Rolling block project rifle

[velocette]

December of last year, I traded with a family member for a rifle from my grandfathers collection. It is a Whitney 2nd model rolling block, circa 1888. (Yes, the son of Ely Whitney of cotton gin and Colt Walker fame.) I spent the last 8 months working on it. It's barrel has been re-lined in .32/20 WCF as the original bore was badly corroded. The stock and foregrip have been re-finished and the action has been cleaned. All of the metal parts have been cleaned but not refinished or modified. Then a reproduction Malcolm 6x scope was fitted, just as it would have been in that era.
With cast bullets and 777 powder, it gives me 1 3/4" groups at 100 yards with minimal recoil & noise. Another relic taken out of the closet and back to the firing range.

 

[Gordon]

very nice, I like it alot !

 

[Erwan]

Wahooo!! I don't know what cant think the other people but that is a marvelous toy guy...
If mechanically some parts are old they work good I guess. Don't let it in my street...
The Malcolm is very nice (a bit bright but with the time it will be good... )...
Congratulations. I would say more but my English is too poor ...

 

[Dave Markowitz]

That is really nice. What was it chambered for originally?

 

[expat_alaska]

Very Nice!

And it retains the look of a period RB.

Kudos!

Jim

 

[4v50 Gary]

Nice work.

 

[BCRider]

That is nigh on perfect in every possible way. A very nice project all 'round.

 

[velocette]

It was originally chambered in .38 Center Fire. An obsolete heel based round approximately like .38 Smith & Wesson. .375" heel based bullet in a case a little longer than .38 S&W but shorter than .38 Spl.
.32/20 WCF suited my desire for an accurate low pressure round, easily reloaded and suitable with almost any propellant.

 

[stubbicatt]

Very nice. I'm a fan of single shots for sure. The Rolling Block is a fine and simple mechanism.