Plan to build a new ML this year!

[et1702]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in building an underhammer lock style ML this year.  Been doing some internet research and looks like the locks are hard to find.  Also, I would like any recommendations on barrel manufacturers (good & bad) that others have used.  I'm planning a 50cal w/32" to 34" barrel, 1" or 1 1/8" across the flats and maybe a twist between 1:26 to 1:32.  Plan to shoot sabot loads in the 250 to 350gr range, but would also like to be able to shoot cast bullets up to about 450gr.  So, twist rate isn't final yet. 

Looking primarily for accuracy, plus enough energy out to 200yrds for Elk hunting (i.e., at least 1000 ft lbs at 200+ yrds).

Anybody else built something similar lately?

Thanks,

ET

[fair-chase]

Marking this thread.

[McCascades]

I would start with the NMLRA. They would be the best resource that I know on who to contact regarding UH locks and barrel. Also try UNDERHAMMERS.COM. They have a UH locks for sale on AuctionArms website, Item # 107329008. That should get you started.

[BK]

Fire and iron
http://www.fire-iron.biz/
Will have the locks, as will Blue Grouse
http://bluegrouseblackpowder.webexone.com/login.asp?loc=&link=
You can buy a percussion barrel from Green Mountain Barrels.

[et1702]

I would start with the NMLRA. They would be the best resource that I know on who to contact regarding UH locks and barrel. Also try UNDERHAMMERS.COM. They have a UH locks for sale on AuctionArms website, Item # 107329008. That should get you started.

THANKS - Is this guy the Blue Grouse manufacturer?  I haven't been able to get ahold of him.  Looks like it him or someone liquidating his stock.

[et1702]

Fire and iron
http://www.fire-iron.biz/
Will have the locks, as will Blue Grouse
http://bluegrouseblackpowder.webexone.com/login.asp?loc=&link=
You can buy a percussion barrel from Green Mountain Barrels.

Yes, I've also been talking to Mark at Fire & Iron.  That was before Christmas and I haven't heard from him lately.

I already have a 50cal GM barrel for my old TC Hawken.  For this new gun, I was thinking of more of a custom build for the barrel.

Thanks,

ET

[lokidog]

Give Blue Grouse a call.

[tlake]

  Contact me if you have questions on shooting a underhammer. They fire every time if loose clothing doesnt get in the way of the hammer.

 If you don't want to build one I have rifle from Blue Grouse for sale if you want.  .54 cal with a 1/32 twist. It is a tack driver.

[BK]

Give Blue Grouse a call.

And set aside a block of time 'cuz he talks and it's worth your time to listen.

[lokidog]

I like the cantilevered scope mount for the peep because on my wife's gun, with the peep not attached to the barrel, the sights can get turned when cleaning as there is no rotation lock between the action and the barrel.  The only problem with mine is that I don't think he used a laser bore sighter when marking and tapping the second screw as I have to have a scope adjusted all the way to one side to hit the paper with it.

He does respond to phone calls better than email.

[high country]

http://www.longrifles-pr.com/actions.shtml

[et1702]

  Contact me if you have questions on shooting a underhammer. They fire every time if loose clothing doesnt get in the way of the hammer.

 If you don't want to build one I have rifle from Blue Grouse for sale if you want.  .54 cal with a 1/32 twist. It is a tack driver.

Thanks for the offer, but I'd like to build mine and I want to stay w/50cal, as I already ahve an old TC Hawken in 50cal and have a bunch of supplies.

[et1702]

http://www.longrifles-pr.com/actions.shtml

Thanks, I found this site too and was considering the lock box style.  But, I decided on the Underhammer model.  The H&A style UH actions are all cast metal.  I found a guy that machines them out of bar stock.  John Taylor Machine in Puyallup, WA.  He has steel versions, or Brass.  I really like his brass one and I think I'm going to ahve him build one for me.

[et1702]

I like the cantilevered scope mount for the peep because on my wife's gun, with the peep not attached to the barrel, the sights can get turned when cleaning as there is no rotation lock between the action and the barrel.  The only problem with mine is that I don't think he used a laser bore sighter when marking and tapping the second screw as I have to have a scope adjusted all the way to one side to hit the paper with it.

He does respond to phone calls better than email.

Lokidog, nice looking rifle!  BTW, I did call him and chatted a little last night.  I ended up buying an Orion 50cal barrel that he had laying around.  The Orion barrel is a 28" long 1:28 twist rate and 1" across the flats.  It's a new barrel, but several years old as Jerry Cunningham no longer makes them (i.e., closed up shop several years ago due to health reasons).  But, based on my research, he made some of the best ML barrels available.

FYI, per Blue Grouse he had 5 of these barrels made several years ago.  One was for a client and the others he squirreled away.  The clients barrel shot 3-shot group thru one ragged hole at 100yrds.  This is EXACTLY what I'm looking to accomplish.

[et1702]

Here is a picture of the John Taylor Brass action;

[lokidog]

That's pretty.

[high country]

http://www.longrifles-pr.com/actions.shtml

Thanks, I found this site too and was considering the lock box style.  But, I decided on the Underhammer model.  The H&A style UH actions are all cast metal.  I found a guy that machines them out of bar stock.  John Taylor Machine in Puyallup, WA.  He has steel versions, or Brass.  I really like his brass one and I think I'm going to ahve him build one for me.

Scroll down. They have underhammers.

[et1702]

Anyone ever considered Black Ice Teflon blueing for their ML.  The do have a dark brown color if you want too.  With WA weather, I am seriously considering this for my Underhammer project.

http://www.blackicecoatings.com/teflon-coating.html

Essentially, it would be protected from the elements as if it had a stainless barrel.

ET

[lokidog]

I used the hot blueing technique with a propane torch in plum brown.  Little/no rusting, when I don't let it sit for a week after shooting.     And, fairly cheap.

[high country]

Rust bluing is an option if you are ambitious. I know nothing about black ice, but cerakote is tougher than wood pecker lips.

[fair-chase]

Rust bluing is an option if you are ambitious. I know nothing about black ice, but cerakote is tougher than wood pecker lips.

How does cerakote compare to parkerizing for durability?

[high country]

Park is a chemical reaction that changes the surface of the steel. Cerakote is a sprayed on coating. Many guys cerakote right behind the parkerizing...that is about as tough as can be. Surface finish is bead blasted to park and cerakote, but the cerakote lays down smooth. Both are going to wear on sharp edges.

[et1702]

Front sight - Marble - green fiber

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/772466/marbles-front-sight-570-height-531-width-steel-blue-3-32-fiber-optic-green

Rear Sight - Marble Full-buckhorn

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/646052/marbles-sporting-rear-sight-rifle-style-2-3-4-long-blade-full-buckhorn-with-double-step-elevator-300-to-510-height-steel-blue