Short Starter for my new .45 SMR

[TDM]

I had a nice length of Hickory from trimming the ram rod and plenty of antler lying around so I made a short starter for the new rifle. All my other accoutrements are for .50 or larger so it was a necessity. This rifle will be gifted to my Grandson when he gets older, so I’ll eventually make him a complete shooting outfit with a powder horn, bag, and bullet board. I also plan to make him a knife using the curly Maple test blocks for handle scales and a small patch knife. Plenty to keep me busy!

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

That truly is a wonderful idea and gift !

 

[BillyC]

Great minds think alike. I made a .45 cal SMR for my grandsons 12 th birthday and also used the maple scraps to make new scales for a knife handle after it tested my finishing g technique on them. Going to use another piece for a bullet board but have to research them, this flintlock stuff is all new to me but I’m enjoying learning,

 

[Eutycus]

I'd bet that rifle will become a treasured item because "grandpa owned it'.

 

[embrr2]

You going to drill a hole in handle to measure power?

 

[TDM]

You going to drill a hole in handle to measure power?

No need, already got those.

 

[Bushfire]

No need, already got those.

What do you use for colouring the horn?

 

[TDM]

What do you use for colouring the horn?

Nothing special at all. I keep a small container of cotton cloths that I’ve used for staining. A mixer of dark antique & maple stain, plus boiled linseed oil and turpentine, all just gets mixed together. No matter what cloth I pull out it’s become a nice amber color and I use it on pretty much everything. The cane and wood measures were rubbed down with the same cloths. Now on the black ring coloring on the antler measure I used a fine brush and flat black craft paint. I believe it’s acrylic. It dries fast and holds up well.

 

[Robby]

Boiling them in tea and onion skins also gives them a nice color that holds pretty fast.
Robby

 

[Eutycus]

Coffee grounds make a good stain too. I've used them on some canes and walking sticks

 

[brazosland]

TDM, how do you make those cuts? They look very finely crafted. I just can’t get something that strait using hand files…