Thread: BlackPowder gunsmithing

Howdy all,
I know I've been scarce around here lately, busy and broke, ya know

Reciently I decided not to put so much energy into resisting my interest in firearms, both specialty handguns and Black Powder arms... Mostly the BP arms I started researching what all it takes to be a blackpowder gunsmith these days. 25 years ago I was heading down that path but managed to talk myself out of it and have been miserable (and blocking it) for years.

So I've decided to do this as a part time venture, building kits, repairing junkers, so on and so forth. As time moves of I'm going to make some parts as my skills increase. At the moment I'm testing myself with a project. You see, I really have a strong dislike of in-line (modern) muzzleloaders... I'm a traditionalist and darn proud of it So I have started aquiring the parts needed to convert a modern In-line into something that looks like a traditional rifle. Will it work? Who knows, but I think if I can make this a reality and people like the work I've done I may be able to pull off setting up a BP customizing/Gunsmith shop at the ranch.

Lucky for me the heavy machines are already there So now I need to aquire the hand tools. I'm currently going through my razors setting up my rotation, and sell off the rest to fund my start up tools.

Anyone out there building kits and such?

I'm not a gunsmith, but I'm not averse to working on my guns when they need it. I also shoot black powder shells, mostly for the fun of the BOOM, the sheet of flame and the masses of smoke you get...!

Its also rather fun when someone you're shooting with asks you if you have a spare cartridge and you hand them a black powder load..!

Good luck with your venture and keep us posted!

That's kind of a jerk thing to do, especially if their gun wasn't designed to shoot black powder rounds.

Modern shotguns are nitro proofed so they can all shoot black powder, which is typically a slightly lower pressure round.

Besides which, I've known the people I shoot with for years (one of them is my father) and we are all good friends, as well as black powder users, so I know there is no issue with giving them these rounds to use.

But thank you for your concern.

Originally Posted by Stubear

so I know there is no issue with giving them these rounds to use.

Aside from the fact that black powder will leave a residue in their gun that is far more corrosive than that from a nitro powder.

True, but we do all already use these rounds. I guess we just like the smoke..!

Maybe I made my original post sound like I'm swapping random strangers rounds for black powder charges, but this isnt the case..!

Its just when the guys I shoot with ask for a spare cartridge, I'll bung them a black powder round.

I used to shoot BP cartrige rounds as well lol The group I shot with used the same loads, and one round was a BP round (shotgun), the one that got that load bought dinner for the group LOL Was alot of fun.

As long as the guns are cleaned properly there would be no problem.

Heading to the ranch tomorow to check out the tools grandpa stored away, so I can see what parts I need to get. Heck the lathe, Mill, drill press, and bandsaw are the hard ones to work with, and they work just fine So I'm only going to need a few specialty tools I imgine. We shall see

I'm going to have to give that a try! The one who gets the BP buys the beers afterwards..!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

I used to shoot BP cartrige rounds as well lol The group I shot with used the same loads, and one round was a BP round (shotgun), the one that got that load bought dinner for the group LOL Was alot of fun.

As long as the guns are cleaned properly there would be no problem.

Heading to the ranch tomorow to check out the tools grandpa stored away, so I can see what parts I need to get. Heck the lathe, Mill, drill press, and bandsaw are the hard ones to work with, and they work just fine So I'm only going to need a few specialty tools I imgine. We shall see

Dwarvenchef, great that you are going to persue blackpowder gunsmithing. I do a little tinkering myself. if you like pm me and I can put you in contact with a mate of mine who has been building bp rifles since the early seventies, he lives in Vernal, Utah. I have a couple of his very fine rifle guns, a beaut Lancaster style rifle,.40 Collerain swamped barrel and a lovely Jim Chambers lock, also a 1/2 stock leman rifle in .36 with a siler percussion lock, both ver fine shooters. Niel spent some time down under where I got to know him when he worked for Green River Rifle Company.


Cheers
Ps then new fangled brass manglers will never catch on !!

trad blackpowder is all i shoot, those inlines are a joke and should not be allowed during the blackpowder season.I am a ball and patch guy, got 2 flinters and 2 cappers,and enjoy the people who shoot them.A fellow up the road from me has designed his own over/under flintlock swivel breech,with curley maple,sliver inlays,and carvings, what a peice of art. good luck on you BP gunsmithing and post some pics.