I have been messing around for quite a while &
FINALLY have enough done for pics. I thought they were all done, but I have a ways to go on my Francotte Martini. I inletted replacement walnut everywhere I thought it was needed...
Well, I don't get paid to think. More inletting to go but it's a downhill slide.
Here's what is o-fficially DONE!
Snider 2 band mountain carbine: This one was the most work. Lots o' bug holes to fill which was easier than chasing the checkering. I think it was worth the effort, though. The lock was made in Nepal - as was the rest of the rifle. Oh. Hand-fitting the butt plate was no small job, either. Got it just right... after several hours!
Snider long rifle: It was in pretty good shape and mostly needed a good cleaning. The barrel and breech block are Brit and still show "Snider's Patent". I've shot this one & it's heavy enough there's almost no recoil.
Pattern 1853 muzzle loader musket: This one came from Afghanistan. Has a John Clive barrel and 1869 Tower lock. Not much left for rifling. It had been fired a lot and was quite dirty from BP residue. I believe it's shootable.
Gahendra: This was the easiest of the lot to clean. Lots of yak fat, but oven cleaner takes it right off. Oddly, this really fits me well and is accurate. I plan to shoot it more. It has a seamless barrel with minimal pitting.
This is not a project for the faint of heart. There's more to be done on most of these than meets the eye. I had no idea I would be filling bug holes and chasing checkering. Same for inletting replacement walnut.
It was a learning experience. SW