Rolling Block Gunsmiths

WaddWatsonEllis · May 19, 2011, 06:17:30 PM

Hi,

I have a chance to buy several Pedersoli 'Remington' Rolling blocks that are pretty much like the John Bodine that I really want... tang Soule site, barrel front site, heavy octagon barrel ... but single trigger

Are there gunsmiths capable of changing the rifle to double triggers, or is it a send-it-to-Pedersoli-and-wait-years kind of thing?

And what would I end up paying to have the two-trigger change done?

It would certaimly effect what I would be willing to pay ....

Thanks

(In case it isn't obvious, I am SO new to Buffalo Rifles that I squeek .... help!)

Ranch 13 · May 19, 2011, 07:59:52 PM

To put double sets on that is probably going to cost nearly what the rifle does in the first place.
Best bet would be to contact Greg Cameron in Sierra Vista Az. and see if he would maybe tackle it, or contact Lonestar and visit with him about the project. Dan Zimmerman at DZ Arms is another well known smith on the Remington designs.

WaddWatsonEllis · May 19, 2011, 08:26:00 PM

Kinda what I was guessing about the price ... it makes the single triggers I have been looking at suddenly a lot less desireable.....

drcook · June 08, 2011, 02:39:53 PM

I realize this post is a little old, but thought I would add to it for future reference

I looked into this a few years ago and was advised by Pedersoli that it cannot be done. It takes special jigs and fixtures to fit their double sets into the action (located at the factory in Italy). Additionally, Pedersoli changed the design just enough that Lone Star could NOT fit their double sets into the action.

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · June 08, 2011, 03:00:59 PM

Quote from: drcook on June 08, 2011, 02:39:53 PM
I realize this post is a little old, but thought I would add to it for future reference

I looked into this a few years ago and was advised by Pedersoli that it cannot be done. It takes special jigs and fixtures to fit their double sets into the action (located at the factory in Italy). Additionally, Pedersoli changed the design just enough that Lone Star could NOT fit their double sets into the action.

I got a similar response about 4 - 5 years ago

WaddWatsonEllis · June 08, 2011, 05:58:06 PM

Thak you both for your thoughtful replies ...that is what I kinda feared ...Pedersoli would not email me a reply ...

Yellowhouse Sam · June 08, 2011, 09:10:54 PM

I wouldn't let the double sets be the deciding factor as a well tuned single trigger that breaks clean at a couple pounds should do you just fine. Most any competent gunsmith can perform this with much less cost than double sets. Case in point, there are a lot Browning 1885 BPCR shooters out there that can give most folks a run for their money.

Otter · June 08, 2011, 10:15:29 PM

WWE - My RB was built on an original (ca. 1879) BP action. It has a single military trigger and had about a 10 pound trigger pull. After some careful and judicious filing/stoning/polishing by a gunsmith friend, it breaks at about 4 pounds and has no creep. I have no problem with the single trigger on my rifle and it shoots great. Don't let a single trigger put you off a rolling block.

WaddWatsonEllis · June 10, 2011, 09:34:09 AM

Otter,

You know that cliche about all things happening in good time?

My plan is to put one on (long) lay-away so that it can be under the Christmas Tree.

That will give me time to buy reloading gear, use it to learn with simpler (read cheaper) cartridges (I'm thinking of .45 Schofield and .32 S&W). So that when I am ready to shoot that 'buffler round', I should be a bit more knowedgeable and make less really stupid mistakes ....

As far as the double triggers, I agree that they are kind of 'fu-fu' and unnecessary for the experience. But one of the few things that I really listened to my father about ( an AF Maintenance Officer trained when maintenance officers where required to have an A& P license and actually turn wrenches), was to get the very best tools that were available. That you might never use that option, but it also might be something that allows one to progress as one's skills expand.

Thank you Dad, I was listening!

Montana Slim · June 22, 2011, 10:33:28 PM

There is a good underlying point in this thread.....

If you're experienced enough to do your own gunsmithing work (or have a friend who will at little/no charge), such as reducing a 6-12 lb factory or old military action's trigger down to a safe 3-4 lbs that breaks cleanly, then this could be a good proposition.

If one has to drop-off or even pay to ship (both-ways) to a professional, you could be better off spending that cash up front on a double-set gun, even if it is a different model.

I have freinds who've laid-out the price of a Shilo Sharps to have a low-dollar military rolling block action contoured, rebarreled, stocked, re-cased and have the trigger tuned or single-set installed. Their rationale was they did this in increments, and didn't have to put the $$ out all at once.....but their projects took several years, too....years they waited instead of shooting.

Might be some deals on used guns if you keep an eye out.

Slim

WaddWatsonEllis · June 22, 2011, 10:54:58 PM

Montana Slim,

All moot points ... in a perfect world I would be able to order a John Bodine Pedersoli through Cabela's Gun Library, with its 120 day lay away program ...

In reality, the only way that I have ever seen a John Bodine for sale as on a site like gunsamerica.com (that has no lay-away).

So I guess that the only way to prepare for it is to start putting my savings away in cookie jar to have it when the deal comes though ...

Unless of course someone on this website has a .45-70 John Bodine to sell .... and then email or PM me !

WaddWatsonEllis · August 28, 2011, 01:11:18 AM

I bought a Pedersoli Silhouette Model rolling block .45-70/double triggers.

The Silhouette Model came with iron open sights so that I did not have to pay the extra money for the Pedersoli (no windage) tang sight.

So I have ordered and recieved the #113 Front Tunnel Sight (with bubble), and am presently saving my sheckels for a # 103 Rear Tang mounted Soules style rear sight (from Montana Viinage Arms http://www.montanavintagearms.com/).

Any suggestions of a NorCal gunsmith who might install the stock/mount the rear and front sites?

Skyrider · November 08, 2011, 08:07:40 PM

WaddWatsonEllis..............The gunsmith who does Pedersoli's warranty work is down in Southwest, Missouri. His name is Mr. Lee Shaver in LaMar, Missouri. Phone # 1 417 682 3330.

This man is also a black powder long range shooter, who is a very impressive shooter. He is an excellant gunsmith!

Ranch 13 · November 08, 2011, 08:17:25 PM

Best to double check that on Shaver. He quit Pedersoli a couple of years ago.

WaddWatsonEllis · November 08, 2011, 09:47:35 PM

Ranch 13 et al,

Even 'tho he is no longer with Pedersoli, Mr. Shaver was kind enough to give me a thoughtful and kind email reply ...

And for all the rest who have listened to my wines and wailings, I actually did buy a Silhouette Model (S865) Pedersoli ... and did have the front MVA tunnel-with-bubble site put on by a local gunsmith ... with Locktite blue ... and put the MVA Soule Style rear site on myself (again with Locktite blue).

It will not be shot until after Christmas (cause I only get presents I buy for myself), and I have a friend reloading. 45-70 for that day post Christmas ..... until that day, all I can say is ain't she a beauty!

Skyrider · November 09, 2011, 03:01:20 PM

I do know that Mr. Lee Shaver was in Italy wiith Mr. Pedersoli around 3 weeks ago! I called back then to have a Sharps rechambered and this is what I was told.

WaddWatsonEllis · November 13, 2011, 01:23:20 AM

I don't know just what Mr Shaver's relationship with Pedersoli ... I just know that is answering post was well thought out, kind and to the point .... What a gentleman, regardless of position with Pedersoli ....