Very odd side slapper

[Sam Everly]

Many years ago at Friendship, a fellow had made a side slapper .It was real simple it had a long ( 12") spring steel rod hooked to the side flat of the barrel . Where the drum or liner would be , was the nipple in the side flat of the barrel . It was a single trigger with a rod going thru the stock behind the breech . The rod went just in front of the trigger and had a notch it and when you pulled the trigger it pulled down and the  spring steel rod slapped the nipple. Well you get the idea . I have one under construction, and found that a trunk rod from a small car works great for the long spring steel slapper . I found several cars have the trunk rods. They are used as a spring to ease the trunks up and down . These could be used for several things , they are around 1/4 to 3/8  Dia. and the stright section is about 3 foot long .         

[Ben Gorey]

Sam:  Some years ago, that side slapper was featured as a "do it yourself" project in Muzzle Blasts. The working end of the spring/hammer was curled to ease cocking.

Ben Gorey

[northwoodsdave]

Sounds very interesting. I'd love to see a blueprint!

Seems old car springs are a wonderful source of parts.  Among some blacksmiths there is a variety of steel technically designated as OCS that is very popular. 

OCS stands for 'Old Chevy Springs.'

I always wanted a side slapper, so might start experimenting.

Thanks!

David L

[Pete Allan]

Sam   That rifle was built by Ron Griffie also known to many as Death Wind Rifle Works.
He had it at our booth for most of the shoot. As I remember the hammer was a tine from a hay rake.
To say the least it worked VERY well.

[Sam Everly]

Yes Pete thats the one. I remember Death wind ! I liked it because it was so simple. I ran across the trunk rods and knew what they could be used for. I looked for ever for a hay rake tine but could not find one . There was a thread on here many years ago that had pics of it. I will see if i can find them again .   

[Woodbutcher]

 Gentlemen:
 Any pictures? Which issue of MB? Which year even? Drawings?
                                                            Woodbutcher

[Doug Cline]

This rifle was discussed on the old site a few years back, if you search for "pitchfork" under gunbuilding in the archives there are pictures of the rifle Ron Griffie built. Hope this helps.

Doug

[Woodbutcher]

 Thanks! Well I finally found it, Doug Cline. That thing is so...different...it's fascinating.                                            Woodbutcher