Sharps conversion

[rwnblack]

I have an IAB 1863 percussion sharps that I have decided to convert to cartridge but while I was at it decided to make a second breech block so I can shoot 22 shells in my 1874 Shiloh using a slip in liner.

Here are some pics of the process. It has turned out to be more work than I thought so probably wouldn't do it again.i started with 1x2" mild steel bar. Next is to casharden it and build the slip in 22 liner.

 

[rwnblack]

Here are some more pics of the project. The barrel is an old 22 turned down, i epoxied both ends tonight. Hopefully tommorow I can chamber it and turn down the delron spacer. Then all that is left is making an extractor and casehardening the block. The barrel is only 16" long so may not have the velocity for 200 yard competition, we will see. If not bits and pieces is getting some liners and i will buy a few for this and other projects.

 

[fingers284]

Awesome work with a mill-drill

 

[Nickhoffmeier]

I applaud your creativity and work. Reading through the gunsmithing forum is making me want to learn the trade. Thanks

 

[Sharps '63]

Wow! great work. Sure would have been simpler to buy one of the .22LR kits on the market and work with that.

A guy on the Shiloh forum talked about converting a percussion '63 to brass cartridge and decided that it wasn't practical. Shiloh won't do it as they'd be kept very busy and selling fewer '63s when they do an occasional run.

 

[rwnblack]

Thanks, but be careful if you start, it is addicting. I sneak out to my shop every chance I get. I am making two extractors right now. If all goes well this 22 should be ready to go by the end of the day. I think I will come back to the percussion conversion a little bit later. I have a Rigby Rifle that I want to finish by spring so should focus some attention to it. I started the barrel before we moved last year but now that my shop is set up it is time to get it done. It started life as a Green Mountain 45 Cal 3 1/2 Winchester taper BPCR blank.

 

[a j cave]

Mad skills, wow! I just bought a Sharps converted to 45-70. I am glad the work is done, I could not do it or pay someone to do it. At 160 years it is great to see them working! Well done, AJ.

 

[rwnblack]

I made the extractors this afternoon. The slip in barrel is chamered and the firing pin lands exactly where I wanted it to. I TIG welded the side piece on, now I have to fit the extractor and make a trip to the range,

 

[rwnblack]

I finished the 22 LR /45-70. All that is left is casehardening and testing at the range. I will have to look for the infamous buffalo mosquito to shoot at 200 yards!

 

[rwnblack]

Wow! great work. Sure would have been simpler to buy one of the .22LR kits on the market and work with that.

A guy on the Shiloh forum talked about converting a percussion '63 to brass cartridge and decided that it wasn't practical. Shiloh won't do it as they'd be kept very busy and selling fewer '63s when they do an occasional run.

Thanks, i should have imported a Lee Shaver insert system and just bough a centre fire block for the IAB but more often than not I get a dumb idea and get fixated on it until it is done or I go crazy trying. On the other hand I really enjoy shooting something that I have built.

 

[Sharps '63]

We are in awe of your dedication and talent. Keep us up to date with a range report.

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

Very nice work there OP and I completely appreciate wanting to build it myself! Keep us posted

 

[rwnblack]

Tested the rifle this morning right at sunrise. It was -22C with windchill so terribly cold on the fingers. It worked perfectly with no issues. Accuracy was so so. At 50 yards the group was about 3/4". I am tempted to make a longer liner. I am worried that the gasses rushing past the bullet in the barrel after the liner ends might reduce the accuracy. On the other hand, the frozen fingers, fogged glasses, low light and shooting in a rush so I can pick up my daughter after her workout on time, might have something to do with it.

 

[Sharps '63]

Methinks that you had best not judge the rifle's accuracy potential just yet. Try some more ammo brands.

From what I've read, none of the .22LR inserts give pristine accuracy you'd expect from a high end .22LR target rifle. I's say your efforts have proven themselves quite well.

I admire your dedication and determination to shoot it under those conditions.

I have a CMMG .22LR conversion unit for my S&W M&P AR15. It utilizes a .223 chamber insert that is basically a blow back operation not unlike that of a semi-auto .22 of any kind. The bullet has to jump quite a bit before it engages the rifling, but accuracy at 25 yds is all I expect providing my ammo mikes .224.

I don't think you need worry about the effects of gases at the muzzle. Many rifles that utilize various stabilizing/muzzle braking/flash hiding units shoot tolerably well. Alonger insert might just have the effect of slowing down the bullet. Isn't 18" the most optimum length for .22R velocity?

 

[a j cave]

rwnblack, a little off topic but what scope is that? How do you like it, is the small field of view a problem? Who sells period style scopes her? Thanks a lot AJ.

 

[rwnblack]

It is a 28" MVA scope 6x and is a great sight. It seems to be very repeatable. The limited view doesn't seem to be an issue for me. Montana Vintage Arms in Montana sells them but they are not cheap, about $1000 USD + shipping and taxes.

 

[rwnblack]

Today I am casehardening the breech block and a handfull of other parts from a few projects.

 

[Sharps '63]

What is in your case hardening mix?

 

[rwnblack]

I use about a 2:1 mixture of wood to bone charcoal. The wood is just ground real wood lump charcoal, the bone charcoal is from Ebonex.

 

[rwnblack]

I finished the casehardening and it looks pretty good. It should be obvious why this is done outside with lots of safety gear on. The flash only lasts a second but it is a good one.