Anvil 098: Westley Richards Cape Gun repair

Published on April 30, 2021
Duration: 34:43

This video details the extensive repair of a Westley Richards Cape Gun, addressing a detached forend lug and a split stock. The process involves meticulous cleaning, high-strength soldering for the lug, and structural reinforcement using a 'dog bone' cross-bolt and Acraglas epoxy. The repair culminates in testing with heavy black powder loads to ensure durability.

Quick Summary

The Westley Richards Cape Gun repair involved fixing a detached forend lug via high-strength soldering and reinforcing a split stock using a 'dog bone' cross-bolt with Acraglas epoxy. This process ensures structural integrity for heavy recoil.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Westley Richards Cape Gun Issues
  2. 01:30Identifying Forend Lug Failure
  3. 03:28Lug Removal & Surface Prep
  4. 05:22Soldering the Forend Lug
  5. 08:05Internal Inspection & Parts
  6. 09:00Stock Design Flaws & Splitting
  7. 11:14Structural Reinforcement ('Dog Bones')
  8. 13:44Machining & Bedding the Action
  9. 17:42Wood Repair & Finishing
  10. 21:39Final Testing with Black Powder Loads

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main problems addressed in the Westley Richards Cape Gun repair?

The primary issues were a detached forend lug, requiring high-strength soldering, and a split stock, necessitating structural reinforcement with a 'dog bone' cross-bolt and Acraglas epoxy for durability.

How is a detached forend lug repaired on a firearm?

Repair involves meticulous cleaning and preparation of metal surfaces on both the lug and barrel rib, followed by applying flux and using high-temperature solder to create a strong bond, ensuring proper alignment throughout the process.

What is a 'dog bone' reinforcement in gunsmithing?

A 'dog bone' is a high-tensile strength screw used as a cross-bolt reinforcement to repair cracks or splits in a firearm's wooden stock. It's typically installed across the damaged area and secured with epoxy.

Why is action bedding important for firearm stocks?

Action bedding, often done with epoxy like Acraglas, ensures the metal action components are perfectly supported by the stock. This prevents movement under recoil, maintains accuracy, and reduces stress that can lead to stock splitting.

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