reshape ruger forend

[horseman308]

I'm thinking that I'd like to reshape the forend of my ruger 1B from it's factory dimensions to a schnable forend. like on a sharps or a Browning 1885 hi-wall a friend of mine has.  Has anyone here ever done anything like that? What type of process would you recommend: could I use a band saw to shave parts or should I just file it down by hand all the way.  When it comes to recreating the checkering, are there special jigs or tools that make it easier than just free handing?

I'm thinking that I'll buy a replacement forend from Ruger, so I'll have a good one in case this goes bad and I won't have to recut the barrel and hanger channels.  Any advice out there would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[John Traveler1]

Recontouring your Ruger is fairly straightforward.  See Frank DeHaas ("Mr. Single Shot") books and articles for ideas.

I would take careful measurements first, and layout the proposed shape on paper before cutting.

Lay out work lines on the foreend to maintain symmetry.  Use a rasp or coarse 1/2 round file to shape and contour the foreend.  A bandsaw would make it go faster, of course, but is not necessary.

For final shaping, wrap heavy duct tape on the metal to protect it, and do final shaping ON THE ASSEMBLED RIFLE.  The is give you that all important final "look" and "feel".

Hand checkering is about your only option unless you want to send the work out to a professional checker.  Good luck, and show us your project!

John