This project all started with me watching Idahoron's videos on paper patching(Thanks Ron).I needed a barrel so I called on Robert a Hoyt who's done some barrel relining for me in the past. He made me a .451 bore,1-22" twist,30",15/16" steel barrel for my TC Hawken. The rifle shot fairly well this first time out shooting paper patched bullets but I wasn't impressed with the recoil of heavy conicals and a brass butt plate. So I decided to draw up a pattern for a Gibbs style rifle using the Hawken components. I cut the stock out of a billet of black walnut that I cut about 30 years ago in my hometown. I built in a 3/16"cast off to please me and lengthened the fore stock to accommodate the longer barrel using the original under rib and pipes. The addition of a Hogue recoil pad was a must, and I'm no wimp. I cut off the set trigger to form into the pistol grip area better and forged a new trigger guard from steel. A black hard plastic grip cap was made to finish that off nicely, and a traditional linseed oil finish was applied.
Back out to the range I went and shot up a whole load of different old bullets I had for a while not really worried about accuracy at this point but mechanics, fit, recoil and I must say I'm more than pleased with all. It amazed me how little this rifle kicks because it fits me so well. My best group of the day( not that it matters now) was Daves No excuses .451, 460 grains, pushed by a wool felt wad and 80 grains Pyredox P. Grouping at about 1.5"@ 50 yards.
I know a lot of you guys on here could give me a lot of pointers on gunbuilding as this is pretty new to me but much enjoyable. This has been a blast.
Magnum
Back out to the range I went and shot up a whole load of different old bullets I had for a while not really worried about accuracy at this point but mechanics, fit, recoil and I must say I'm more than pleased with all. It amazed me how little this rifle kicks because it fits me so well. My best group of the day( not that it matters now) was Daves No excuses .451, 460 grains, pushed by a wool felt wad and 80 grains Pyredox P. Grouping at about 1.5"@ 50 yards.
I know a lot of you guys on here could give me a lot of pointers on gunbuilding as this is pretty new to me but much enjoyable. This has been a blast.
Magnum