Traditional Muzzleloading on the Cheap

Member’s Work Bench => General Gunsmithing => Topic started by: West Texan on October 28, 2016, 12:47:17 PM

Title: Pedersoli rework
Post by: West Texan on October 28, 2016, 12:47:17 PM
I've had a Pedersoli long rifle for some years. I'm not so tall, 5'3". I got tired of reaching up to load it so gave the barrel to an experienced muzzleloader smith to take off 6 inches. Well he's older and mad a mistake. Took off 10 inches. I retrieved the barrel wit intent of finding a competent smith in my new area of Garland, TX.  I found one that wanted $150. To cut a front sight dovetail, and crown the barrel. I decided to do the work myself. 
I forged a primitive rear sight, hand filed the front sight dovetail. Made a new brass nose cap, hand crowned the barrel, refit the stock. The new rifle with 31 inch barrel balances well and shoots well.
I'll post photos soon.
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: Hawken50 on October 28, 2016, 02:03:31 PM
 thmbsup I like it.
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: West Texan on October 28, 2016, 02:11:00 PM
The rear sight is one piece forged into a folded shape then filed to fit the dovetail. I do not have a mill or lathe all work was with hand tools. I used a hand drill and cone grinding bit to crown the bore.
Thanks Hawken50
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: Watauga on October 28, 2016, 02:30:15 PM
West Texan,Looks like you did a good job! thmbsup By turning a Gunsmiths Screw up  pnic pnic into a potential Tack Driver!
The closer sight placement and lighter and better balanced rifle should make shooting it a delight!  chrrs
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: old salt on October 28, 2016, 02:54:47 PM
Some times a man just has to take the bull by the horns and do things himself to get what you want. Looks good.
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: Hanshi on October 28, 2016, 04:37:18 PM
Great job, West Texan.  It does look good.  It looks a lot like my Pedersoli Cub which I killed several deer with.  The barrel on the Cub was 28" and the balance was great.  Now, they don't call me "Stretch" but I do have an inch on you, 5'4".  My rifle with a 38" tube comes up to the bottom of my chin; but I've had longer ones and just tilted them to load.
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: West Texan on October 29, 2016, 01:06:43 AM
Thanks to all of you.
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: hotfxr on October 29, 2016, 03:01:47 AM
 thmbsup  I like it! Very nice job there.
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: Papa on October 29, 2016, 06:33:23 PM
West Texan,
I'm only 5'10" but have a fowler with a 72" barrel, overall the gun is 7'4" long. I put the butt in one county while I stand in the next one over to load her. They make me stand 3' behind the firing line so I don't have an advantage on targets at 25 yards.
Mark
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: West Texan on October 29, 2016, 07:20:12 PM
 hdslp chrrs very funny. You have a crew served bird gun!!!
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: Patocazador on October 31, 2016, 09:49:22 PM
Quote from: Papa on October 29, 2016, 06:33:23 PM
West Texan,
I'm only 5'10" but have a fowler with a 72" barrel, overall the gun is 7'4" long. I put the butt in one county while I stand in the next one over to load her. They make me stand 3' behind the firing line so I don't have an advantage on targets at 25 yards.
Mark

You could put a bayonet on it and just punch out the 10 ring in the target.  ;D
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: Papa on October 31, 2016, 11:49:51 PM
Pato,
I tried that but they checked the caliber of the bayonet before they let me on the line.
Mark
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: crazell on November 01, 2016, 02:02:31 AM
Looks really nice. Thank you for the pictures.
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: Red Badger on November 06, 2016, 02:39:03 AM
Dryball?  When did you return.... Cutting barrels down was a common trait of the sight founder and we all Loved hearing about and seeing his creations... Yes sometimes we cringed about what our beloved Founder with his hacksaw was doing but I know All the members who had a chance to interact with him still miss him!   :applause:   :mini-devil-28492:

Red Badger
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: William on November 06, 2016, 07:24:28 AM
Quote from: Red Badger on November 06, 2016, 02:39:03 AM
Dryball?  When did you return.... Cutting barrels down was a common trait of the sight founder and we all Loved hearing about and seeing his creations... Yes sometimes we cringed about what our beloved Founder with his hacksaw was doing but I know All the members who had a chance to interact with him still miss him!   :applause:   :mini-devil-28492:

Red Badger
Yep, I miss him and all of his pistol-rifles.
Title: Re: Pedersoli rework
Post by: graybear on November 06, 2016, 05:08:31 PM
Yes indeed, Dryball is still missed. Hopefully, as he looks down upon us, he's happy with what we're doing w/his site. If you took off another 10" he'd say that you'd done good, but I think it looks good as it is.