Chamber issue with a falling block, need ideas
I just picked up a Bay State Arms falling block in 32 rimfire/32 centerfire (has a dovetailed breechface so you can switch between the two. A chamber cast indicates that 32 Long Colt should chamber. The rifle is a fore runner of the Hopkins and Allen 832 or 932. The riflle was a bit of a basket case when i got it. It was missing the spring and screw that keeps the lever up and the breech block in the firing position the hammer would not stay in the notch on the sear because of wear or somebody trying to make lighter trigger pull(if this was the case all they needed to do was find a screw to use the trigger adjusting mechanism.
I made a spring and had a screw that fit for the lever. some minor file and stone work fixed the sear so it functions now.
So here is my issue. At some point something was stuck in the chamber. Could have been someone trying to fit the wrong cartridge into the chamber. 32 S&W won't go in so i have no idea what they tried. Anyway there is a small nick in the chamber where the rim seats. this land is less than a 1/16th of an inch. I would like to stone it out and was wondering if there is a way to do this without messing it up. The dremel is sitting on the bench saying use me but so far i have resisted the urge.
Let me know your ideas.
Thanks
Michael
5 Attachment(s)
Bay State 32 cal falling block project update
Time for an update:
With help from uscra112 i was able to fabricate the missing lever spring. he sent me a photo and some measurementsAttachment 221686 and i made this oneAttachment 221687 It fit and functions.
I was able to smooth out the chamber with a homemade chamber iron and while the rim rebate needs some additional work it is passable.
picked up some reformed brass from Buffalo Arms (made from 32 S&W Long), some 80g 20:1 heeled bullets and a set of CH dies and produced these
Attachment 221689
on the left are lubed with Rooster Lube and the right with Alox no leading with either.
the load was 2.5g of Unique with CCI small pistol primers(in old guns make sure your gun is in sound condition before you use this load and use it at your own risk.)
Here is the rifle
Attachment 221697
and here is the result
Attachment 221698
10 rounds at 25 yards. the rear sight is all the way down and it shoots high and to the right. The front sight is very thin and the notch in the rear is tiny. the rear is as low as can be without modification. not the best setup for my 64 year old eyes but i will work on the sights or start looking for a tang mounted sight like the one above. it is drilled and tapped for one.
For a rifle with a poor bore and being 120 years old or so i am pleased.
Thanks again for all the help and advice.
Michael