Target Percussion needs serious repairs

[chawk]

I just got this in the mail today. It is my first muzzleloader of any type and man, does it need some TLC. First the basics; it is a percussion target rifle of unknown caliber. My cheap calipers measure it around .33. It was made by H.V. Perry of Fredonia NY who was known to be a quite a shooter and rifle builder in his time. I'm guessing it weighs around 10lbs.

The Good:
- All original. All of the finishes and even the screws look untouched.
- Globe front sight with a beautiful heart shaped tang sight.

The Bad:
- Chip in forestock near the barrel wedge. Missing a piece of hardware.
- That beautiful rear sight is bent
- Ramrod is stuck in place. It is metal and I do not know if it is original
- There is a little bit of cracking around the lock thru bolt
- Hammer is missing/broken
- THE TANG IS BROKEN

Unknown:
- Bore condition
- Is the front sight supposed to have an insert or just be open?


I have toyed with the idea of building a muzzleloader for a long time but I don't actually know anything about them. Any questions, comments, or advice are welcome. The only thing I know about this gun is that I like it and I want it to get a functional restoration. Most of this will need to be done by a professional.

 

[chawk]

My first impressions are that I like this gun and that it deserves to be brought back to life.

 

If you posted your images like this we wouldn't have to click so many times and be subjected to the stupid ads on the site.

 

[chawk]

I apologize. I'm still not doing this right but this is better. This could also be moved to the gunbuilders bench section.


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[mooman76]

Interesting piece, I hope you get it working. Just a guess but I think the 32 cal balls would work. Probably the bigger ones that run .320 and maybe a thick patch. If you can go a little bigger buck shot would work or Lee has a buck shot mould.

 

[azmntman]

If you posted your images like this we wouldn't have to click so many times and be subjected to the stupid ads on the site.

ff and not polite or helpful :shake: You had no other response? Could you not offer an opinion answering the question? (see below)

I think its pretty cool. Only comment I will offer is that if the bore is in too bad a shape to fire "perhaps" Mt Hoyt can re-bore and go the next caliber up? I believe it depends on the quality/condition of the metal. And of course if yer not close by you would have to ship to him for inspection. NICE FIND and good luck in your endeavor!

 

[bpd303]

That is a nice find and putting it back into shooting condition will be dependent upon your metal and wood working skills and how deep your wallet is. Sending it out would probably not be cost effective.
The tang is a relatively easy repair. Tig weld a piece to the bottom, drill the screw hole and inlet the stock for the repair.
The lock is another concern. It looks like a new tumbler will need to be made and a hammer fit.

The barrel will need to be de-breeched and the bore cleaned and probably refreshed by a barrel maker like Bobby Holt. Also the nipple looks like it is corroded in so it probably will need drilling and taping for a new nipple.

All in all it's a neat rifle and deserves the best to make it speak again.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Sage advice here. :thumbsup:

 

[chawk]

Thanks gents. I talked about restoring it with a gentleman on the phone today. I will take it in to him in a couple of weeks and see what he says and take it from there.

I plan on shooting it.

 

[19 16 6]

That should turn out to be very nice.
Sure,get a pro to do the metalwork things that you don't have the tools or knowledge on. When I say professional I do not mean butcher.
I just got an old gun myself & it is used & worn, in need of a refresh but un butchered & complete except for a hammer screw. Now is not the time to commence butchering the metal work after surviving 125 years.

You can do what you can yourself which is a good bit of preparation for your future rifle build.
Good, good, all on & up from here :thumbsup:
O.