TOTALLY (totally, totally) OT - Muzzlestuffers

[Old Ironsights]

Anybody into building both ML Shotguns AND Underhammer Rifles?

I've got a design/build project...

[Scott Young]

i would love to build one, but i have two projects on the table at the moment. one is a 58 hawkens and the other is a 32 mountain rifle. i am also planning on adding a 45 barrel for one of them. i have both donor rifles that are previous 50 calibers and the barrels i plan on boring one to a 54 and then the other i will ream to a smooth bore and use as a rabbit/squirrel shot gun.

but

do share what you are planning.

[nemhed]

Huh, who'd a thought it: http://www.underhammers.com/
I always thought these would be great for carrying around the woods, and I like the direct ignition as opposed to turning a corner like in a sidelock. I can't imagine what evil purpose you would have in mind for something like this .

[Old Ironsights]

Think Drilling.

20x20/.45 using standard Shotgun sidelocks on top and a tang side thumb-release underhammer for the .45.

Don't see why it couldn't be done... at least with composite materials making up for the extra wood removed from between the sidelocks to allow for the underhammer sear...

[nemhed]

O.I. your mind is an interesting place...

[Old Ironsights]

O.I. your mind is an interesting place...

That's what the pshrinks say too...

[barbarossa]

Here IS A PIC of an underhammer action I bought years ago and haven t put to use yet.

[Andrew]

20x20/.45 using standard Shotgun sidelocks on top and a tang side thumb-release underhammer for the .45.

Ooooo, that sounds pretty sweet.

[Scott Young]

Here IS A PIC of an underhammer action I bought years ago and haven t put to use yet.

this thread has peaked my interest

[awp101]

O.I. your mind is an interesting place...

That's what the pshrinks say too...

That has GOT to be the best way I've ever heard "Dude, you're off your nut!" ever put...

I love it!

[Rusty]

Like Skeeter Skelton once told Jug Johnson, "given enough time and money you can have any gun you want."

[marlinman93]

Sounds more like a muzzleloader assault rifle than a drilling!

[Ray Newman]

Old Irons: I have neither the skill & the tools to work w/ metal. If you can find a way to do it; do it. We ain’t get any younger -- I’m pushing 63 & am starting to say ”screw it! I want it (or want to do it), so I’m gonna”!

About 25 years ago, I had a Hopkins & Allen .58 calibre underhammer. Shot it a great deal @ the gong shoots that I attended. There was no doubt when it hits the target. Was a fun rifle to shoot.

Bought it because I have a soft spot for the underhammer. Always wanted an underhammer ML target rifle. But never won the lottery to buy a Billinghurst, Perry, etc.

Well this spring I bit the bullet. A good friend, who ahs 30 years + experience building muzzleloaders & target rifles opened a small shop. As we speak he is building me an approx. 15 lbs .45 calibre underhammer target rifle, circa 1860, complete w/ false muzzle, bullet starter, powder drop tube, cleaning & ram rods. Will be set up for a 16X Unertl as well as drilled & tapped for iron sights. Dave found a larger piece of walnut from a barn that was raised about 1802 for the butt stock.

Am starting to think a bout a underhammer target pistol to go along w/ the rifle.

Would really like to have a swivel breech rifle/shotgun combination, but Dave refused. Said it is really difficult to do. Maybe I should also thinking about a Trade Musket that I still have a yen for??...

[nemhed]

This thread reminded me of my uncle's swivel breach muzzleloader (or maybe swivel barrel is more accurate). I always hung on his every word because he is an absolute gun freak. He bought one right after Illinois made it legal to deer hunt with muzzleloaders. He practiced all summer with it, developed his loads, got out on his deer stand on opening day in a drizzling rain, had the buck of a life time step out for an easy 30 yd shot. When he pulled the trigger on the first barrel, it just went click. So he swiveled his barrels, lined up for the second attempt while the buck just stood there. When he pulled the trigger on the second barrel and it just went click, the deer of course ran off. He was so mad he swore off muzzleloaders for life. Knowing him, he may have thrown the rifle in the nearest pond. For years, I thought this is what you could expect from muzzleloaders, but I have learned otherwise. Now my lust for an underhammer has been revived.

[awp101]

What is the advantage of the underhammer (real or perceived)?

[Ray Newman]

Advantage: quick, short, & straight ignition. Flame from the cap travels straight up through the nipple & immediately ignites the powder charge. Easy to clean powder residue.

W/ a "traditional cap lock" rifle, the flame passes through the nipple then bends around to enter the barrel & ignite the charge. It is harder to keep clean & powder residue/build up can weaken the cap flame.

A mule ear side lock is also very fast. See picture of one on auction:
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displ ... um=8841969

[awp101]

Ah OK, I get it! Thanks!

[Ben_Rumson]

45 cal.

Numrick Arms
Hopkins & Allen
W. Hurley, N.Y.

[klrhunter650]

I cannot live without the canoe gun. This sight does terrible things to a man. Never even heard of an underhammer before.

[awp101]

45 cal.

Numrick Arms
Hopkins & Allen
W. Hurley, N.Y.

Now that's just too stinkin' cool! I wonder if Numrich still has any...