I have been toying with the idea of building a matchlock but the barrel was a stumbling block. I just found and ordered a 12 gauge unchambered barrel blank from an outfit named Sarco in Pennsylvania. It was less than $25 including shipping. It was going to cost me more than that for a piece of DOM tubing that really isn't intended for a gun barrel. If it doesn't work out the $25 won't break me. Wish me luck.
Have to uncover and dust off that lathe. You can keep the coat, I still have 3 of them in the coat closet..... Enjoyed our time with you in Oregon..
Doug
Good luck! Sounds like an interesting project. Looking forward to the pictures.
hope it works out for you , my project will be a months long mission , when I finally get it started I`ll post photos as well ! for a while I was thinking along the same line , using a shotgun barrel . just couldn`t find one at a decent price ! looking forward to seeing the finished product !
I picked up a 36" vent ribbed 12 gauge barrel at an estate sale, very cheap, brand new. Cut off the 12 ga chamber and threaded the barrel for a straight breech plug. Put it on an underhammer action and voila, a shotgun. Amazingly it shoots about an 80% pattern on an 8.5 X 11 piece of paper at 30 yards. Smokes clay birds on days when I do my part.
Mark
So Papa, exactly how did you thread that barrel? With a tap or on a lathe? I'm looking for advice from someone who has actually done it. Thanks.
Matchlocks are cool, Russell. Keep us informed. hntr
Russ,
Had to tap it by hand. The barrel wouldn't fit through the tailstock.
Mark
Thanks for stating the obvious. It won't fit through my tailstock either. I didn't think of that but I suppose I would have figured it out eventually.
Well, the barrel is here and it looks good. Straight with no taper, shows tool marks on the outside but the bore is nice. I'll order a tap next and get a breechplug in it. Has anyone seen a picture or drawing of a matchlock with the pan attached to the lockplate like a flintlock? I'm thinking that I might want to convert from matchlock to mule ear sometime so I would rather not have the pan attached to the barrel. I'm sure I can do it and I don't care if the gun looks like an original matchlock.
this`n looks like the pan is part of the lock !
this`n also looks to be attached to the lock plate !
Thanks. That gives me some ideas.
Quote from: russell shaffer on November 25, 2018, 12:12:07 AM
Thanks. That gives me some ideas.
happy to be of some help ! thmbsup
Built this 16ga. smoothy from an unchambered blank that I bought a few years back for a song from Numrich Arms Co. Tapped by hand. Wasn't very difficult. That barrel made for a very lighweight and short gun. Looking forward to seeing your project Russell.
(https://i.imgur.com/v3CbwMK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SrVUlZN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xb5DDoU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/po7kuz8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/q1mFZ0c.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0DLz5rm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/H5TKk3k.jpg)
That's a really nice looking gun, Razor. Mine won't be nearly that good looking I'm afraid. By the way, your lock is wrong but my brother will like it.
The pan on my match lock is attached to the barrel The4 barrel is a 20 gauge rifled barrel.
A friend of mine Rick Hefly made the match several years ago, and I talked him out of it
I hope your planning on posting up some photos salty. I'm sure the rest of the gang would like to see 'em.as much as me.
Russell, I'm certain that your rifle will turn out great!
If I were to offer any advice it'd be to take your time and think thrise not twice when laying every thing out, before removing any material. It's allot easier to take it off than it is to put it back on. ;D
Thanks again guys, for all of the kudos.
Quote from: russell shaffer on December 18, 2018, 11:09:22 PM
That's a really nice looking gun, Razor. Mine won't be nearly that good looking I'm afraid. By the way, your lock is wrong but my brother will like it.
One of the first things I noticed. Correct lock for myself and grandson.
Quote from: russell shaffer on November 14, 2018, 10:38:48 PM
I have been toying with the idea of building a matchlock but the barrel was a stumbling block. I just found and ordered a 12 gauge unchambered barrel blank from an outfit named Sarco in Pennsylvania. It was less than $25 including shipping. It was going to cost me more than that for a piece of DOM tubing that really isn't intended for a gun barrel. If it doesn't work out the $25 won't break me. Wish me luck.
Going back through some old posts in the admin section and ran across this one... How did that project ever turn out????..
Doug
Yes, how DID it turn out? Inquiring minds want to know....and that includes, actually probably restricted to, our membership. hntr