TOW Bucks County Rifle Kit Update #26

[Firelock]

This is the first of two videos where I install the spring catch and stud for a push button patchbox release on the Track of the Wolf Bucks County flintlock rifle kit. In Update #27 I'll make the actual push button release trigger.

Just so you know, this is the first time I’ve ever done a push button lid release, and it has been a real learning experience for me.

[cahil_2]

Mike, I have really enjoyed the videos.  I just wish you would put them out faster.  Can't wait to see the finished product.  you should combine them all and make a dvd.

[Firelock]

Yeah, I could title it "Oops"  *LOL*

[moleeyes36]

I'm getting some good information from your series of videos, thanks a lot.  I'm also building a Bucks County rifle that's from a Tip Curtis kit.  Some of the hardware supplied, like the butt plate, isn't totally HC.  Still I'm trying to make things as close to HC on this build as I can with what I have and use it as a learning experience.  The next one will be built with parts vetted by others with solid knowledge of original Bucks County rifles. 

I'm don't mean to criticize in any way, it's just for my information before I install the release on my rifle,  but isn't the patch box release button on the toe of a Bucks County rifle.  At least that's the way it is on the pictures of originals I've seen and what I've been told by others who have forgotten more about Bucks County rifles than I'll ever learn.  Did some of them also have the release button on the top?

[Firelock]

Yeah, it is typically on the Toe, But I had a problem with the BC toe plate and had to substitute in a longer one. After I had the screws in that plate, I didn't have a reasonable angle available for the release rod that wouldn't interfiere with either a toe plate screw or a butt plate screw..

[moleeyes36]

After I had the screws in that plate, I didn't have a reasonable angle available for the release rod that wouldn't interfiere with either a toe plate screw or a butt plate screw..

Thanks for the heads up on possible interference from the butt plate and toe plate screws.  I have the butt plate on but haven't inlet the toe plate yet.  I'll try to avoid that problem if I can.

Mole Eyes

[DaveP (UK)]

I'm still enjoying the videos too - in fact, the thought that someday soon you'll be packing it up for a trip to the range is a real dampener!

I think the reason you had a problem with riveting the patch box catch to the lid is that you had far too much material protruding. The reason its splitting round the edges is simply because you had to spread it so much. From what I could see, I reckon you could safely have filed the protruding stud down to half its height.

I'd like to suggest that you think long and hard before attempting to do any remedial soldering. This piece of brass has been cut to size, curved to fit and the other edge is built into a hinge. I think there is a very real risk that the heat will cause a non recoverable distortion. Hopefully folk with more experience will chip in, but for now, I'd be thinking in terms of removing the catch altogether and getting another from TOW. Dremel to the inside with lots of wet cloth to keep it cool? Once off it would be simple to tap out any hollow on the face, ready to go again.

Not a cheery prospect, but there's a fair bit of work invested in that lid...

[Firelock]

I appreciate the warning, but, for better or worse, I silver soldered it yesterday.

Luckily, everything survived, but it did take me a couple of hours to sand solder off of places where it didn't belong. Unfortunately, one flux is flowing, the solder is sure to follow it.   


I totally agree that I was trying to peen down too much material. That is a lesson learned for next time. This was the first time I did this peening operation, and I just didn't know how much was too much.

I really wish I had someone with experience looking over my shoulder as I do this, saying, "You might not want to do that..." before I actually make a dumb move. 

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.