Some Recent Work & Some In Progress…

Here is a video of a recent project I completed.

An 1835 Percussion Muzzleloader…
Double Barreled, Swivel Breech
(yes Swivel!).
Made by a Gunmaker in Centre County, PA.

…and then there was… the ‘Challenge’

I was given a ‘challenge’. It is an old Knickerbocker, double barreled, break 12 guage shotgun. Not even the complete gun, its just the barrel, receiver and forestock. The challenge is to refinish the metal and the forestock to a point the owner would consider putting on a new stock.

Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion

It has been in a shop with no temperature control for a number of years. It is unknown as to why the buttstock is missing. It is rusted and heavily pitted. One of the receiver screws that currently will not budge so complete disassembly is impossible at this point. If further attempts to loosen and remove it fail it may need to be drilled out. Thats the last option I would consider as it is entirely possible that screw is not available anymore and would need to be created on a mill (I hear a cha-ching, $$$)

Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion
Before Rust Removal Solution Immersion

After 24 Hrs (partial) Immersion Rust Removal Solution

Most of the rust has been safely removed, leaving the pitting exposed (there is a LOT!).

After 48 Hrs (partial) Immersion Rust Removal Solution

After 48 hours as much of the rust that can be removed chemically has been removed. Now comes the physical use of nylon brushes, steel wool, superfine grit metal sanding paper (600-800 grit) and as a last resort fine tooth draw-filing. Filing actually removes metal so it can change the shape and thereby the fit of metal parts against and into each other. If the piece is to be brought to near factory then the only option is to first fill the pitting/holes and re-smooth the surface… then continue with bluing/browning.

Credits

Mick Crowder
Owner