Author Topic: Newb to the site and wanting to learn  (Read 951 times)

NoahMercy

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Newb to the site and wanting to learn
« on: January 27, 2021, 03:36:25 AM »
Greetings from Sheridan, Wyoming. I am an avid shooter of everything that goes pif, pow, bang, boom, or kerblooie. I have engaged in some light gunsmithing over the years, and assembled a Lyman Great Plains .54 cal a couple decades ago, going for a browned finish, so not much challenge involved (although it turned out handsome and shoots fine). That got me interested in building something that requires a bit more work on my part, and was maybe a little more period correct. You've heard of gateway drugs? Yeah, the GPR was my gateway smokepole. A few years back I managed to find an untouched old Sharon fullstock percussion Hawken kit in .54, less stock. I finally have the wherewithal to get the project going, so I would dearly love to have the input of the collective knowledge of the members here.

This rifle will be hunted, shot in matches, and used hard, so I ordered a straight maple stock from Pecatonica, and have been getting the metal ready for finishing. I want case colors on the parts that were traditionally case hardened, and plan on using the Brownell's Surface Hardening Compound. Anyone have experience with this product, or know if there is a better one? For the barrel and a few other parts, I was planning on using Pilkington Rust Blue. Since it is VERY dry here, I'll need to build a damp box for best results. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on the best way to build one? (I was thinking about something with PVC pipe to keep it on the cheap...)

Having seen a few original Hawkens in museums out here, I know they usually had very dark stocks, but have heard mixed accounts of the wood finish on originals. Aqua fortis or varnish are the two techniques I have seen put forth most often. I was wanting to go with the AF, since I want this rifle to be attractive, but what is the general consensus here? I am not wedded to making a 100% period correct firearm (or I would be getting my blacksmith friend to make everything from scratch!) but I would nonetheless like something that wouldn't get too many sneers at a rondy.

Last question: the Sharon kit did not come with barrel wedge escutcheons. From the few pictures I have seen of original fullstock Hawkens, I have noticed escutcheons on some of them, on others I have seen pins, and on a couple wedges sans escutheons. Does this seem right, or am I just blind?

Thank you for helping out an old guy who is getting into this a little late in life, but wants to do it right...


Offline Jerry

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Re: Newb to the site and wanting to learn
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2021, 03:58:06 AM »
NoahMercy, Welcome to ALR. You will find helpful and knowledgeable information here. A collection of talented shooters, gunsmiths practicing the art of building period correct pieces. You will find members
not only practicing arms building, but knowledgeable about the accoutrements associated with shooting and maintaining them. Jerry

Offline oldtravler61

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Re: Newb to the site and wanting to learn
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2021, 04:47:03 AM »
  Noahmercy welcome to the ALR.  here are a ton of guys an ladies. Who will go out of their way to help you do things right.
 Now if yeah need help doing things the hard way... Well let me know...lol.   Oldtravler

Offline smylee grouch

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Re: Newb to the site and wanting to learn
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2021, 05:43:59 AM »
Welcome Noah. There are a lot of good books out there that will help you with your build. As far as a Hawken, Rocky Mountain style mountain rifle goes you can make them lighter color too as many originals had maple stocks that were lighter in color than say a dark walnut gun. Jim Gordons three book series on early arms of the west has many photos of original J&S and S Hawken guns that you can study and see many details. Good luck on your build.  :)

Offline BOB HILL

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Re: Newb to the site and wanting to learn
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2021, 01:48:20 PM »
Welcome to the ALR. As has already been stated, you will find a very helpful group of folks here. Enjoy the trip.
Bob
South Carolina Lowcountry

Offline john bohan

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Re: Newb to the site and wanting to learn
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2021, 01:01:23 AM »
welcome Noah,I use 2 coolers end to end when I brown a barrel, lay your barrel over the 2 coolers set a gallon of hot water in each cooler, close the lids and cover with towels or blankets.