Pedersoli rework

[West Texan]

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.

[Hawken50]

  I like it.

[West Texan]

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

[Watauga]

West Texan,Looks like you did a good job! By turning a Gunsmiths Screw up  into a potential Tack Driver!
The closer sight placement and lighter and better balanced rifle should make shooting it a delight! 

[old salt]

Some times a man just has to take the bull by the horns and do things himself to get what you want. Looks good.

[Hanshi]

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.

[West Texan]

Thanks to all of you.

[hotfxr]

   I like it! Very nice job there.

[Papa]

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

[West Texan]

  very funny. You have a crew served bird gun!!!

[Patocazador]

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. 

[Papa]

Pato,
I tried that but they checked the caliber of the bayonet before they let me on the line.
Mark

[crazell]

Looks really nice. Thank you for the pictures.

[Red Badger]

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!      

Red Badger

[William]

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!      

Red Badger

Yep, I miss him and all of his pistol-rifles.