.45 Cal Huntsman

[OldSchoolRanger]

Funny how things happen, I was waiting for an answer from a member regarding my "I'll take it offer", the member didn't respond for a couple of days. Another member was claiming to have the first claim. Long story short, I decided, that the selling member had second thoughts and wasn't going to sell. I withdrew my offer to purchase the barrels. Guess what happened? Someone I knew decided to sell his old .45 cal Huntsman. Since I didn't blow my money on the other purchase, I took him up on his offer. Now, I'm the owner of a 1973 Huntsman. It needs work & a ramrod, but what the heck, that's why we buy Handi's. Now I have to read more FAQ's to learn how to fix this baby up.

[PHATINJUN]

Congrats Tak you can get them other bbl's anytime .But the .45's are getting harder to aquire. Is it a push-in-out plug or a screw in? Kurt

[OldSchoolRanger]

It's a push-in-out plug.  I managed to get the plug out after spending a couple of hours on it cleaning and soaking the barrel with one of the foaming cleaners.  I knew it was a push out because I read here (someplace) that the screw out ones had two holes along side the nipple (See, I remembered some of the things I read).
The gun needs a lot of cleaning, the nipple was clogged with powder/primer residue, and the hammer was slipping, took the stock off to get to the innards, to blow out the built up gunk. I can't believe the amount of powder residue on the gun. Going to need another day to get the gun as clean as I want.
When I replace the plug do I have to use some sort of anti seizing compound? I know you have to use it on the threads of a screw in plug, and on the nipple, but on the sides of the push in plug?
Am I correct in believing that it takes a #11 primer? Also does anyone have a lead as to where I can get a replacement ramrod?

 

[Brewster]

Ben Hubbard makes 'em.  You'll love the product, price and service.  1-205-665-0444
Give him him your caliber and barrel length, and you're in business.

[PHATINJUN]

I put a little grease on the "O"ring to help it slide in. You are correct with the #11. I believe you can still get the original Ram Rod from the factory. Some guys despize them I don't have a problem with them as I would rather spend the money on a very good range rod that gets used 99% of the time anyway. Only time I use the factory rod is when hunting and most of the time it's used once maybe twice a season to load a follow up shot if needed.I do have a couple of Hubbards but the new one that just came on a .45 I just purchased is very hard to get out of the thimble it fits to tight. The other one works ok for the 12ga. Kurt

[OldSchoolRanger]

Kurt,
Is regular automotive (white lithium, or axle ) grease okay to use on the "O' ring? I read somewhere, I believe it was in the FAQ's, to not use petroleum based products around BP substitutes. I think I'm suffering from information overload.
Anyway I finally got the barrel cleaned up, and it looks pretty good, considering how bad it looked when I first got it. I thought it was going to have rust spots & corrosion, but after cleaning the bore it looks great.
Now all I have to do is see how clean I can get the trigger assembly without resorting to taking it apart. If a good cleaning doesn't solve the slipping hammer, I guess the next step is to take it apart. I already have a rough idea on how to do it based upon your pointing me at "perklo's Trigger work".
This has to be the best site on the web for anybody interested in Handi's.
Thanks again.
OSR

[PHATINJUN]

I don't think it matters to much Crisco or Vasaline is ok too... your not using but a tiny bit on the "O" ring to help it slide in. Kurt