Posted by: MarinePMI
12/06/2001, 13:47:19
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Just curious, why don't you make one? Frank DeHaas wrote a book with four single shot rifles that could be made at home with minimal tools. Two were cylindrical falling blocks, and the other two were sliding(?) block actions. I forget the exact name of the book (I've got it somewhere around here), but if you're intersted I could look around for it and give you the title, or maybe run some photo copies of a specific action. Just a thought... MarinePMI
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Posted by: Chris ®
12/06/2001, 15:37:16
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That'd be neat! Please post the info when you find it.
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Posted by: MarinePMI
12/06/2001, 16:20:48
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No problem, I'll pull the book off the shelf when I get home. An e-buddy of mine pointed the book out to me when I casually mentioned building a rifle from scratch one time as a joke. If I ever find the time I'll get around to building it (already bought the steel stock and springs, etc.), just need to find the time!!! MarinePMI
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Posted by: MarinePMI ®
12/06/2001, 22:29:02
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Okay, here's the title: "Mr. Single Shot's Book of Rifle Plans" by Frank and Mark DeHaas. I found it online a few months back using one of those Amazon Book's second party distributors who keep stock of books no longer in print. I think it ran about $24 (been awhile since I ordered it). The action I think would be the easiest would be the Chicopee swinging block. All of it can be done on a drill press and vise with a set of files. A lathe obviously would help a lot in forming round pieces, but there are comments about using round steel stock available at metal supply stores. The receiver is manufactured from flat steel stock, and sandwiched together (held together either by drilled&tapped screws, silver solder, or MIG welding). The unique thing is that when the walls of the receiver are constructed they form the sholder that the swinging block locks into battery against. It may seem hard to visualize, but it's a really ingenious design. I'll try and find a buddy with a scanner and post some of the pictures. It says it is the perfect action for the "218 Bee, 22 Hornet, 25-20 and 256 Magnum". It goes on to say that they knew of two shooters who chamber their rifles for .222 and .223, and fired them hundreds of times without any signs of fatigue, but that they still only recommend them for less powerful cartridges. I was going to build one in .22Mag (already bought the reamer), but a .17 rimmed cartridge seems like it would perform equally as well. Sorry for rambling... MarinePMI
Modified by MarinePMI at Thu, Dec 06, 2001, 22:31:37
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Posted by: jim saubier
12/07/2001, 07:00:10
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That does sound neat. I can only imagine how much time it would take to build the thing. And god only knows what mine would look like when I was through with it.
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Posted by: Richard Tennant ®
12/07/2001, 07:00:59
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Not long ago Brownells had several of this series of books. You might try looking there. Hope this helps
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Posted by: Nick b.
12/07/2001, 13:59:59
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Just curious, do you have to do anything with the BATF to make one, or just tool up and pop them out? I assume you would probably have to have a serial number, but is there anything else? I don't have the equipment, but would it be legal to pay a local machine shop build the reciever with their equipment? thanks.
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Posted by: D. Epperson ®
12/07/2001, 17:46:50
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http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#a7 A7) Does the GCA prohibit anyone from making a handgun, shotgun or rifle? [Back]
With certain exceptions a firearm may be made by a nonlicensee provided it is not for sale and the maker is not prohibited from possessing firearms.
However, a person is prohibited from making a semiautomatic assault weapon or assembling a nonsporting semiautomatic rifle or nonsporting shotgun from
imported parts. In addition, the making of an NFA firearm requires a tax payment and approval by ATF. An application to make a machinegun will not be
approved unless documentation is submitted showing that the firearm is being made for a federal or state agency. [18 U. S. C. 922( o), (r), (v), and 923, 27 CFR 178.39, 178.40, 178.41 and 179.105]
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Posted by: MarinePMI ®
12/26/2001, 22:37:43
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David, I spoke with a BATF agent, and was informed that a person could manufacture upto three firearms a year (not for sale) without any problems. To register, simply follow local regulations (usually involving a picture, since there is no serial number). Was I mis-informed??? MarinePMI
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Posted by: D. Epperson ®
12/27/2001, 01:14:38
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I couldn't say. But a simple type of serial number consisting of your initials and, say, the date of manufacture, would probably avoid all sorts of curious looks. And of course some of those "curious looks" lead to the need to seek someone to provide a legal defense. Anything which allows one to avoid paying a lawyer is a good thing in my book.
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Posted by: corbin shell
12/07/2001, 21:41:50
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Looks like there was a lot of interest in the topic. I have all of the DeHass books. Making an action is MUCH more involved than most people realize. I realize how much time is required and would rather spend $1000+ on an action and get a good quality product in a reasonable amount of time. I am looking for something along the lines of a miniture Hagen, Farquarson or Dakota.
If anyone has one of these please let me know. Corbin Shell
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Posted by: Al Nyhus ®
12/08/2001, 18:23:32
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Corbin, I'm not sure how small an action you are interested in, but the Browning Low Wall 1885 actions make a very nice gun. I've seen one that was rebarrelled to .17 Remington, and it was slick. The nice thing about these is that a rimmed or non-rimmed case will work with the ejector they use. A very nice .17 would be the Lapua 220 Russian case necked down to .17 with no other changes. Great article in P.S., by the way. I followed this story when it first came out some months ago....good shooting, to say the least. -Al.
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Posted by: corbin shell
12/09/2001, 18:05:30
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Al,
If I am going to do a single shot falling block action I want it to be on a rimmed cartridge. I am not familiar with the Browning action. Is the trigger adjustable??? If not I am sure it can be reworked and stoned to an acceptable pull.
How much do these actions run?Corbin
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Posted by: Al Nyhus ®
12/09/2001, 22:00:59
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The Browning 1885 Low Wall actions are not available unless as a complete rifle. The complete guns can be had for in the $650-700 range new. They are offered in a 22 Hornet I believe. This would make a natural to use with a 17 Hornet or a 17 Ackley Bee. A rimmed large case .17 could be done on the 225 Winchester shortened to around 1.500. Check the Gun List for the Browning...always some in there. Sounds like a neat project.
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Posted by: bcp Bruce Pryor
12/28/2001, 12:23:13
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Anyone if Cooper sells their falling block action separately?
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