Light Gunsmithing

Gil Sengel

The Falling Block Works (FBW) Model H (bottom) is similar to the 1870s Ballard (top) except for the greater breechblock support for the Model H.

T here was a time when all serious riflefolk had a project or two in the planning stages. These could be as simple as recutting a chamber to an “improved” version of a standard cartridge or installing a receiver sight. More involved projects could be the rebarreling or the replacement of a stock with one of the 95 percent shaped and inlet varieties from Bishop, Fajen or Herters. Often, these projects took months or even years to complete. After all, planning is half the fun!

The FBW Model J action (top) is styled after the Winchester High Wall. The bottom rifle is a Winchester Low Wall.

While a continuous source of entertainment, all were common gunsmith tasks that could be learned by home hobbyists willing to put in the time and patience. They also involved work on rifles that are today referred to as “classic” (blue steel and walnut), as opposed to “modern sporting rifles,” on which all work is done using a few metric wrenches, screwdrivers and a can of spray paint.

There is, however, one project that stands above all the rest. That is the custom-built rifle, and I mean custom built. Everything down to the smallest detail is specified by the future owner. Planning can go on intermittently for years.