Another Trapdoor Sporter

[mazo kid]

I can't compare to Waksupi's skill in building rifles, but I did this one myself and at least I like it. I started with a Trapdoor that may have been someone's gunsmith project? The metal was all re-blued, but the stock was quite rough. I bought a pre-carve stock and had the inletting nearly done, was working on the buttplate, when we had a freak accident and the stock was water soaked and stained from the water and steel. I put it away for a couple-three years, then decided to see if I could salvage it. Luckily, there was still wood that needed to be removed, so I started sanding and finishing. I don't usually stain walnut stocks, but since this still showed a little staining in places, I used the antique Winchester stain/finish.

[mazo kid]

I made the trigger guard, trigger plate, and extended tang from stuff I had.



A friend suggested using a sight hood as a "poor man's globe sight", I had one so polished it up a bit and cold blued it

[mazo kid]

So, there it is. I haven't shot it yet, still casting and loading ammo for the rifle. The tang sight is an old C. Sharps I bought a few years ago, also put a Buffington barrel sight on the rifle.



And yes, I did save all the old furniture, stock, etc., although this will not be a collectible rifle.

[M-Tecs]

Very nice work.

[ajjohns]

Hey, if you like it and it shoots good, there's nothing else to worry about. I think it looks nice for sure.

[TenTea]

Hello Mr mazo kid.
If I might add to your thread...
Your rifle is looking good and will be fun on the range, I suspect.
Speaking of Trapdoor tang sight possibilities, I ciphered a way to utilize a Marble Arms tang sight made for a Savage 99.
Rifle has no permanent modifications and the sight works well, although it is not soldier proof.
Enjoy!

[johnson1942]

thanks, that was fun seeing and reading

[Earlwb]

It is looking really nice. You did a good job on it.

[PaulG67]

Wow that looks really nice, I like it. Almost makes me wish I hadn't sold mine to Bruce, but just almost, I certainly would never have gotten up and running like Bruce did. It was the right thing to do.

[mazo kid]

Very clever way to get a tang sight on your rifle without modifying the stock!

[bruce drake]

Paul,

If you ever want her back, just let me know. But yes, she is fun to shoot.

Bruce

[TenTea]

Very clever way to get a tang sight on your rifle without modifying the stock!

Thanks!

Someday, I'll find a donor stock and inlet the wood for a Montana Vintage Arms sight similar to the one you are using.

Then, I'll be in the tall cotton!

[Blackwater]

Mazo, don't be so humble. Anyone who's ever done what you have knows full well what all is involved in it. You did very well, sir! And I suspect taking a deer with it will only add greatly to the hunting experience, too. The hardest part for me is always getting the grip to feel just like I want it to. It's amazing how just a few thousandths can make such a big difference in how it feels.

And BTW, you did a great job of finishing the wood so that it has that certain character of an honorable old gun. Not shiny, just a nice sheen. If I was grading you, I'd give you a solid "A" for your work.

[mazo kid]

.......The hardest part for me is always getting the grip to feel just like I want it to. It's amazing how just a few thousandths can make such a big difference in how it feels.
And BTW, you did a great job of finishing the wood so that it has that certain character of an honorable old gun. Not shiny, just a nice sheen. If I was grading you, I'd give you a solid "A" for your work.

Yes, it is hard to know just how much wood to take off. My pistol grip feels good, but I sometimes think I could have made the forearm a bit more slender. Oh, and thanks for the kind words.

[waksupi]

Yes, it is hard to know just how much wood to take off. My pistol grip feels good, but I sometimes think I could have made the forearm a bit more slender. Oh, and thanks for the kind words.

There is a simple formula for grip forming. Measure from the crease of the first joint in your trigger finger, to the most prominent crease on the opposite side of your hand in the palm. This is from outside, to outside. This is the distance that should be from the trigger to the tip on the grip.

[M-Tecs]

There is a simple formula for grip forming. Measure from the crease of the first joint in your trigger finger, to the most prominent crease on the opposite side of your hand in the palm. This is from outside, to outside. This is the distance that should be from the trigger to the tip on the grip.

Never knew that. Thanks!!!!!!

[Von Gruff]

There is a simple formula for grip forming. Measure from the crease of the first joint in your trigger finger, to the most prominent crease on the opposite side of your hand in the palm. This is from outside, to outside. This is the distance that should be from the trigger to the tip on the grip.

Can you clarify somewhat on this as I am seeing a difference in length between the two points you mention in the somewhat more closed American styled grips compared to the more open "English style" that has quite a difference in the relationship between the trigger and the grip end with the shooting stance the rifle is intended for determining the grip shape. A high elbow stance that is more suited to a fast jump shooting (or offhand shooting) will be much more comfortable with a long open grip where a low elbow stance is often used in the more deliberate and often rested shooting style that utilises the slightly more closed grip where the distance between the trigger and the grip tip is quite markedly different between the two styles.

[waksupi]

Can you clarify somewhat on this as I am seeing a difference in length between the two points you mention in the somewhat more closed American styled grips compared to the more open "English style" that has quite a difference in the relationship between the trigger and the grip end with the shooting stance the rifle is intended for determining the grip shape. A high elbow stance that is more suited to a fast jump shooting (or offhand shooting) will be much more comfortable with a long open grip where a low elbow stance is often used in the more deliberate and often rested shooting style that utilises the slightly more closed grip where the distance between the trigger and the grip tip is quite markedly different between the two styles.

This measurement doesn't necessarily effect the grip shape, just the length of the grip, even with an open grip. Regardless of grip design, your hand remains the same size.
Otherwise you end up with extra unnecessary wood on the stock. I got this from the Colorado School of Trades gunsmithing course book.
Over the years I've gotten very attached to this method, as it lends itself to best overall stock design.