Pistol MuzzleLoading stand and Range Box

[Griz44Mag]

So as my collection of pistols grows, I have discovered that loading these shorties requires a delicate balance of grasp and a high degree of coordination. I had a few hours this morning to kill so as usual, head to the garage and do something constructive. The result of combining unused shelf lumber, a box of brass screws and an idle mind was the following. I am considering this a prototype as it is all screwed together. The next generation slated for this winters bone (after hunting season) will be a similar project but all the joints will be dovetailed and pinned instead of screwed. Sometime this weekend I will make it by the hardware store and pick up stain and sealer and finish this one off.

 

[Robby]

Other than using slot head un-plated screws, I really like it, very we'll done.
Robby

 

[Griz44Mag]

Other than using slot head un-plated screws, I really like it, very we'll done.
Robby

For this round one prototype, I used what I had in the shop. Unused pine shelf boards and screws left over from a project from a few years back. When I build the final version, I will buy hardwood, dovetail all the joints and get all black hinges, handles and latch. I will be heading to the range this afternoon so I will see how it works out.
Thanks!

 

[NeilMacleod]

great Job !

 

[bubba.50]

I’d add some kinda support for that pistol grip. The grain on those is usually pretty straight in the area.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Griz, I think that is a great idea. But your work.... I see a bit of light along the joint of the box partition and the loading stand area. This is obviously a fatal flaw. To avoid any possible injuries, I’ll offer my assistance in properly disposing of that calamity prone contraption.

Honestly, great idea. Have you thought about putting a hinge along the bottom of the loading shelf. That way, you could fold the shelf onto the side of the box. It would be out of your way when not in use, or transporting to the range.

 

[Griz44Mag]

Griz, I think that is a great idea. But your work.... I see a bit of light along the joint of the box partition and the loading stand area. This is obviously a fatal flaw. To avoid any possible injuries, I’ll offer my assistance in properly disposing of that calamity prone contraption.

Honestly, great idea. Have you thought about putting a hinge along the bottom of the loading shelf. That way, you could fold the shelf onto the side of the box. It would be out of your way when not in use, or transporting to the range.

DD - I will attempt to learn from my obviously inept blundering and do everything in my power to not screw the next one up so bad!
LOL, Thank you for the KUDOS. I was just kicking some ideas around and the hinged shelf sounds like an idea to consider.

Bubba, That thought was present the first time I loaded the gun and before the idea of the box was born. Did not know exactly how to overcome that and wondered how others load these things and not put undue pressure on the wrist of the stock. An angled support along the back would work but would also have to be customized for the pistol being loaded, and it was intended to be used with pretty much all of my black powder pistols.

 

[PluggedNickel]

I like it a lot Griz44mag! What about a small leather bag, or bean type bag sewed shut, with lead shot in it, or green sand like used in leather rifle rests? That way you can conform the shape to fit whatever pistol your shooting that day. Of course it would add some weight to pack around, but it wouldn't have to be too big.

 

[PluggedNickel]

Cornhole bag might work as well. It would be lighter.

 

[Griz44Mag]

I do have a wedge shaped small shooting bag that looks like it would fit in there nicely. When I get home tonight I will see how it fits. GREAT idea!

 

[Cowboy]

Your prototype is very nice my friend!

After you get the kinks worked out that you’re considering, let me know if you’re willing to consider taking on building a duplicate for myself ??

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[Rifleman1776]

Nice. And innovative.

 

[PluggedNickel]

I do have a wedge shaped small shooting bag that looks like it would fit in there nicely. When I get home tonight I will see how it fits. GREAT idea!

Thanks. Let us see some more pictures as the pro type progresses. I too would be interested if you decide to market them. Thanks.

 

[FishDFly]

I am on my 3rd pistol loading stand, I keep making changes as I go to different places to shoot and shoot different pistols. In Brady you have a narrow shelf to place your stand. In Friendship you have a bench which has a lot more room.

Depending on where you shoot, your box will be too big for some benches or shelves. You will have to turn it side ways to get it on some shelves and your sight of the pistol will be obstructed while loading or cleaning. Loading revolvers will be a challenge, especially with the encompassing triangular sides, whether you are facing the stand or the stand is sideways. Loading pistols is much easier than revolvers.

I would enlarge the slot where the barrel resets and line it with leather to keep from rubbing the bluing off the barrel. I would drill a hole on each side of the barrel rest for a cleaning rod and short starter to hang. Also I would put a lip on the front edge to keep small things from falling off when starting a ball, I would drill some recessed holes along the front edge to put balls in, that keeps balls from rolling around.

Putting undue pressure on wood stocked pistols is not good. Most folks will put the patch and ball on the barrel, pickup the pistol with the left hand and start the ball with a hammer. Then while holding the pistol, grasp the short starter with the left hand and hit it with the hammer. It takes a bit of practice.

Just my thoughts, I like a more open stand and we all get to do things our own way, For a first pass, you did well.

 

[BillinOregon]

Griz, I am sure liking your design, and look forward to seeing it executed in dovetailed hardwood. Here's an old trick I have used a number of times on antiquing hardware. Tickle it until good and red with a propane torch, then drop into a bucket of water. Do this outside with plated or galivanized stuff, as the fumes are highly toxic. You end up with fire-blackened hinges and screws, and if you want to get really fancy, buff off the black scale then slowly heat over charcoal or the edge of a fire to get purple, bronze and straw colors. Seal while warm with beeswax or Johnson's Paste Wax.

 

[trent/OH]

As both my wife and I have recently bought Kentucky pistols, and we'll need shooting accoutrements/boxes/loading stands, this thread has really caught my attention. Is the lidded compartment of your box sized to fit something in particular, like a pound of powder, or your favorite oil or lube? I'd hate to build or buy something only to find it's half an inch too small.
Also, will you incorporate handles or some other way to carry it conveniently?
I'm looking forward to seeing how this project works up.

 

[Griz44Mag]

As both my wife and I have recently bought Kentucky pistols, and we'll need shooting accoutrements/boxes/loading stands, this thread has really caught my attention. Is the lidded compartment of your box sized to fit something in particular, like a pound of powder, or your favorite oil or lube? I'd hate to build or buy something only to find it's half an inch too small.
Also, will you incorporate handles or some other way to carry it conveniently?
I'm looking forward to seeing how this project works up.

Odd that you asked that question, and yes, there is a reason. I intend to build stack-able trays (2 of them) to hold all the "stuff" I intend to carry in the box. The top tray across opposite corners is a little over 13", long enough to carry an 11" long 7/16" pistol field use ramrod. Along the two sides of that tray, it will be long enough to carry a pair of 5 oz brass flasks with a 30gr nozzle. (ffG and FFFg) The tray under that will carry tins with prelubed patches, stripper clips, green Lyman boxes with balls, jags and a 3" plastic container with cleaning patches. Under that tray will be room for 2 - 1# powder bottles laying down and my small rubber mallet. I plan on a large handle on each side to lift the box and set it in and out of the pickup bed. It's just a few steps from the truck backed up to the shooting line at the club. It's narrow enough also to fit in the lil red wagon for dragging farther distance at places I visit.
I am a tinkerer, and the final configuration will be likely be a surprise to me too!

 

[smo]

So as my collection of pistols grows, I have discovered that loading these shorties requires a delicate balance of grasp and a high degree of coordination. I had a few hours this morning to kill so as usual, head to the garage and do something constructive. The result of combining unused shelf lumber, a box of brass screws and an idle mind was the following. I am considering this a prototype as it is all screwed together. The next generation slated for this winters bone (after hunting season) will be a similar project but all the joints will be dovetailed and pinned instead of screwed. Sometime this weekend I will make it by the hardware store and pick up stain and sealer and finish this one off.
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Good looking box Grizz44

Here's a loading stand i built a month or so back...prior to adding leather softners at the barrel rest and inside the box where the butt rest..
Only one coat of aqua fortis applied at this point.