AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Carper on July 11, 2023, 09:49:23 AM

Title: Rifling a Barrel
Post by: Carper on July 11, 2023, 09:49:23 AM

Jenna and I cut 8 grooves in a 50 caliber barrel using the spiral  from her Great Great Grandpa’s rifling machine .   I imagine  the spiral ( the black part ) was made after 1864 when Union cavalry burnt the shop. We built the carriage out of Alaskan spruce and used white oak for the “fingers”. 
(https://i.ibb.co/ZVDKF77/IMG-1946.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7XmVZLL)

(https://i.ibb.co/PwhV96D/IMG-0145.png) (https://ibb.co/D5Cj8Rr)

(https://i.ibb.co/YpL0XPS/IMG-0146.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RzDjNYK)

Title: Re: Rifling a Barrel
Post by: Dan Fruth on July 11, 2023, 04:22:21 PM

I love it!!!  Great job

Title: Re: Rifling a Barrel
Post by: JTR on July 11, 2023, 05:35:16 PM

Way to go!
I'll guess you two will build a rifle around it?
John

Title: Re: Rifling a Barrel
Post by: Bob Roller on July 11, 2023, 07:13:01 PM

A fine machine.Back in 1951 when I first got interested in muzzle loaders I came into contact with P.I.Spence in Marietta,Ohio who was probably the first to offer a usable lock and trigger for a new made muzzle loader and we talked about this type of rifling machine and he had one from an old shop and rifled a few barrels with it and then made his own with a reciprocating slide and  said "My machine goes back and forth and I sit and watch it".This one is a fine representation of those seen in some gun maker's shops and represents fine work.and skills.Enjoy the benefits of walking short distances.
Bob Roller

Title: Re: Rifling a Barrel
Post by: Gaeckle on July 13, 2023, 01:43:11 PM

What's the rate of twist? How about the cutter, hook type or a multi tooth type? You are leaving out interesting details and it makes me wonder how many other people are rifling by hand

Title: Re: Rifling a Barrel
Post by: Avlrc on July 13, 2023, 05:47:25 PM

Excellent.  Pretty neat that you are still carrying on the trade of your ancestors.

Title: Re: Rifling a Barrel
Post by: Shreckmeister on July 14, 2023, 02:59:54 AM

Let us know how it shoots when you’re done. I admire you for carrying on the tradition.