Author Topic: Christmas for my dad  (Read 15509 times)

Offline clockman

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Christmas for my dad
« on: January 14, 2010, 05:30:12 AM »
OK guys,  I haven't posted a rifle till now.   I've been one of those lurking on the sides watching what everyone else posts and have been in absolute awe of what I've seen here.  I still see alot of places for improvement on the next one but here it is anyway...

I finished this on Christmas Eve for my dad.   It’s a contemporary Virginia rifle sporting  a blued  .40 cal swamped barrel with 14 Kt gold rings on the breech and muzzle.   This is also my first real attempt at engraving.  I engraved the breech of the barrel and tang along with the patchbox, side plate,  trigger bow, toe plate, but plate and a couple of the screws.   I stained it with aquafortis and finished it with linseed oil.   

It’s my third rifle, so let me know what you think.
-Kevin












Offline Brian Jordan

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2010, 05:45:52 AM »
First attempt at engraving Huh!! Awesome work!! I can't wait to see the second, and third attempt ;D

I would love to see some pictures of your clocks.
« Last Edit: January 14, 2010, 08:08:24 PM by melsdad »
Elizabeth, PA

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms"...Thomas Jefferson

Let's Go Brandon!

Offline Acer Saccharum

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2010, 05:58:18 AM »
That hurts, ya know, to see someone make such a nice gun on their third try. I give up. I am going to apply for work at the supermarket produce section.

Great job. Lots of talent, Kevin.

Tom
« Last Edit: January 14, 2010, 06:00:14 AM by Acer Saccharum »
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Offline E.vonAschwege

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2010, 06:14:04 AM »
Hey Kevin,
   That's a beautiful rifle you have there!  Excellent engraving all around, smooth lines and scrolls.  May I ask why you chose to use only one lock bolt?  Did you use store-brand linsee oil or a home brew, it looks good.  Thanks for sharing with us.  
-Eric
Former Gunsmith, Colonial Williamsburg www.vonaschwegeflintlocks.com

eagle24

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2010, 06:17:58 AM »
Kevin.....Wow!  Very nice.  I'm sure your father is thrilled.

Offline C Wallingford

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2010, 06:22:26 AM »
Way to go, Kevin. Keep up the good work. It looks great. I know your Dad is proud of it.

Offline rich pierce

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2010, 06:56:09 AM »
not fair.
Andover, Vermont

hatchetdan

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2010, 07:11:25 AM »
Thats the best you can do on your third attempt? Obviously this is not your game, time to move on to another hobby!  ;) A beautiful job! thanks for sharing it with us!

coutios

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2010, 07:19:30 AM »
I like the way the color turned out.. Good stuff all around...

Regards
Dave

Offline RobertS

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2010, 07:23:28 AM »
It's beautiful, can't beleive the talent!

Tuscarora

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #10 on: January 14, 2010, 07:32:39 AM »
Great looking gun!

Offline rsells

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #11 on: January 14, 2010, 07:42:14 AM »
I like the rifle a bunch.  Good work.  I would say you are hooked!!!
                                                  Roger Sells

Madcaster

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #12 on: January 14, 2010, 09:36:05 AM »
 WOW!GREAT job!

Offline Artificer

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #13 on: January 14, 2010, 10:11:41 AM »
Kevin,

I'm sure your Dad takes great pride in that rifle and especially as you built it.  I built a presentation M1 Garand and presented it to my Father for Christmas back in 1994, so I understand what a labor of love it must have been for you.  I'll bet your Dad is one proud Pappa.

Offline James Rogers

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #14 on: January 14, 2010, 01:42:17 PM »
stunning piece!

Offline Lucky R A

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #15 on: January 14, 2010, 03:03:37 PM »
Kevin,
        A nice work of love for your Dad,   I built a 7 mag for my Dad in 1967, but he passed in 1968.  Heheld it in his lap petting it like the family cat.  I  bet your dad is doing the same.   Very nice work for this early in the game, you obviously have talent.   Don't forget to use a good backer under your sandpaper when working down your silver wire...
"The highest reward that God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work."  - Elbert Hubbard

Birddog6

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #16 on: January 14, 2010, 04:40:57 PM »
Kevin,  I brought the first photo up & said  "Holy Sh//!"  My wife is in the next room & comes rushing  in & says "Whats the matter ?" !!  ha ha ha !  Man o Man.........  3rd rifle ?  That is VERY humbling and embarassing for me......   Awesome rifle, simply Awesome work........     :o :o
« Last Edit: January 14, 2010, 04:41:14 PM by Birddog6 »

Offline J. Talbert

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #17 on: January 14, 2010, 06:03:13 PM »
I'd say you're gettin the hang of it! ;D ;D

Lucky Dad!  If he's like mine, he'll show it to EVERYONE he knows.

Jeff
There are no solutions.  There are only trade-offs.”
Thomas Sowell

Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #18 on: January 14, 2010, 06:19:29 PM »
 WOW!

 Tim C.

Offline Swampwalker

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #19 on: January 14, 2010, 07:08:09 PM »
That's a stunning 3rd rifle - heck, it would be a stunning 30th rifle!  What's your background, if you don't mind me asking?
Keep up the great work.

Dave W

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #20 on: January 14, 2010, 07:21:26 PM »
Extremely nice.  Is that a slow rust blued barrel, bolts and screws?

DW

Offline Rolf

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #21 on: January 14, 2010, 07:22:20 PM »
Beautful work !!!!!! How did you do the gold weddingbands on the barrel?

Best regards

Rolfkt

Offline Ky-Flinter

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #22 on: January 14, 2010, 08:57:59 PM »
Good for you, Kevin.  And good for your Dad.  That rifle turned out very nice, indeed!

It's about time you showed your work here.  You should post up #1 and #2.  I happen to know they are pretty darn nice, as well.

-Ron
Ron Winfield

Life is too short to hunt with an ugly gun. -Nate McKenzie

Offline P.W.Berkuta

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #23 on: January 14, 2010, 08:59:36 PM »
Clockman your rifle is awesome and obviously you know how to use tools. I bet your dad got a tear in his eye when he saw it. Great work and a lot of talent.
I've been with this forum for a while now and I have noticed the workmanship of the members growing by leaps and bounds. It just goes to show that the mentors of this forum have done justice to the art of building the American long rifle -- keep up the great work - for quality craftsmanship will never die as long as we have skilled members such as all of you!!!
P.S. -- I've got to get my butt in gear and start producing more flint rifles -- thanks for the wake-up call!!!
"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it." - Chinese proverb

John Knaack

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Re: Christmas for my dad
« Reply #24 on: January 14, 2010, 09:19:35 PM »
I like it!!