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
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File comment: Full length of the 2 band mountain carbine. zResults 003.jpg [ 18.78 KiB | Viewed 5374 times ] |
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File comment: Snider mountain carbine 2 band. zResults 001.jpg [ 30.76 KiB | Viewed 5374 times ] |
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File comment: Snider long rifle zResults 004.jpg [ 30.57 KiB | Viewed 5374 times ] |
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File comment: Brit Pattern 1853 musket lock. zResults 006.jpg [ 27.4 KiB | Viewed 5374 times ] |
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File comment: Gahendra action. zResults 008.jpg [ 24.64 KiB | Viewed 5374 times ] |
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File comment: Rifles shown together for length comparison. zResults 009.jpg [ 133.4 KiB | Viewed 5374 times ] |
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File comment: Shot of all the actions for size perspective. Shiny surfaces are BLO that isn't completely dry. Not tacky but has a LITTLE way to go yet. zResults 010.jpg [ 132.43 KiB | Viewed 5374 times ] |
...look like minty museum pieces... 
