Building a Leman

[Huntschool]

smart dog:

True, I am new here and I had no idea who he was.  I have seen pictures of his guns but that's it.  Such is the way of the internet.  If you read what I wrote, I did not say he was any less a craftsman then those I listed.  I said I am sure they each do things differently.

However, I did feel he was a bit harsh in his comments, by my interpretation, to Dave.  Its one thing to help but, and again this is the net, its quite another to be quite so "sharp."  Perhaps that is just the lack of inflection we deal with on the net.

If you feel, after re reading  what I wrote was "off" I apologize to  him.  This is a great site with an extreme amount of knowledge being shared.  Just to be clear.  I am new here but certainly not to muzzle loading and American rifles.  I have been around this since the late 70's and at 70 plus YOA I have some time in.

Thank you for your comment.  I will refrain from commentary that may be misconstrued. 

[Davemuzz]

Holes that I have drilled and tapped. It was a lifetime ago.....but some things you just don't forget.

[Davemuzz]

Front sight in. Now working on the rear sight. I purchased a "blank" rear from TOTW.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Nice clean dovetail.

[Martin S.]

Dave, I am not a machinist, so I am wondering how you get that nice hollowed out curved portion on the rear sight?

Is there some sort of tool I can buy that will help me with that?

I am enjoying following your build.

[Davemuzz]

Martin S.

Yes. It's called the antique tool......Dremel!!!  Yeah.....I cheat on some of the stuff. Most of the time I leave the Dremel in the carry case as I can get into big trouble if I use it.  But for this little sight it was a no-brainer. I use the following grind stone.....start at the top of the sight (I have the sight positioned horizontally) and grind into the sight blank. The only other thing I use my Dremel for is to cut a screw slot after I file the screw down to my preference.

[Martin S.]

Thanks!

[Davemuzz]

I took some photos of my rear sight install today. Here's the progression:

I first marked the placement of the top of the sights dovetail on the barrel. Since I already browned the barrel I use duct tape to ward off any "slips."  Then with a hack saw (and good blade) I cut close to my top marks:


I then  use the hacksaw to clear out as much material in-between the two outer cuts:


When I'm filing out the material, I do a lot of depth checking with the dial caliper. I do have to remember that duct tape provides about .005" of thickness:


When I get it all "cleaned up" I then begin the process of cutting dovetails:


I check the dovetails a lot when I'm fitting the sight. I had a "good" dovetail cut in the barrel, so I decided to remove some material from the sight to fit the barrel. I had to be very careful that I didn't remove to much sight material from the "top width" or I would have a gap between the barrel flat and (once inserted) sight.


I completed the install. Now, recall that I said I use duct tape in order not to mar the barrel if I slip on any part of the install. Well.....I had the tape off to change it for more visual clarity and I said..."A few careful strokes and I should be fine." Yeah.....a few strokes in and I slipped....no tape....and caused the minor scratches you see on the lower left part of the flat. These are minor and I'll just let nature take it's course in rusting it. But.....just for half a dozen strokes......


I'll brown the sight and re-install it, knowing I'll likely have to adjust (file) either the front sight or the rear sight when I am doing load development.

I know most know how to do this, but I just thought I'd post my "how I did it" for us amateurs. 

Oh....one more pic from front of barrel with sights installed:

[Davemuzz]

DONE!!!!!

[rich pierce]

That’s a great feeling. Enjoy your accomplishment!

[Craig Wilcox]

Dave, you have done a great job on that Leman rifle.  You will enjoy it for years to come - and can look at it proudly over the coming years.

Craig

[Huntschool]

Way to go Dave.  Now ya have a western Mt. rifle gun under your belt.  Guess you should start looking at some Eastern stuff for your next project....

Great job on first rifle.......

[44-henry]

Can't get much more Eastern than a Leman, they were built in Lancaster, Pa.

Nice job on the Leman.

Way to go Dave.  Now ya have a western Mt. rifle gun under your belt.  Guess you should start looking at some Eastern stuff for your next project....

Great job on first rifle.......

[Davemuzz]

Thank you gentlemen. I'm happy with the outcome, albeit I learned a lot from this experience. I have marked "tabs" and dirty "paw prints" all thru my "Gunsmith of Grenville" book. Of course, I can point out most of my mistakes, and for you fellows with sharp eyes, can point out even more.

But, I'm pleased with the outcome.....fault's 'n all. 

The experience was great and I found it almost therapeutic to spend time on the build. I see how it's easy to get drawn into "the next build." This forum is a great resource!!

Again, Thanks!

Dave

[kentuckyrifleman]

Very nicely done!

As someone lurking and learning for a future build, it's encouraging to see another newbie give it a go.

[Huntschool]

44-henry:

Yea, it was built in PA.... so.... it was a trade rifle in the genre Dave built. Where were those headed... I was referring to Eastern Longrifles.  My bad for not saying "Longrifles".... but then you knew that didn't you......