Traditions St. Louis Hawken Build
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Traditions St. Louis Hawken Build
Completed the dry fitting then proceeded to bedding the barrel tang area as there was a pretty sizable gap under the bottom. Bedding went well and I was pretty happy with the finished job. Next bedded the trigger assembly.
Proceeded to sanding 120, 220, 400 grit - sand/wet/de-whisker 3 times with each grit. Nice surface at 400 grit. Applied 4 coats of Birchwood Casey Walnut - diluted 50:50 then learned that I should apply it as received. Next 2 coats of stain - BC Rusty Walnut followed by 2 more coats of the Walnut. Happy with the stain.
Applied 8 coats of BC - Genuine Oil over the next week. Ran out of Genuine Oil and switched to Tru Oil for the last 2 coats. The stock is now hanging to cure 3 weeks before buffing and waxing - Johnsons Paste Wax.
The stock is stunning at least to me.
Draw sanded the barrel and the brass fittings - will darken with Jax Brass Black per a video by Jim Kibler - this weekend when I get home.
I apologize for no pics. I have not figured out how to post them yet. I will get it figured out and follow on this post with pics because we know, no pics, never happened!
I made a couple of minor mistakes, nothing earth shaking, but I've learned a ton and received great suggestions from several forum members. Thank You Gentlemen! Jonathon thank you for the emails and information.
All for now....jcast!
Jcast- Posts : 46
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If you go to the FORUM SUPPORT CENTER, I posted a thread on how to add images.
It is very easy. If you have any questions, just get hold of me and I'll walk you through it.
Looking forward to seeing those pics.
Stan
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Jcast
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Jcast wrote:Mustang65 thank you. I’ll have a look tonight once finished work!
Jcast
You are very welcome. We are always here to help.
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Next up - will finish sanding the brass. I draw sanded the barrel to 320 grit and it is ready to be blued. I am going to follow a Jim Kibler video using JAX brass darkener and do the brass as well. A little nervous but should be ok. I can always sand it off and re do as contingency plan. Debating on using BC blue removal on the lock to remove the case harden blue. Folks I've shown the rifle really like the lock as pictured above.
Getting close to finishing. I've acquired all the accoutrements, powder, ball, patch, lube, range rod. Working hard to be patient and enjoy the process.
All for now - thanks for letting me post and helping me figure out the picture posting
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Jcast wrote:Thank you again for the coaching on the pics. Will get it blued and put together soon. Planning on a fall harvest hunt for whitetail. In my youth never took a deer with a muzzleloader. Need to rectify that now!
We just put in for elk and deer tags here in Colorado. Should know something by the end of May!
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Jcast wrote:Fingers crossed!
Me, Jonathan and my oldest son also Stan put in for elk & deer for muzzleloader season in September.
Jonathan lives out on the Eastern Plains of Colorado so he also put in for an antelope tag for December rifle season.
If he gets his antelope tag we are going with him to have some fun. Antelope can be a real challenge. They spook real easy, but awesome.
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Mounted the sights and took a few pics before disassembly the gun in preparation for final metal sanding and blueing later today or tomorrow!
Note - I have aging eyes and decided to try using a peep sight mounted where the Traditions kit plastic sights mount via screws to tapped threads in the barrel. I will paint the front blade with a bright white paint. I bought the large peep insert however I think I will use the Johnson Peep as a Ghost ring. It looks right to my eyes so I guess i will go with it. Once I get on a range and/or in the woods and practice I will use both and see what works best for hunting.
Pics follow:
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Jcast
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Jcast wrote:Have to cut screws down and file the tenon on the blade sight as its wider than the dovetail.
Yeah, the European dovetails are smaller than the American 3/8" and it's a common problem with the imports. Good on you to file the sight base and not the barrel! I see from your next post that you filed too much. That can often be remedied by taking a center punch and hammer and stippling the underside of the tenon, if it's just a loose fit. Of course JB Weld can come to the rescue also....
It is looking good! I'm waiting with baited breath to see the finished rifle.
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