Cornell Kemper flintlock

[bones92]

Revising the initial post...

Happy to report that I picked up a very nice Cornell Kemper flintlock.   Built using a Russ Hamm lock and GR Douglas .45 barrel.  I just need to figure out a small repair to get the patchbox lid to stay closed.

[Majorjoel]

Pictures would sure help .  I would bet that Marvin will chime in if he sees this posting.

[bones92]

Would anyone have a copy of the February 2005 Muzzle Blasts?   I would be interested in buying it, or I would be grateful for a scan of the article about Cornell Kemper and his rifles.

[MKemper]

Bones,
I will make the repair to your patchbox catch if you can get the rifle to me.
Regards,
Marvin Kemper

[bones92]

Marvin,

I was able to re-solder the pin (it was a bit wobbly, and so it wasn't holding to the catch spring).  I shaped the tip of the pin to allow it to slip past the hook of the catch spring easier, and slightly adjusted the spring. 

I also noticed that the patchbox lid was a wee bit too wide, so that one could push one side down flush with the stock, but not the other.  I very carefully filed one side to where it now can rest flush, but it still kind of wedges itself in.  This is good, I think, as I probably won't routinely be opening and closing it, and I'd rather it stay firmly shut.   This is good, as the pin/spring catch itself is a bit weak.

I got your email and will give you a call at your convenience.

[nosrettap1958]

Bones, now that is a beautiful rifle!!! Your eye is getting better that's for sure. I'll look to see if I still have that Muzzle Blast issue and send it to you.

[bones92]

Thanks, but it's probably more a matter of dumb luck than a good eye.  I knew enough to know that this rifle is a quantum step above most of my other rifles.  

This was in an estate sale very close to the house.  It wasn't cheap (the guy from the company running the sale knew what it was).   I actually stopped by the location of the sale on Friday, just to confirm it was the right location, and the estate guy was there, so we ended up chatting and he let me peek at the rifle.  I have to admit, I thought about the rifle all day and into the evening, and woke up early Saturday in anticipation.  I was worried there would be 3 or 4 other guys there waiting to swoop in on it, but in the end I seemed to be the only one who knew or cared what it was.

The pin latch doesn't really hold by itself, and currently the patchbox stays firmly shut solely due to friction along the sides the lid when fully closed.  This isn't a long term fix, though, as I think a cold day on the range may cause the lid to just swing open freely (assuming the brass contracts a bit).