Amen, Richard . . . . .AMEN!!Dick Hosmer wrote: ↑Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:40 pm . . . . . .How sad-looking (even if exponentially more effective) the current pieces of ill-fitting black plastic shit really are, by comparison...
Color case hardening on my 1884
Moderator: 45govt
Re: Color case hardening on my 1884
Re: Color case hardening on my 1884
I agree, Dick. I often find myself admiring the beauty of an old Arsenal creation from long ago. I never do that with an AR-15 or anything new.
Re: Color case hardening on my 1884
Been working on an M-1841 Mississippi the last week or so. When the barrel came out of the stock, the blue on the bottom is absolutely beautiful, after 176 years! Nothing like that being done today. It's a privilege to be able to handle these old soldiers.
Re: Color case hardening on my 1884
When discussing these Springfield Armory “works of art” with some new members of my club, I mentioned the reasoning of the “U” marking on the lower band . . .
When I said it was there to orient the band correctly to match the taper of the stock at that point, therefore the band has a matching internal taper.
I know these members . . .all 30-something . . . were taken back some at this “revelation”.
It’s a far cry from todays’ “slap it together, get product out the door.”
When I said it was there to orient the band correctly to match the taper of the stock at that point, therefore the band has a matching internal taper.
I know these members . . .all 30-something . . . were taken back some at this “revelation”.
It’s a far cry from todays’ “slap it together, get product out the door.”
Re: Color case hardening on my 1884
Ever since full interchangeability became armory standard with the Model 1842, the quality of work was amazing.
Enforced by careful use of gauges and the miracle of modern machinery capable of holding tight tolerances--- when operated by skilled craftsmen or women,
At various times I have found new old stock parts for sale, and it is mind boggling to see them. Two standouts were a late model Hall carbine stock and a M1842 musket stock. 100% complete, but never oiled. Drop in ready for their parts. No hand fitting, just assembly.
Same quality held through the M1903 era, slipped some in the 1903A3 period to speed production and reduce costs and accept inexperienced work force. M1 Garands were good or close to good, M14 less so, and the M16s less so, mostly a "stacking" of tolerances and obsession with using the cheapest sources, and abandonment of natural products in favor of synthetics.
Enforced by careful use of gauges and the miracle of modern machinery capable of holding tight tolerances--- when operated by skilled craftsmen or women,
At various times I have found new old stock parts for sale, and it is mind boggling to see them. Two standouts were a late model Hall carbine stock and a M1842 musket stock. 100% complete, but never oiled. Drop in ready for their parts. No hand fitting, just assembly.
Same quality held through the M1903 era, slipped some in the 1903A3 period to speed production and reduce costs and accept inexperienced work force. M1 Garands were good or close to good, M14 less so, and the M16s less so, mostly a "stacking" of tolerances and obsession with using the cheapest sources, and abandonment of natural products in favor of synthetics.