removal of blunderbuss barrel

Removing blunderbuss Barrel

I want to refinish the stock to match my hawken, What do use to tap the pin out? I'm thinking the head of a small brad nail, thoughts? As far as shooting it goes,for re-enacting purposes we don't use live shot. However, it likes about 150gr of FFFG with magician's flash paper for wadding, it gives it a nice effect. (and wakes the dead)
 
Gotta admit, eating one's own words tastes awful.
But, I'm only sorta nibbling, not swallowing them completely.
I found my book "Recreating the American Longrifle" by William Buchele and George Shumway. The book is considered by many to be the 'bible' on the how to of building a traditional muzzle loader. And Buchele and Shumway were for a long time considered the ultimate experts on the subject. The book is well researched. (BTW, I knew George Shumway. He was a true gentleman.)
As for which side pins or keys should be installed, I have long believed they should be inserted and removed only from the right side. And, many master builders I have known subscribe to that philosophy.
When I built my Brown Bess, I carefully researched many details, including visiting a colletors display of original BBs. The pins were inserted from the right.
OK, now my word eatin' confession. On page 87, they say, ".....and by tradition (wedges) enter from the left or cheek-piece side." :o
But, to further investigate this world stopping issue, I looked through a bunch of back issues of Muzzle Blasts. I found illustrations of originals that showed pins and wedges inserted from both sides.
I can only conclude there is no traditional 'rule' for which side they should be inserted.
So, HH, on this issue I owe an apology.
But, I'll getcha another time. ;)
 
If worried about splintering, I'd lay the stock on a soft piece of wood. Then I'd drive the pin out so that the soft wood held back any wood from splintering outward while the metal pin entered the soft wood like a nail. Then wriggle the pin out of the wood afterwards.


.
 
HH, on this issue I owe an apology.
Click to expand...

Nah, you may be right there may not be a correct way to do it. I mainly looked at pics of original Hawken's and I read somewhere(don't remember where now)that keys for right handed shooters went in from left and for left handed shooters they went in from right so the head of the key would be in the shooters palm.


But, I'll getcha another time.
Click to expand...

Of that I have no doubt.:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top