Author Topic: My first rifle (Read 2501 times)

Robert Hill · « **on:** July 05, 2021, 06:03:10 AM »

I have completed my first rifle using a .45 cal. Don Getz barrel with hand forged iron hardware, the patch box was made from the hood of an bronco that was once owned by my grandfather’s good friend, and this is the first time I got to really engrave on a big project. The engraving was one of my favorite parts to do along side decorative file work like is present on some of my knives. . My grandfather Bob had this piece of wood waiting for me, so I got to take it all down from a rough plank. I used a pattern from a rifle by Robert Hughes. I do not yet have a full length shot of this rifle. I have started on my second.
-Robert

RobertS · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2021, 07:21:09 AM »

Nice! I love everything about it!

M. E. Pering · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2021, 07:57:40 AM »

An exceptional first effort. It does look like the tang of the breechplug may be a bit snug though... Might want to relieve that just a hair before your first shot. Great job overall, though.

Tim Crosby · « **Reply #3 on:** July 05, 2021, 12:17:09 PM »

WOW! Stunning, talk about carrying on a tradition, another gun making family rises.

Tim

Marcruger · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2021, 01:10:35 PM »

Robert, I think this is like Mama Bear’s porridge from Goldilocks. Not too much, not too little, just right. You have certainly put all of those woodworking, wood finishing, blacksmithing, and engraving skills to good use. That is an exceptional first gun....and from a blank. The hand forged metal work is just right on this one too. I like your “H” touchmarks on there too. Your signature on the barrel is a notable success. Don’t let this one get away. It’ll be one to pass to RW Hill VI. Best wishes, Marc

hawkeye · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2021, 02:02:42 PM »

For a first build, it has good quality features. I like it very much

Big Bubba · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2021, 02:19:27 PM »

Beautiful job.

wattlebuster · « **Reply #7 on:** July 05, 2021, 02:22:25 PM »

Very good work indeed

Ken G · « **Reply #8 on:** July 05, 2021, 02:39:27 PM »

That's a very impressive first rifle. I hope to see more.

Cheers,
Ken

mountainman70 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 05, 2021, 02:43:33 PM »

It indeed has a great look and presence. Very well done.
What did you do for the patchbox hinge?Best regards, Dave

577SXS · « **Reply #10 on:** July 05, 2021, 02:49:28 PM »

Looks like an original, shows its hand made. Good job for your first.

RedRiverII · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2021, 03:14:23 PM »

I like it. I like the idea of removing a piece of steel from a Bronco as I like Broncos as well. As a first time builder myself I wonder how long before you started building after you aquired the blank? I'm working on 2 months looking at my blank. Great job buddy.

Robert Hill · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2021, 03:15:40 PM »

Thank you all, and Dave the for the hinge I folded it around the pin that was going to hold it together and did this on both pieces then I cut out the pieces in between and filed them to fit. So the hinge is integral.
-Robert

Robert Hill · « **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2021, 03:17:49 PM »

I started building it almost immediately, but that was because my grandfather and I had already cut the barrel channel and ramrod channel in it a while back.
-Robert

Spalding · « **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2021, 04:55:01 PM »

Well done, love the metal treatment.

Bob

oldtravler61 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 05, 2021, 07:23:25 PM »

Nice....!
Oldtravler

Not English · « **Reply #16 on:** July 06, 2021, 12:26:43 AM »

Robert, That's really a sharp rifle. I really like the stock color. It certainly explains why I haven't seen many knives lately in the accoutrements section. It shows your love of metal work.

Dave

Stillwater Dan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 06, 2021, 01:11:58 AM »

Wow, don't stop there if that's your your first build. You did some fine work and I really like the story on the bronco patch box lid.

bama · « **Reply #18 on:** July 06, 2021, 01:42:17 AM »

Well Bob, if'n I couldn't do no better'n that I belive i'd just quit. Nah, that is a well done rifle my friend and for a first rifle I'd say very well done.

bama · « **Reply #19 on:** July 06, 2021, 01:47:47 AM »

Your Grandpappy be Bob Hill? If he is no wonder your first rifle turned out so well! He's a right smart builder himself.

DrLaw45 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 06, 2021, 03:37:55 AM »

Sweet!

The Doc is out now.

Robert Hill · « **Reply #21 on:** July 06, 2021, 04:10:51 AM »

Thank y’all and yes my grandfather is Bob Hill haha.
-Robert

Robert Hill · « **Reply #22 on:** July 06, 2021, 04:18:22 AM »

I’ve been working on a few knives between the process and while forging the hardware I just haven’t gotten around to posting them. They will be at Lexington this yr.
-Robert

bama · « **Reply #23 on:** July 06, 2021, 05:07:23 PM »

Well, welcome to the Builder’s club. I know your grandfather is beaming with pride on your first but hopefully not your last rifle. I see many rifles in your future.

scottmc · « **Reply #24 on:** July 06, 2021, 06:10:13 PM »

Very nice rifle even if it's your 10th! I have to ask, though, where you drew your inspiration for the sideplate? Is it something you saw on an original or a creation from your mind? It is unlike anything I've seen but fits in with guns architecture.

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Author Topic: My first rifle (Read 2501 times)