My unknown rifle journey

[NavyDoc76-80]

I’ve decided to start this as a diary to making this rifle right again. I will bring up many subjects but trying to keep the answers in one place. First, what do I mean unknown. This 54 cal musket long rifle was gifted to me. Only markings visible are 54 cal and a 4 digit serial #. Removed barrel from stock to find made in Italy, black powder only, and some tool marks. That makes it impossible to reference manufacturer when looking for parts. Two main parts missing were the nipple and the front sight. This has been Nickel and dimeing me into poverty (slightly kidding). Found nipple to be metric and front sight to measure in standard. Still looking for front sight to fit.

 

[ppg1949]

Is it possible to load a photo?

 

[NavyDoc76-80]

Here’s the missing front sight

 

[NavyDoc76-80]

Rear, nipple and stock

 

[NavyDoc76-80]

Tool marks if that means anything

 

[NavyDoc76-80]

Stock was in an unfinished and unfit state when I got it carvers gouging marks were very pronounced in the butt stock area. Butt plate fit is still proud, easy fix. Tongue fit can’t be fixed as the tongue is way proud of the wood.

 

[NavyDoc76-80]

As you can tell here in pic. Is what it is.

 

[NavyDoc76-80]

Ordered these front sights from Muzzleloader Builders Supply. The base is supposed to be 3/8”-.375”,
These arrived measuring 23/64”-.366”.
Enough difference that they just slide through.

 

[2 shots]

the tang [tongue] can be filed down to and with the wood. if the brass is soft those sight bases cant likely be hammered out to size . flat piece of steel on top , good solid piece on bottom, or return them

 

[NavyDoc76-80]

the tang [tongue] can be filed down to and with the wood.

You would do that?

 

[NavyDoc76-80]

the tang [tongue] can be filed down to and with the wood.

Tang….got it

 

[2 shots]

thats how it done. if you dont want to try filing the whole tang you could just round over the edges to meet the wood. you do this with the barrel in the stock and file metal and wood together to make it flush. but first make sure the barrel is seated all the way down