.50 Cal. Underhammer Build In Progress.

[Razor62]

Got some more done today. I was gonna' drill & tap for the scope mounts today but I realized after laying everything out that I don't have the proper 6-48 taps. What I thought was the right size turned out to be 6-40. I did layout the mounting hole position for the scope mounts and used a center drill to just dimple the location of the four holes. Once the taps arrive I'll drill and tap, mount the scope and adjust the cheek rest accordingly.

So, I installed a flash guard to the forearm recess and opened it up a little. Did some work on the ramrod channel so that the ramrod will fit neatly into its groove. Sanded & shaped the forend. From there it's pretty much finish work.

I took some pics of the rifle all assembled and I'm posting them up cuz' she sure looks purdy!

Assembled rifle. Almost there!:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s272/klarose103/50%20Cal%2
0Underhammer%20Project/52925C58-710E-4855-A79D-059912755624-9514-00001A5ECDB32534.jpg

Flash guard and recess:

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[oldfox]

Nice! Lookin' great!

 

[ShawnT]

It's looking Mighty Fine! Great work. :yeah: From the pictures it looks like you may not have that much trouble capping it. Have to tryed that? That stock is really going to look nice when you have some finish on it and the grain really stands up.

 

[Dwayne]

May I make a suggestion. . .

When you are done, send it to me.

That way I can test it out, make sure it is safe, and put my "Ok" on it.

My testing is rigorous and thorough. . .Average testing time is approx 20 years. . .but I am highly recommended by many people. . . And I don't charge much either. ..

 

[Razor62]

Thanks again folks.
Shawn, I'll be able to cap it with a modified inline capper but not with my fingers. I've got a Ted Cash Capper which can be modified to dispense caps with the cup facing straight forward instead of at a right angle.

Dwane, While I'm certain that your rigorous testing methods may be thorough and definitive it would be a source of tremendous guilt for me to learn that due to some unfortunate overesight on my behalf my rifle had failed your test thus causing you harm. I'm sorry but I must decline your generous offer in order to ensure your safety and my own emotional well being.

I was able to drill and tap for the scope mounts because the correct taps arrived yesterday. Once installed I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the cheek rest needs no modification what-so-ever as it places my eye perfectly inline with the scope.


Scope Installed:

 

[Razor62]

Just thought I'd post up a progress report.... Currently I'm at the point with this build that I'm merely taking care of a plethora of minor details none of which are really camera worthy. Besides being this close close to the finished stage, any photos would most certainly spoil the surprise so everyone will have to wait until the unveiling

 

[Smyrnagc]

Looking forward to the finished product

 

[Razor62]

Rust bluing both today and yesterday. Slow day at work so I should be finished with the bluing by the time I close up shop today. Man! She's startin' to look like a gun!!!!
Stock is finished and awaiting the checkering files. Should get allot of that done tomorrow. Hoping to have her assembled by Sunday the 24th. I feel like a kid a few days before X-Mass.

Pics coming soon....

 

[03mossy]

I feel like a kid a few days before X-Mass.

Pics coming soon....

I think we all feel like kids at Christmas waiting for the final pics!

 

[WV Hunter]

Agree... can't wait to see it

 

[Razor62]

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Well, I'm finally finished with my underhammer project. There's still a couple of details that I need to take care of.... I still need to install the forward sling swivel and I'm planning on scrimshawing my signature and date into the tagua nut diamond inlay in the grip cap. There are a few "whoopsies" that I'll keep to myself but nothing that I can't live with.
Rust blued steel, all of the screws were flame blued. Hand rubbed oil finish, Checkering is eighteen lines per inch. Ebony forend tip & grip cap, gold plated trigger and hammer. The nipple recess has been lined with brass in hopes of protecting the wood from the cap flash. 44" overall length and weighs in at 7.5 lbs.

I'll try to take some photos with a nicer background once the weather breaks around here.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the way that this project turned out. Let me know what you think. Comments and criticisms are welcomed and encouraged.

 

[03mossy]

rayer:

Wow! That is a work of art! You should be very proud of how that turned out. Now the next step is a range report.

My one critisism... I am by no means an optics snob, I have killed more deer with a hand me down Simmons scope but this rifle needs/ deserves a gloss Leupold sitting on top not that Simmons.

 

[oldfox]

Fantastic looking job! :applause:
You have created an heirloom for years to come. Great attention to detail ! Time well spent! Congratulations :!:

 

[Smyrnagc]

Very impressive! Can't wait to hear how it performs.

 

[crockett99]

SMOKIN... x2 on the leupold.

 

[ShawnT]

Absolutely Gorgeous Job! That is one great looking peice of wood. Love the finish. :applause: :yeah:

You have created an heirloom for years to come.

+2 on that!

 

[BuckDoeHunter]

I take my hat off to you, all I can say is WOW!!! The first rifle I ever shot was a Remington .22 with an octagon barrel so I have always loved that look. Your rifle has great lines and is something to be extremely proud of. I absolutely love the stock, comb, and forestock with the black accents. If it shoots half as good as it looks, targets and critters beware! I really enjoyed following your build, thank you for posting.

 

[Razor62]

Thanks everyone for all of your kind words. I really appreciate the feedback.
With regard to the Simmons scope....I urge anyone looking for a decent rifle scope to check these out. I've had this same scope on a H&R Rifled 20 ga. Shotgun which is my go to gun for whitetail and I can't find anything negative to say about it. Bright, crisp optics solid construction for less than $60.00. I picked up a buddies shotgun last season and took a look through his Leopold then I compared it with mine. To be honest, my 50 year old eyes couldn't see enough difference to warrant the added cost. In fact, mine was brighter with a 50mm objective than his was with a 32mm.

 

[fishhawk2700]

Great rifle,great build. As far as the scope, You are the man behind the glass, what ever makes you happy!

 

[WV Hunter]

Man, awesome job! That thing is amazing. I wish I was talented enough to make something like that. Can't wait to see the range report.