How would I go shooting black in this?

[4fingermick]

It is a H&R Commemorative and is silver plated.
Mick.

 

[Third_Rail]

.45-70 trapdoor, yes? Personally, I'd try it out with pre-loaded BP rounds - Goex makes them and Cabela's, among others, sells them. If you like that, then you can get the equipment and supplies needed to load your own.


EDIT: Sorry, I just noticed you're in Australia. What are the restrictions like on owning reloading supplies like empty cases, presses, dies, powder, primers, bullets, etc.?

 

[4fingermick]

No limit, except on powder, which everyone ignores, but they are clamping down on gun dealers only letting them buy 25lbs at a time. It is a nightmare for them.

I have all the gear and have done a little bp reloading, but I was wondering how it would go with the silver finish. I suppose a lot of firearms were plated like this in days gone by.

 

[Third_Rail]

Well, I would think the silver would oxidize and turn black somewhat with any residue left, but there's really no way around that. Things rust, and silver turning black is it "rusting".

 

[4fingermick]

Now I'm confused!

I really like this rifle, but am not interested in owning a rifle that I can't shoot and am not interested in shooting BP equivalent smokeless loads in it. The fact that it is a yankee made rifle and has the engraving makes it all the more desirable (the Italian ones are very well made and I have a uberti 1866, but I feel that a Trapdoor should be made in the USA!).

I ownder what it would cost to have the silver plating removed and get it matte chromed or silver nitrates like the shotguns?

Mick.

 

[Plastic Cowboy]

Couldn't you just rub silver polish on it after your done shootin???

 

[4v50 Gary]

Automobile wax if you don't have Rennaisance Wax (get the latter at Woodcraft).

 

[Gewehr98]

Just shoot the damned thing with BP loads.

Then clean and polish it afterwards. No big deal, really.

 

[4fingermick]

I suppose if it' still there in a week or so when my retirement cheque comes through, I'll buy it, otherwise I'll put it behind me. mick.

A few more pics, I have only had this photobucket account for awhile and haven't had a chance to upload many pics.

http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k228/4fingermick/Single Shots and Target Rifles/

 

[1911 guy]

Use natural greases.

Just shoot it! Use natural lubes and greases, petroleum makes a mess of BP fouling. A wax on the silver before hand will help clean up. Make sure you clean your brass soon after shooting, also.

 

[Cincinnati Slim]

Go for it Mate !

People have used silverplated platters and pitchers for HUNNERTS OF YEARS.
No big deal, just don't use anything abrasive or purty soon y'all rub the Silver plumb OFF !

Now, myself, I think a little tarnish/patina would look cool and old-timey.

Cheers,

Slim

 

[4fingermick]

Yeah, but they didn't stick BP on it and set fire to it!

 

[dispatch55126]

I've got an idea. Send it to me then you won't have to worry about it.

 

[4fingermick]

That's mighty kind of you despatch, but I'll struggle by with it. I haven't bought it yet, I was on the phone and one of the sales clerks let me know (inadvertantly) that the shop didn't pay too much for it. I'm tempted to get them to put it aside, but I'll wait till early next week when I have the cash and I'll ring up and arm wrestle over the phone. Bit of a gamble, but I have bought so many gus lately, I'll have to live till I'm 90 to work out loads and cast boolits for all of them. Mick.