Author Topic: Underhammer Question (Read 1188 times)

Bottom_Slapper · « **on:** October 13, 2004, 06:54:49 AM »

Hello all!

Does anyone offer an affordable Underhammer Box Lock that does not use it's Main Spring for a Trigger Guard?

Thank you,
Bottom_Slapper

filmokentucky · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2004, 08:10:31 AM »

I wanted to build a bench rifle on this type of action some years ago and
was told that I would have to build my own action as no one was commercially producing them. I always check at gunshows on the off chance that an original will be found, but so far no luck. There is supposed to be a set of detailed drawings floating around the web but I've yet to find them.
I find it surprising that there is so little interest in these rifles as the accuracy that they can deliver is nothing short of amazing. Yet here in the
Connecticut River Valley, only a few miles from where they were built in their greatest numbers, mention of them is greeted with a blank stare.
All I can say is keep looking, as one of these guns is worth having, whether in a heavy target style or as a light hunting rifle.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2004, 09:04:40 AM »

I don't know of anyone either, but give Bruce Lingenfelter (?) a try. Here is his web site: http://bluegrouseblackpowder.intranets.com/default.asp?link=

For the underhammer with main spring/trigger guard you can get them from Bruce or Deer Creek Products in Waldron, Indiana. Phone is (765) 525-6181. Good folks to deal with.

The beauty of the underhammer using the mainspring as trigger guard is that it is so simple. There are only three parts, hammer, trigger and spring. I imagine that you could modify one to use an internal spring of some kind. It just depends on how much work you want to stick into it.

What is your reason for not wanting to have the mainspring for the trigger guard? I had one for 36 years and had no troubles with the spring. What I found objectionable was that there was no trigger stop so overtravel was horrendous. Bruce there has an adjustable trigger assembly which takes care of this.

-WH-

Bottom_Slapper · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2004, 09:22:33 AM »

Hello all!
Filmokentucky and Others,

Here is a picture I received from a person that makes Underhammer Locks of his own design. It's what I am looking for, but the price he is asking for it is more than the cost of a new H&A underhammer rifle.

Bottom_Slapper

filmokentucky · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2004, 10:51:07 AM »

Hawk, I don't have a thing against the Hopkins and Allen actions. If they were good enough for Mr. Billinghurst, they're good enough for me. I just want to try something different. I had a H&A years ago and swore by it. Left it in my truck one day and some low life walked off with it. Mine was from Numrich Arms in .45 caliber and was a tack driver.
The price for low production, handmade actions is always high. It might be possible to make a similar action at home if you have some skill with handtools and a good work bench. If memory serves, I believe Leonard Day builds an underhammer action. I'll ask him next time I see him.

filmokentucky · « **Reply #5 on:** October 15, 2004, 05:31:08 PM »

Hey Bottom Slapper-Check out page 290 in Ned Robert's book "The
Muzzleloading Caplock Rifle." There's a drawing of an underhammer action
with dimensions. I'd say that a person with basic skills could build it. The hammer looks like it would be the most complicated piece to make. Might
be a good winter project for a hopeless muzzlegun addict....