Steven,
I can't speak for everyone here, but for me, I would like to welcome you to post pics of any gun you build! As you said they aint exactly winchesters or stevens just fine hand built guns. Maybe if you post in the "Gunsmithing" section no feathers will get ruffled. I like Marlins and muzzleloaders mostly, but I can't go to a gun show without seeing something that interests me all because it goes "BANG"! I'm not that far from you up here in Neosho, Mo. so if you ever get the urge to build a Ballard and need one to measure, just say the word.
John
I sure don't think it's in the wrong category, and the lack of responses isn't a true test of interest. This forum isn't all that active, but maybe the gunsmithing section would have garnered more interest here. I really think those of us who are interested, and impressed by the talent this takes are VERY appreciative that you've shared it with us!
If you don't want to post the Win 1885 here, I'd sure love to see it anyway, if you wouldn't mind emailing me? I collect singleshot rifles also, and it would really be nice to see it when it's completed! Thanks-Vall marlinguy@juno.com
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
I am very appreciative. In fact, I am amazed by the receiver. absolutely amazing.
I figured the receiver was a forged part. Very complex, in my mind.
You are quite talented Alphawolf.
Thanks Levi..Its just a matter of working at it till its done...I just now finished another Marlin build..Its a model 60. I made the steel receiver, trigger guard and trigger. Cast the aluminum buttplate and carved the stock..Did not make the guts nor barrel or magazine...Was easy to make the receiver but that trigger housing was monstrously tedius..
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This model 60 is the first pistol grip stock I ever carved..Hadnt considered that front side and underside on the pistol grip is end grain and substantially more difficult to sand smooth than buttstocks without that feature. And too its a one piece stock whereas I only have built guns with separate buttstock and forearms wood.. This was bit more serious as could too easily have boogered it up...but I took my time and it come out good..
Pistol grips can be trickey, as you say. The end grain can easily chip off if you get too agressive while shaping them and then it requires a modification or a complete new start. That looks very nice!
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
marlinman93 wrote:Pistol grips can be trickey, as you say. The end grain can easily chip off if you get too agressive while shaping them and then it requires a modification or a complete new start. That looks very nice!
I avoid working wood when I can.I hate the sawdust in my shop. .. I prefer straight gripped stocks but good to learn new material. The rifle I am building now is a Winchester highwall that I started more than a year ago. I get tired of something and have to do something else for a while. Here this one is maybe 80% done now and I 'spect I will finish it within next couple months..This will be .38-55 caliber.. Picture serves to show an early phase in the work. Might be hard to look at it and believe it will ever look good enough to be shown in public. I may have 200 hours into it already.
marlinman93 wrote:Are you planning to leave it as a flat side, as the early Hi Walls were, or will it get the rebated sides like the later ones?
Thanks for the interest...Not gonna be a flatside..I will relieve the two sides near the end of the project once I am certain I no longer need to clamp it in vice or bolt it down to the mill table. At this stage I still worry about setting up for cuts and so I leave the finish contouring till last. Note I havent made that buttsocket chamfer cut yet..Make those cuts and that will give it much of the 1885 characteristics.......
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I dont own a 'real' highwall to copy. What I've done is taken my clues from my lowwall and changed the shape to be highwall-ish as I think I'd prefer..It will be a good safe , good looking rifle when I finish but it will not pass as a real Winchester 1885
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.Uhmmmm..This is a flat mainspring model and I'll have to make that spring.. I've not found a new or NOS source for the flat spring. I made the spring for the lowwall that I built.. Difficult spring to make right..It has to hold the lever up and power the hammer- easy to mess it up..
I don't think the Hi Wall spring is all that tough to make with some spring steel stock. Brownells sells the stock material and the toughest thing about theat spring is the hook at the end that hangs on the hammer. Of course the springs are available already made from many places, but I venture a guess you'd prefer to fab one yourself.
Nice work so far on the Wall!
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Not really into the semi autos, but your case colored version of the model 60 is "SWEET"! Glad to see your still at it and I can't wait to see whats next. Thanks for sharing.
John
I like Marlins and muzzleloaders mostly, but I can't go to a gun show without seeing something that interests me all because it goes "BANG"! I'm not that far from you up here in Neosho, Mo. so if you ever get the urge to build a Ballard and need one to measure, just say the word.
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