Macon Conversion M1842

[springfield art]

Is there anyone doing correct 'Macon conversions' on the M42, .69 cal. musket repros other than Lodgewood, which is swamped due to an article in the NRA magazine. Just curious as it may be something I'd be interested in for my own M42. (The older one gets, the longer those barrels seem!)

 

[dave951]

I shoot a "Macon" in N-SSA competition. They're not hard to do. The trick is cutting the barrel square. Middle band goes away. Shorten the stock and ramrod. Reassemble, be happy.

 

[springfield art]

Thanks. BTW, I just read that Lodgewood is over their big rush after the NRA article, and I've 'registered' with them; want to find out the cost, etc. I do have a gunsmith that's very familiar with muzzle loaders, and has cut at least 3 barrels for me, in addition to at least 3 modern shotgun barrels. Got any reference I can look at on line that tells how to do the conversion, assuming I'm having the bbl. cut professionally. I greatly respect N-NSA for the history and technology they've saved and conserved around our 19th C. firearms.

 

[dave951]

Thanks. BTW, I just read that Lodgewood is over their big rush after the NRA article, and I've 'registered' with them; want to find out the cost, etc. I do have a gunsmith that's very familiar with muzzle loaders, and has cut at least 3 barrels for me, in addition to at least 3 modern shotgun barrels. Got any reference I can look at on line that tells how to do the conversion, assuming I'm having the bbl. cut professionally. I greatly respect N-NSA for the history and technology they've saved and conserved around our 19th C. firearms.

For more info on a "Macon" contact John Holland Chair of the Small Arms Committee aka SAC. There are several types and unless you want a "defarb" job, this is an easy conversion. The types break down pretty much along lengths of the barrel with some bordering on carbine length. The "Macon" conversion was really a quick and dirty method to get damaged guns back in service. I love mine and it started life as an Armisport 1842. Now with over a foot of barrel gone, it's waaayyy handier, balances better, and far quicker on the line than an 1842.