60 Army

[bigted]

Mornin all. Fondled my Berti 60 last night and again found myself amazed at the sharp edges on it.

Heard from a builder that he pays close attention to his gun building to ensure that the flint stone is the only sharp and uncomfortable edge on his guns.

Makes perfect sense to me and as I fondled and rolled the cylinder of this civilian model 60 (no shoulder stock screws) I paid close attention to those sharp edges and points that have in the past caused me to bleed a little and decided I would now smooth up yhe outside as I have the inside. Shouldnt get cut and scraped on a fellers own fire stick.

[ShotgunDave]

So Bigted, how are you going about rectifying the situation? Using a file to "break" all the edges? Pictures please!

[Navy Six]

bigted, where on the 60 Army was the worst sharp edge? In the past the I've paid close attention to the hammer channel in the frame, at least on the outside of the guns.

[G Dog]

On a new one I look for "skid marks" on the hammer sides where at full rest it's below the frame.  On almost all of them it's necessary to smooth-up the hammer channel.  Same deal for the loading lever where it meets the plunger.

I have been careful to break the upper edge arc of the hammer channel, too.  It won't show.  Free fall of the hammer without micro impediments is a good deal.

As a side note: I think there is a special place in heaven for 1860's.  Just sayin.       

[bigted]

I will attempt taking pictures of my progress and technique

The most grievous is the nipple cutouts and the edge along the barrel just ahead of the cone taper. These have hooked me on several occasions.

Thought id start with my tiny jewel files to break the first edge and follow up with 400 paper then 800 and finally 1200 paper.

Along with de edging her, think I will be antiquing it with a vinegar wash and carding ... followed by a light cold browning to add a little color.

Should be a fun project.

[Zulch]

BigTed. Sounds awesome and look forward to seeing the progress. 1860’s are the best. Especially excited to see your antique process and effect! Thanks

[ShotgunDave]

Sounds like a great plan. Can't wait to see it.

[G Dog]

Should be a fun project.

I'll be following that with the greatest of interest.  Make it happen, Bigted.

[Captainkirk]

The world is watching, BigTed!

[Fingers McGee]

Look forward to your progress reports.

[bigted]

Holly crap ... no preasure here