Student Report 1: Gemmer Hawkin

[clayfeld]

Well, Guys-
It's all your fault. I was just browsing around the Forum, thinking about shooting my old kit-built CVA's and then you got me hooked. First I bought and restored to shooting state an antique half-stock, then I succumbed to a Christmas sale at Don Stith's St. Louis Plains Rifle Co. and bought his off-list parts set for the Gemmer Hawken half-stock (see photo below).

I've been reading all the posts about the Hawken, Gemmer, kits assembly and so forth, and I was mosst worried about fitting the the patent breech, but that's where I had to start, so I did. Referring to the article by Roland Chambers on the Longrifle Forum and posts by Zonie and Rich Pierce here, I slowly filed away the face of the plug and beveled its perimeter (per Don Stith's e-mail to me; needed because of the beveled end of the Getz plug threading segment) until the magic marker on the rim started to disapper and the breech came within an eighth of a flat to closure and was even all around. Removed it and cleanded it out with kerosene, then treated the threads to a taste of anti-seize and tightened it all up. Fit! The photo shows the patent breech in place and the rough filing mostly completed (the breech was a bit larger than the barrel; guess that's the way they are supposed to be).

I'll spend a while at filing, then eventually get around to fitting the breech hook to its tang. I'll let you know how it goes!

Clay
San Jose

 

[Slowpoke]

Oh man that looks like fun.... keep us posted.

SP

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Sounds like all went very well for you on the first try, glad it worked out, and know the rest of the rifle will also.

BTW, I am that Roland Chambers

 

[Old40Rod]

What type of lock? I don't see it pictured. Looks like you had a good Christmas

 

[clayfeld]

I'm honored that you're looking in, Roland! Your article gave me the security to actually start this project. Thanks.

Clay
San Jose

 

[clayfeld]

The stock is already inlet for the L&R Hawken lock, the #100 or 125 (if I get lucky!). It's not included with the kit.

Clay
San Jose CA

 

[Zonie]

"...(the breech was a bit larger than the barrel; guess that's the way they are supposed to be)."
_________________________________________________

Well, it won't be after you draw file the breech and barrel flats flush with one another.
This will be a pain around the bulge adjacent to the nipple but it will look better if you do it.

I can tell your having FUN :grin:

 

[clayfeld]

Oh, man, I'm destroyed that you can't tell from the photo that I've already draw filed the topmost three flats and the area around the snail! Where did I go wrong?

Clay
San Jose CA

PS: Your post about patent breech fitting was *very* helpful.

 

[Pittsburghunter]

The left side looks missmatched to me but I am a lefty.

 

Yer doin fine, Zonie's just pullin yer leg. Take yer time, and if you get stuck, start askin questions. You know it's called a Gemer because He bought out the hawkin business, when they moved to Denver, and it's his twist on their style. Bill

 

[Zonie]

Well, I thought it looked good in the picture but I took you at your word figuring you could feel the breech was larger even though it didn't look larger.

Bottom line? Your doing great! Keep up the good work. :thumbsup:

 

[Old40Rod]

Nice lock choice, should be a shooter!

 

Oh, man, I'm destroyed that you can't tell from the photo that I've already draw filed the topmost three flats and the area around the snail! Where did I go wrong?

Clay
San Jose CA

PS: Your post about patent breech fitting was *very* helpful.

I could tell. You're doing a fine job. Take her easy and have fun. Getting in a hurry is a temptation though.
Don