Slowly destroying a TOTW kit

Yes, it sucks about as bad as the sound a tap makes as it is snaps off flush deep into the lockplate. The experience I gained from this build was earned. I believe I've corrected all my mishaps in proper fashion and I feel a wierd mutual bond with my gun. I made it. It feels solid. It in no way resembles any Italian production gun (let me clarify that there is nothing wrong with Italian reproductions as I love Pedersoli and Lyman offerings). I just like to think that I've approached a new level in the hobby.

 

Almost as bad as the sound a tap makes as it snaps off flush with the lock plate. What a sickening sound! A machine shop had to tig weld a nut to the tiny stub left poking up and turned it out. $30. Not having to replace expensive lockplate, priceless.

 

[jh45gun]

I doubt though I could be wrong that non of us here on their first kit or from scratch gun does not have some minor flaws. I know my 54 cal from scratch round baller full stock has a few flaws but they do not stand out that bad but I still know they are there. Still I love that rifle because I built it and it shoots well even though it may not win any prizes for being a example of a master craftsmans project. Jim :hmm:

 

The difference between ametuer and pro builders is the ability to cover up mistakes properly.

You should hear some of the stories of completely rebuilt lock mortises, glue ups and inlays over big holes!

You can't put that many hours of human hand work into something and not have a mistake somewhere. It may go unfound, unseen and undiscovered, but it wll be somewhere.

:imo:

 

[mornard]

Howdy,
Pardon my ignorance, but I'm new to this sport - What is TOTW? Thank you.

 

[olgreenhead]

totw is a store called tracks of the wolf :imo:

 

[mornard]

Of course it is - and they're right up the road from me! (Told ya I was new...) Thanks for the reply.

 

[olgreenhead]

Jame when are we going to see a pic of your finished gun . Im waiting :blah:

 

My girlfriend has a digital camera. I will see if she can help me figure out how to send a photo to this forum. Maybe it won't take too long.

 

[madstone]

A realy fine tip on a very hot "torch" will heat the broken tap to "brittleness. Use plenty of heat sink materials all around the hole, though.
Years ago Williams' gun site co had an "electron gun" to remove these w/o harming the plate/receiver/barrel. Se "Gunsmith's KinksI and GKII for details. Or I will fwd the article.
If enough is sticking out to place on an anvil one might shatter it with a blow. Use a tiny punch on the other side to deliver the blow? It should be much more brittle that the lockplate?
:results: