How good are these guns?

[LonesomePigeon]

 Has anybody tried one of these guns from Long Hunter? http://www.longhunt.com/web/index.php?page=colt-1851-navy They do all the work below and their guns are touted as ready to go "from box to holster".

1. Hone, and rework all internal parts.

2. Replace springs with high quality U.S. springs (Lee's "Gunslinger Spring Kit").

3. Rebuild and harden single tooth hand.

4. Rebuild and harden bolt cam as necessary.

5. Drill frame for Coil type Hand Spring and install.

6. Correct Bolt engagement and position.

7. Rework sear and hammer for crisp 2 1/2lb. trigger pull.

8. Re-cut forcing cone to 11 degrees.

9. Square and smooth barrel face.

10. Correct Cylinder gap for fowling.

11. Correct timing and advance or delay bolt drop as necessary.

12. Install Slix-Shot Stainless Steel Nipples.

[Blackpowder Burn]

I purchased 4 USFA revolvers from him a number of years ago.  They are wonderful - smoothest things I've ever shot.

[Coffinmaker]

Pretty much the same "Laundry" list of work I do on my Cap Guns.  Yes, I've played with, shot and even fixed guns from the "Longhunter"
shop,  they are very nice indeed.

Coffinmaker

[Major 2]

I sent a Richards & Mason to Jim Finch AKA Longhunter.... to do, NIB with about 6 rounds through it to see where it was...
I talked with him on the phone to map out the action job.
The Gun I got back looked the same,  but function was like night & day.
 Not sure if he is still doing the work though, I think there is another smith there now too.

[Professor Marvel]

I fear I have nothing to offer regarding Longhunter, but  at 480 + 25 ship ~ $505 seems steep to this cheapskate frugal fellow.

I see Cabelas has a nice 1851 on sale  right now,
very nice pietta ( doesn't need arbor work) on sale for $200 + $5 shipping
http://tinyurl.com/pietta1851-36

And if you wanted more slickin' up you might consider Goons work @ $165 plus shipping ?
http://www.goonsgunworks.com/services/

ttl = $370
talk to Goon, he will do whatever you want, and he has a LOT of happy customers, and you might be able to have cabelas ship
direct to him to save a buck

yhs
prof ( frugal) marvel

[Coffinmaker]

  Cheapskate 

Coffinmaker

PS:  Could have sent it to me.  But, I retired you see 

[45 Dragoon]

Thanks much for the mention Professor!!

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

[pony express]

Cheapskate 

Coffinmaker

PS:  Could have sent it to me.  But, I retired you see 

But you probably wouldn't object if people just started randomly sending you guns? I know I wouldn't!

[45 Dragoon]

Yap, I'm sure they feel great. He's been around a long time and I've talked with Mike ( I mean the Coffinmaker ) and he knows what's going on. All these guys can turn out a nice gun.
 Just to differentiate myself from these fine gentleman, I'd like to state the differences included in my service. Longevity is big on my list so, I have a set up that promotes long life of action parts (their wear patterns) and cylinder locking notches.
The difference in my service is, I :
- Tune the flat springs to keep the crisp feel of the original.
- Resurface and contour the cam .  (This is key for ignition with light actions)
- Correct the arbor fit (length) and define a .002" barrel / cyl clearance. ( this promotes extended shooting sessions (100+ ) with no binding)
- Install a cap post. (This feature is the best answer for caps staying clear of the action)
- Fit a bolt block. ( This addition helps to prevent throw-by (cyl over rotation) and gives solid support for the "off" side of the bolt.
- Shape the bolt head to enter the locking notch faster than normal and prevent damage to the notch itself. ( especially during fast cycling)
- Fit an action stop. This positively stops the action and prevents undue wear. Not to mention, the Colt Mod.P was originally designed with an action stop in place. Obviously this was seen as a necessary addition but was time consuming to "fit". The second finger of the hand is in a strong position and is thought by some to be enough.  Since " our" revolvers are of the single finger design, I feel it's a must. I put them in ALL S.A.s.
- Install an adjustable bearing to allow for wedge wear. This also allows the owner to "customize" wedge placement. (To clear holsters and such. Or, just personal preference)
- Harden screws and fire blue them.
- Also correct neg. sear engagement to pos. (safety) and set trig.to 2 1/2 - 3 lbs crisp trigger pull.
- Hammer draw is typically between 3-3 1/2 lbs. with 100% ignition.

  This set up gives the user so much control over the revolver (instead of fighting it to cycle) and confidence in its reliability. A light feeling action , built like a tank!!  (She likes to be slapped around a little sometimes!! Lol)

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

 

[Coffinmaker]

Mike, ah oops, 45Dragoon (he couldn't have a better name  ) Mentions a couple of things an awful lot of folks either don't address, or
just gloss over.  First and foremost ...... control over the firearm.  You can't shoot well and the fun factor will be greatly reduced if you
constantly fighting with your equipment.  A light, smooth, positive action is a must.  There is no comparison between a well tuned action and a half-action.  I wholeheartedly agree with tuning flat springs.  They (flat spring) impart a much crisper feel to the cycling action.
Wire Trigger/Bolt springs may be lighter, but feel "mushy" rather than crisp.  Like the difference in a soggy old apple and nice fresh Honey Crisp.
Reliable ignition.  EVERY TIME!!  I will not tolerate a pistol that doesn't meet all the criteria.  Using heavier than necessary springs to
compensate for poor ignition is ........ silly.  One of the reasons I use Slixshot nipples.  Some consider some of what I did/do to be icing on an already good cake.  Same with some of what MiGoon does.  Icing on the cake.  Think about it.  Cake without Icing.  Lot like kissing your sister.  Meh.  It's a complete "package"  I always felt, if I was to put my hands to something, when I finished, it was Complete and Right.
No half way.  Mike approaches his service the same way.  There is absolutely no reason a well set-up Cap Gun will not run just as fast and
reliable as any suppository (cartridge) gun.
Plus.  they are a whole lot more FUN!!

Coffinmaker   

[hp246]

I fear I have nothing to offer regarding Longhunter, but  at 480 + 25 ship ~ $505 seems steep to this cheapskate frugal fellow.

I see Cabelas has a nice 1851 on sale  right now,
very nice pietta ( doesn't need arbor work) on sale for $200 + $5 shipping
http://tinyurl.com/pietta1851-36

And if you wanted more slickin' up you might consider Goons work @ $165 plus shipping ?
http://www.goonsgunworks.com/services/

ttl = $370
talk to Goon, he will do whatever you want, and he has a LOT of happy customers, and you might be able to have cabelas ship
direct to him to save a buck

yhs
prof ( frugal) marvel

Good luck with that.  Cabelas customer service has really gone down hill.  Recently, they refused to honor a sale price posted in a flyer.  I personally am done dealing with them.

[45 Dragoon]

Thanks Coffinmaker!!
They  do in fact run like a well tuned cartridge gun!! That's the way my open tops are set up (cartridge guns)!  If you do to C&B open tops what you do when you make um cartridge guns,  .  .  .  .  whatdya expect?!! Wooo hoooo!!!

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

[Flint]

I make a new hand with a straight back surface which works more smoothly with the Ruger hand spring and plunger, though I just removed the leaf spring for the 71 Opentop.

UBERTI AND PIETTA COLT



REMINGTON





OPENTOP  RETAINER SCREW NOT NECESSARY, THE GRIPFRAME WILL HOLD IT.

[45 Dragoon]

Nice Flint,
You use  the plug for the Remies I guess? Your work looks very clean.

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com