Author Topic: How they got slick....... (Read 1190 times)

RB Rooson · « **on:** June 22, 2004, 05:05:14 PM »

I am far from a "Top Notch" shooter, but probably do remain competitive and immensely enjoy Cowboy Action (that's what it's all about, right?).

I have never had an "action job" on any gun that I own, they just got "slick" through alot of use!

'94 Marlin Cowboy II in .38/357 has about 15,000 rounds through it and literally "sings" now. At about 7,000 rounds it really started to smooth out. I know this rifle like a good friend......

Stoeger .12 gauge Coachgun has about 8,000 shells through it and started to drop open easily at about 2,000 shots. I religiously take care of this shotgun as I doubt I'll get another like it......

Two (2) AWA Longhorns .38/357 with 5 1/2" barrels came out of the box fairly smooth and have gotten comfortable with them over the last 2 years. I think the key to these is to not "fiddle with them too much" and keep them clean and oiled. With the black grips, you'd be suprised how many people think these are Colts. Does anyone know the "life expectancy" on the AWA's? When I wear them out, I just may go back to Rugers.....but right now, the Longhorns are cool!!! :lol:

Big Hext Finnigan · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2004, 02:36:47 AM »

Howdy RB,

While I can't claim the number of rounds through my gun, slick and honed through use is the way a couple of my guns are as well. I bought a Marlin 1894C from Dawge Nose a couple of years ago. It was nice... but now, after loaning it out, my son shooting it and even I use it sometime.. it's slick as can be.. even with the two part firing pin.

I've got one slick pistol, that I bought slicked up. I admit that I don't like it as much as my semi-slick pistols. I need a little resistance!

Thanks for the package. We'll talk later, amigo.
Adios all,

HWooldridge · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2004, 06:49:43 AM »

I used to do quickie action jobs on double actions by loading the innards with 400 grit grease based Clover compound and dry cycling them for some hours over several days. I then stripped and washed them out thoroughly in kerosene. This works well on most any gun and simulates several thousand rounds.

Holiday · « **Reply #3 on:** June 27, 2004, 10:58:13 AM »

I'm slowly coming to the opinion that much of the stuff being done to firearms in CAS to slick them up is just a good way to ruin a good gun. My Vaqueros have never been touched. They shoot great and just get better. Now, some of the Rossis I have had were rough and I polished them. They improved, but the work I did was minimal. In fact, the only gun I have that I did a lot of work on was my 1894 Cowboy. I did all the tricks and ended up with a rifle that was unreliable. In fact, I have seen a LOT of Marlins malfunction after they were slicked up. I replaced the "slicked" parts and my rifle works fine. I recently bought another Cowboy in .44-40. THIS rifle will stay stock. Yes, it is a little stiff. But I'm gonna enjoy breaking it in the old fashioned way!

Big Hext Finnigan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2004, 12:10:07 PM »

Howdy,

I've got to agree with you on a good bit of the gunsmithing. For some, all CAS gunsmithing is about is wearing the gun out. Sure, a gun all slick and loose from wear is fast, but it's not durable.

I do advocate a change in springs, and maybe some light stoning. Otherwise, shoot the gun and if you have obvious timing issues or some type of gun failure, THEN you go to your gunsmith.

Adios,

Cuts Crooked · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2004, 01:50:13 PM »

I have "slicked" several Rossi lever guns one fer myself, the others for pards who had really rough actions. My first Rossi was worn in to near perfect slickness by the time I got involved in CAS though.

Revolvers I don't touch normally. With my "dead" thumb it really doesn't make any difference how smooth the gun is anyway. Stone the sears is all I do to them and that only if the trigger is a bit rough. I see a lot of pards asking how to lighten up the hammer pull on thier wheel gunz and I jist have to chuckle! ( I have to hook the hammer in the crook of my thumb to safely pull a wheel gun to full rooster!

)

RB Rooson · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2010, 05:48:18 AM »

Six years later and this is still the case for me! Shoot 'em til they get slick.....have seen many "short-stroke kits, half-cock kits, light springs, etc. that go awry in a given length of time. I enjoy growing up with my guns, we become partners in this game.....I don't mess with them and they don't let me down!

Still have the AWA's, the Marlin '94 and the SxS Stoeger. Still shootin' Duelist and often ".....wonder why shoot like a cop, when you can shoot like a cowboy?" But, then again I like rhubarb pie washed down with a good Shiner Bock!!

Go figure, huh?