Chapperal 50-95 Short Rifle ------ Update ( Pics Added )

[GeezerD]

Here is an inlay I did on the buttstock, kind of like putting lipstick on a pig. ------------ GeezerD

[GeezerD]

After a little over 7 months, my 1876 Chapperal is back together and functions perfectly. Now for some load development and range time. Here's a pic of my outfit, befitting an over the hill prairie-rat like myself.  ------------- GeezerD    YEEEE--HAW

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Geezer D
Hope it shoots as good as it looks .

[GeezerD]

Parts replaced with new from Winchester Bob

Firing pin and retractor
Extractor
Magazine spring
Lever safety spring
Front and rear sights ( original winchester semi buckhorn rear and Marbles brass bead front )
Screws
Lever latch spring and pin

Parts made or repaired

Bolt face welded and machined to correct convex condition and missing rim support tab
Barrel set back one thread to correct headspace and register
Links welded and refit
Oversize link and lever pins
Oversize hammer and lever pivot screws
Magazine follower
Stock refinished and acraglased
Magazine ring
Forend cap tenon
Action deburred and polished where needed
Bore lapped and polished
Hammer checkering recut

                                                                                                 GeezerD

[Grizzly Adams]

Congratulations on a fine job, and a most informative thread!

I am going to make this thread a Sticky - just means it will stay at the top of the heap so folks can easily refer to it.

Thanks for your contribution, Geezer.

[GeezerD]

Well, I made it to the range today. My initial loading is a 365 gr cast bullet w/ SPG lube .512 dia in front of 16 gr of Trail Boss powder. Loaded in cases formed from Starline 50-90 Sharps brass  w/ CCI magnum rifle primer. COL = 2.275 in.  Feed and function was without problems. I only had 10 rds loaded, so I fired 2 - 5rd groups at 50yds. Both groups were about 2 1/2 inches and I think that is acceptable considering my eyesight and the buckhorn sights.
                                                                                                                          GeezerD

[Pitchy]

Great thread, great work and great shooting pard. 

[GeezerD]

In reloading the first batch of fired cases, I notice that the shoulder is behind where the shoulder is formed with the RCBS full length resizing die. So in effect I am only neck sizing the cases. And this is after setting the barrel back .050 to correct the headspace. From what I have read, there are no hard and fast dimensions for the 50-95 wcf chamber but Chapperal must have just picked some numbers out of the air. 

However, case expansion is minimal and I don't anticipate any serious problems. It seems to work well in arctic conditions but I hope spring gets here soon. -------------------------------- GeezerD

[Oregon Bill]

Geezer, it is wonderful to see an out-of-spec rifle brought into full compliance by a talented machinist.

[PJ Hardtack]

Sheesh ... looks like all the rumours about Chapparal guns is right!

I have a line on a nice looking '73 octagonal carbine in 44-40, but .... I'm not up to rebuilding it, nor do I care to farm the work out to get a proper working rifle.