A rifle by Mike Gahagan

[EC121]

Today the mail lady dropped off a box.  It is a .58cal. Oct/Round rifle by Mike Gahagan.  It is 15yrs. old but like new.  Modeled on an Isaac Berlin rifle.  RCA ll page 366.

[Stoner creek]

Outstanding find! Mike’s work is among the best out there! Congratulations.

[Bigmon]

Wonderful, and the style that I like the best.
Now I have a question?  I see this in most all the great builders, as well as builders at all levels.  Why do they not stain the inside of patch boxes, lock mortises, etc?  And do they apply any finish in these areas over unstained wood?
That sure is a fine rifle!

[Stoner creek]

Wonderful, and the style that I like the best.
Now I have a question?  I see this in most all the great builders, as well as builders at all levels.  Why do they not stain the inside of patch boxes, lock mortises, etc?  And do they apply any finish in these areas over unstained wood?
That sure is a fine rifle!

Why would you want to stain those places? I know that wood can move when it’s wetted. Patchboxes can be finicky for sure. Same with a tightly fitted lock. I don’t stain the box cavity or the lock mortise. I have however sprayed a bit of shellac there in the past.
W

[EC121]

Certain stains can rust metal and finishes can make inlets shrink.  Then the parts don’t go back after the finish dries. 

[J. Talbert]

That’s a sweetheart!

I’d take any rifle he’s made.
Jeff