New Project Underhammer

[44-henry]

I just won and auction for this nice little underhammer, got if for $100 which seems like a pretty decent deal. I haven't received it yet, but I have some plans for it. According to the seller, it does need some work, it was apparently unfired, but does have some rust and nicks all over the gun and the hammer won't stay at full cock. What I would like to do (after fixing the problem with the hammer) is put a new barrel on it, it currently has a 45 caliber barrel which I do intend to keep, but I also have one of the fast twist Knight barrels made as a replacement for the TC Hawken that I would like to modify and put on it as an optional barrel. I plan on cutting off the breech end of this barrel, shorten it a bit, and than face it off in the lathe, drill and tap it for a new breechplug that I will also turn. My question is, that since this one looks like it has the old style action where the breechplug is held in place with a pin, what kind of taper am I dealing with. I would like to order a taper reamer before the rifle gets here so I can start work as soon as possible, but I have no clue what to order. I figured somebody here has probably already done what I am proposing. I do want to keep the 45 caliber barrel also so I don't want to take the breechplug from this one. Anyway, here are a couple pictures from the auction site.

 

[gmww]

I can't tell you about the tapper other than have the pin removed and check it. The hammer not staying from my experience is the sear (sp?) might need to be touched with a file. Also check the hardness of the hammer and trigger. I've run into problems with the metal being so hard it is brittle. That was fixed by re-heating both and letting them air cool. Heated them to about 650-700 degrees F.

As far as rust, the gun you posted is blued. You might consider browning the barrel with Laurel Mountain Forge browning solution for a rust finish. All my Underhammers are plumb browned so that might take care of your rust issue by covering it up. I notice that your front sight is set up for apetures. Your gun might have a tapped hole in the frame which will accomidate a lollipop sight. Good luck on your project and keep us posted with photos.

If I don't reply in a while it's because I'll be out town for a week. FW, BS, and several others here are a good source of information on Underhammers. :hatsoff:

 

[BS]

You might want to change the tapered pin for set screws, like the newer models have. There are some pictures of them in other posts.

See 'jimbo's undehammer', the dimensions for the breech plug are there, plus some pictures

 

[44-henry]

Thanks for the reply, I do plan on completely refinishing the metal which I will brown with the LMF solution. Also planned on restocking with a chunk of curly maple that has been sitting in my shop way to long. It is an interesting idea to lock the barrel in with set screws, I have one of the newer underhammer actions that is set up that way, I'll have to take a look when it gets here and see what would be involved to do that conversion. Thanks again.

 

[Swampman]

The stock is really nice looking.

 

[44-henry]

Yes the stock actually looks pretty good. I just don't like plain wood and the plastic buttplate is a detractor. I'll probably Ebay the original stock after I finish a new stock.

 

[F.G. Ford]

I think you should jump on my offer of $105.00 and realize a great profit on such a short time.
You probably won't like that unorthadox looking rifle, and besides you probably will be rediculed at the range for such an ugly rifle.
Sooo! To save you from all that hardship, keep me in mind :haha: :haha:
Best Regards
Old Ford

 

[44-henry]

Let's see now is that American or Canadian currency?

 

[F.G. Ford]

All the very best with your new rifle.
With a little bit of work, I believe you will find that underhammer to be about the best shooting black powder rifle, you have ever had, or will have. Best Regards :v
Old Ford