Hi folks,
I went to the range today with my "new - slightly used" Pedersolli Rolling Block rifle. It is a 45-70. I loaded 50 rounds with 60 grains of FFg with a wonder wad and a thin beeswax cookie under a 300 grain flat nose bullet. The rifle shoots better than I can see so I am basically happy with it. My question is this:
The FFL I got it from is well known to me and I trust him. When I asked why the former owner put the rifle on consignment my FFL said the guy was uncomfortable with the recoil and wanted something lighter. OK, I think that sounds reasonable. I probably should have looked the rifle over more carefully but it was virtually new and I let a detail slip by. I am sure the FFL didn't see it either.
The steel in the hammer is so soft that the rebound from the firing pin is peening a major divot in the hammer face. At first I thought the previous owner must have been shoothing some heavy smokeless loads but when I got home from the range today I checked and the divot is worse.
My FFL will stand behind the rifle but the darn thing is so great in every other respect I would like to keep it. If I mess with the hamer face that would probably present a safety problem - even though I do a lot of metal work. I guess a new hammer is the way to go unless someone has a suggestion.
When I was a kid I had an original Remington rolling block in 7X57. Shot it a lot and never saw anything like this.
PS After reading Ken's post I don't feel quite so bad.
