Lyman .54 plains pistol

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Arkansaw

32 Cal
Joined
Oct 28, 2022
Messages
13
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7
Location
Arkansas
What can I do to this gun to make it more period correct to the late 1830’s? I’ve thought about vinegar’ing the barrel and then hitting it with plum. I’ve also thought about replacing the sights, but I’m not sure where to start. Any help would be appreciated. I know it isn’t an 1830’s gun, but surely we can make it look the part.
 
First the screw was replaced with a mild steel screw that is long enough to be cut off flush in the bolster then peened down to hide the threads. Then with a Demal tool the corners where blended and then then the bolster is ground to a more graceful contour. I did the color case hardening but it could be any finish you prefer. Here’s another that has more done to it.
64ED00D8-3CD8-42B2-A041-A087E3DA85CE by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr
 
Have you ever tried taking off the manufacturer’s writing? I read on here where folks filed it off, but wouldn’t that make the barrel kinda lopsided? I’m asking because I just don’t know how to go about it.
 
I got a brass front sight I haven't fit to mine yet

I would love to vinegar the barrel, tang and trigger Guard but the Billboard on the barrel made me just leave it as is
 
I would simply strip it, refinish the stock in tung oil and the metalwork in cold blue, then rub it back with steel wool. The markings would be real easy to draw file off the barrel without leaving a trace. Now that I think about it, I may do that to mine over the winter months.
 
I have one in the works that I am trying to copy Phil’s round barrel modification. It’s about half done. I’m not rounding the bottom of the barrel so I can use the stock rib.

Taking the roll marks off with a file is not a big deal and doesn’t make the barrel look odd at all.

I sanded and reshaped the stock removing a lot of bulk. I’m going to slice off the bottom of the pistol grip and add a brass plate as well…I think that will really change the look of the gun without effecting function or handling.
 
I have one in the works that I am trying to copy Phil’s round barrel modification. It’s about half done. I’m not rounding the bottom of the barrel so I can use the stock rib.

Taking the roll marks off with a file is not a big deal and doesn’t make the barrel look odd at all.

I sanded and reshaped the stock removing a lot of bulk. I’m going to slice off the bottom of the pistol grip and add a brass plate as well…I think that will really change the look of the gun without effecting function or handling.
I’d sure like to see som pictures of the process!
 
The monolithic nose cap is an issue as is the front sight. Probably the easiest thing is to change the front sight and re-stock with a full length. Make your own nose cap. Not hard at all. Actually- looks okay right now compared to some pistols with adjustable rear sights and excessively tall front sights.
 
I’m going to cut the grip and put a brass cap on like my Kentucky pistol. That combined with a brass ramrod pipe will give it a much more traditional look.

Can’t decide if I like the belt hook. Most days I don’t…
09B3A801-DD9D-49BB-9285-2B64CDE4C978.jpeg



BFFAC78B-51C1-42F9-B9DA-0511470A38EC.jpeg
 
Have you ever tried taking off the manufacturer’s writing? I read on here where folks filed it off, but wouldn’t that make the barrel kinda lopsided? I’m asking because I just don’t know how to go about it.
Removing the writing is easy, just takes a little time with a good mill file. The lettering may appear deep, but they aren’t. Use a draw file technique and finish with 400, then 600 grit sand paper wrapped on the file for support. If you didn’t this it’s better to strip the entire barrel finish with vinegar or navel jelly(faster). Then refinish as you please.

It won’t be lopsided.
 
Removing the writing is easy, just takes a little time with a good mill file. The lettering may appear deep, but they aren’t. Use a draw file technique and finish with 400, then 600 grit sand paper wrapped on the file for support. If you didn’t this it’s better to strip the entire barrel finish with vinegar or navel jelly(faster). Then refinish as you please.

It won’t be lopsided.
Thanks!
 
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