Shotgun barrel blank

[russell shaffer]

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.

[DandJofAZ]

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

[hotfxr]

Good luck! Sounds like an interesting project. Looking forward to the pictures.

[beowulf]

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 !

[Papa]

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

[russell shaffer]

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.

[Hanshi]

Matchlocks are cool, Russell.  Keep us informed. 

[Papa]

Russ,
Had to tap it by hand. The barrel wouldn't fit through the tailstock.
Mark

[russell shaffer]

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. 

[russell shaffer]

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.

[beowulf]

this`n looks like the pan is part of the lock !

[beowulf]

this`n also looks to be attached to the lock plate !

[russell shaffer]

Thanks.  That gives me some ideas.

[beowulf]

Thanks.  That gives me some ideas.

happy to be of some help ! 

[Razor62]

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.