine is more of a pickup truck but I like it!

 

[Colonial Boy]

Just went to the ‘Underhamer Society’ blog to refresh my memory and your rifle is up there with the best of them.
l particularly like your treatment of the joins of the action to barrel and stock.
Well done, indeed.

 

[Treestalker]

Oh, Son...

 

[Crockford]

I am not an expert on under hammer rifles at all. But I will say your craftsmanship is amazing. I really like your use of common materials used to make an uncommon part. Will be a gun your kids and grandkids will cherish forever. Great job and be proud of it!

 

[TScottW99]

That is a beautiful rifle! I’ve never seen an under hammer in person and always thought they looked a bit odd. Yours has changed my opinion, excellent job.

 

[tallpine]

Outstanding work Jim, truly a piece of functioning art.

 

[William Lincoln]

Exceptional build. Being a machinist, the real beauty will be in the
fabrication quality you put in. Great project-a winner.

 

[1950DAVE]

Ain't nuthin rong with thatun. Shore is perty.
Dave

 

[Stykbow]

Outstanding craftsmanship!

 

[Crockford]

That sight is a "dime piece" !

 

[copehill hermit]

That is a beautiful rifle.

 

[MSW]

great looking work!

 

[kemart17]

Several years ago I came across a photo of RJ Renners Faeton under hammer. It is beautiful, slim and graceful. So I tried to duplicate it. I had access to a milling machine and also I’m a retired machinist. I found a 50 cal section of barrel on eBay plus trigger and hammer. Barrel has no markings at all for cal or maker. I draw filed it then lightly browned it, (came out more of a dark grey but I like it).Everything else I made. The brass receiver is out of a 1 3/8 dia piece of bar stock. Turned the taper on my lathe cut the flats on the mill, and drilled and threaded both ends for stock lug and breech plug. Bent it with a 30 ton hydraulic press then milled and bored for trigger and hammer. Breech plug is made out of a 5/8 - 18 grade 8 bolt. It was drilled and counter sunk. Also cross drilled it so the nipple comes up into the powder chamber. The nipple also holds the barrel, receiver and breech plug together and inline.The stock is out of some local maple I had, the trigger guard is made from .065 thick 1095 stock. First one I made shattered like a piece of glass when I pulled the hammer down. The front site is brass stock with the blade made with a piece from a silver bullion coin. Rear site came out of a rail road spike I had. Ramrod and ferrules, plus tips I made. Butt cap is .090 brass stock that I textured with a small ball peen hammer to hide the ripples from forming it to the stock. Butt cap leaves a very colorful bruise on shoulder! Will probably make a leather pad for it. The rifle shoots better then I can hold it. I’m 74 now and my eyes ain’t what used to be. Mr Renners rifle is like a sleek sports car while mine is more of a pickup truck but I like it!View attachment 109178View attachment 109179View attachment 109180View attachment 109181

amazing work . i also like underhammers, great fun to build, shoot and hunt with

 

[Christophero]

I love your ingenuity and craftsmanship. I've never quite understood the purpose for under hammer rifles but have enjoyed the aesthetics associated with them. Now your creation has risen this genre to an art. Bending the brass bar stock after shaping is telling example of your ability to think outside the box in obtaining what you desire to own. Thank you for sharing.

 

[JIMHAY97]

I forgot to mention that I've still got to taper lap the barrel yet. Probably this summer.

 

[cynthialee]

wow, this is certainly one of the nicest looking home builds I have seen in a number of years

always wanted an underhammer rifle

great work

 

[Dale Lilly]

National Museum [Gallery] of Art perhaps. Wow!

 

[Daveboone]

Wonderful craftmanship. A work of beauty.

 

[hrt4me]

 

[dkasprzak]

I’m at a loss for words….an absolutely beautiful creation. This is truly a work of art!