un-modernizing a CVA

[velojym]

I have a CVA St Louis Hawken that I'm cleaning up after some minor abuse. The rifle came with some plastic parts, like the sights (rear sight is missing, but the ramp is still attached).
While I'm sure it would work well enough with a simple replacement part, I was thinking I'd like to give 'er a more "original" look.

Yeah, I know it'd be better to get a better rifle for that, but I'm on a real tight budget.

I'm gonna continue to shop around, but figured I'd ask here too. Anyone else done this? (yeah, gonna search the forum too) :thumbsup:

 

[S.Kenton]

I would brown the brown barrel ( Birchwood Casey cold plumb brown), Then you can get a new set of sights off of the Log Cabin shop http://logcabinonline.com/index1.html you will have to click on " home" to start browsing.These guys are extremely nice and know the items they're selling...also have a FAST turn around time.
I would also suggest refinishing the stock in a Birchwood Casey stock finish of your choice. All in all you can have a nice looking rifle in under 30-40$.
IF ya wanted to go even fancier you can get nicer brass hardware or steel, or german silver..
Let me know if ya give up on it...I may be interested in another project.. :grin:

 

[tg]

I am not familiar with the particular gun but a good start with most production guns is to switch the front and rear sights to primitive dovetailed type simple front blade and V notch rear once drifted/filed for zero they do not need to be touched again.

 

[velojym]

Thanks for the link and info, guys. I figured a new set of sights was in order.... just didn't know how standard the dovetails are. I'll go check out that link.
Also, didn't think to brown the barrel. That would set it apart from its production-line brethren all right. Not gonna sell it if'n I don't have to, cuz then I'd have to start over with another rifle anyway.

 

[Dave K]

I guess I never worried too much about a "standard" on the dovetails of Ml'ers,as there doesn't really seem to be one. I have a number of good files and file the base of the sight until it fits. Just remember to follow the angle of the dovetail along with watching the hieght so that it fits nice a snug. Now, REALLY pay ATTENTION, to how much you file as it is real easy to file too much and have a loose sight. I have no idea why I know that. But for some reason when I buy new sights, I usually buy three. One to replace the one I filed too much on and one for the future.

 

[velojym]

Correction: The rifle is a Traditions St. Louis Hawken.
Man, am I thick in the skull. But... I guess that doesn't change anything, as far as fixin' 'er up goes.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Good luck and show us some pics as you go along.

 

[Rogue River]

If you want it to look older get rid of the Brass! :grin:

 

[Bill Hall]

I saw a CVA mountain rifle that had been doctored up to look more authentic. The wood had been stained darker and finished with a low sheen oil. Steel furniture had been cold browned and brass tacks were added. Looked better than one out of the box. Not the same gun as you're talking about, but this might give you some ideas. Bill

 

[velojym]

Yeah, it does.
First I wanna get the sights straightened out, make sure she's clean, and shoot some groups.

I thought about sanding the stock a bit and rubbing some oil in to take out the whole "factory" finish. Some of those hammered looking tacks would be kinda neat too.
The brass has already dulled, so I'm gonna leave that as it is. I think it'd look good with the rest of the gun browned.

Also, the ramrod's missing, so I need to make or buy one. Probably the latter, since I don't have the ends anyway. May use some tape and a flame to put a pattern or just some rough marks on it. Maybe even mask off a strip right at the "full load" and "short load" points and burn in lines.

This rifle has a lot of potential, lotsa fun to be had.

 

[himem777]

good luck, cant wait to see the picks.