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Post by osprey on Sept 29, 2007 11:57:01 GMT -5
I GOT A SHOOTER!!! ;D ;D Took me a bit to get everything sighted in, was a goodly bit left until I started tapping sights over, and it's pretty finicky about flints (or I just have a lot to learn, which is most likely), but once I got it set it's pretty good. Here's 25 yards, shooting 50 grains of FFF with a .440 round ball and .015 Ox Yoke patches presoaked with Wonder Lube...  Here's 50 yards with the same load. It'll get tighter as I get used to shooting it and the pan flash. I think I might be able to kill a deer with this!!!   |
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Post by osprey on Sept 30, 2007 7:31:48 GMT -5
Well, I was going to go bowhunting last evening, but I guess I've got it pretty bad 'cause I stayed at the workbench to work on the gun instead.  I'm not going to be able to concentrate on much of anything else until I get this thing done I guess... But I finished the last bits of trim carving I had to do, then started the final sandings. 180 grit all over, then 220, then 320, then 400, then fine steel wool. Then I did one of the coolest things I've learned - whiskering. Once it's as smooth as you can get it, you wet the wood to raise the grain. Evidently the sanding pushes down some of the wood fibers instead of cutting them off, wetting it makes them stand up. You can use water, but it takes longer to dry, so I used rubbing alcohol. Dried in minutes. Pretty neat, when you run your hand over the wood afterwards it does feel just like day old whiskers! Sanded again, then one more round of whiskering, then final sand with 000 steel wool. Even got the first coat of stain done last night, and now it's bright yellow!!!!!  Don't worry, I'm not crazy, it gets a top coat of brown over this. The yellow base coat makes the curl stripes stand out more... |
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Post by osprey on Oct 1, 2007 8:42:25 GMT -5
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Post by davep on Oct 1, 2007 10:01:14 GMT -5
TRULY something to be proud of!
Great job!
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Post by mdbowhuntr on Oct 1, 2007 12:30:39 GMT -5
You did a helluva job on that one Osprey, it looks great!!! Congratulations.
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Post by osprey on Oct 3, 2007 13:39:21 GMT -5
I say it will be 100% complete by Nov. 18th. 2008 Okay, I haven't forgotten this one! Where are you Hardcore, I'm about to knock your bet WAYYYYY off the table?!?!?! ;D |
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Post by Bartman on Oct 3, 2007 14:34:32 GMT -5
Looks awesome Dave! Haven't checked this thread in a while. I'm really impressed with the sika. Just keep that thing tied to the kayak.
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Post by osprey on Oct 3, 2007 15:16:04 GMT -5
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Oct 3, 2007 15:32:05 GMT -5
CONGRATS!
Made me begin working again on the pistol I started last year.
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Post by duckbuster on Oct 3, 2007 16:20:22 GMT -5
Now that is a beauty . You have a gift of patience great job . Wish i had the time to do something like that.
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Post by BuckMaster on Oct 3, 2007 18:55:25 GMT -5
All I can say is WOW!!!!
That is amazing
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Post by Hardcorehunter on Oct 3, 2007 19:23:38 GMT -5
Osprey it looks AWESOME. Much like a restored vintage car I think I would be afraid of messing it up in the field. Would look great on a wall but I know the satisfaction of shooting a sika with it will probably be the highlight of your season, as well it should be. Joking about Nov. 18, but I did under estimate your commitment. I wish I had the skill and patience to take on such a project. An artform for sure! Nice Work!
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Post by busco on Oct 3, 2007 20:05:13 GMT -5
Awsome rifle, would love to see it in person.. you definately have something to be proud of
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Post by osprey on Oct 4, 2007 11:28:05 GMT -5
Thanks all! I have to admit I'm still staring at it, not hardly believing I did that.  Now I've just got to settle on what's next. Got about a dozen ideas swirling in my head for the next one... |
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Post by mdbowhuntr on Oct 4, 2007 13:11:19 GMT -5
OUTSTANDING!!! Osprey, that is truly a piece of work!! congratulations. I can't wait to see your next effort.
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I'm not going to be able to concentrate on much of anything else until I get this thing done I guess...
