These are the first
pics of the new series. I've just assembled the prototype tonight.
As you see, the rifle is well
dressed. Billet aluminum and solid brass abound.
This first rifle features
a new Barnes Tap feed bolt action. Designed for quick and easy
feed of round ball. Note there are fore and aft dovetail rails
for various systems. The rifle is intended for a small lower power
scope suited to the sporter format.
Twist, pull back just
alittle, drop in a ball, push forward and twist closed. The
old historic tap loaders left the ball laying loose in the breech
to rattle around before it's trip down the barrel. The tap hole
in the barrel also left part of the ball unsupported. This
mechanism of mine is trim, yet seats the ball and completely encloses
the ball. A far superior design in my humble opinion. ;?)
Easy quick fill ...
Note the solid brass
ramrod tube and mounts. Slugs may be muzzle loaded. A great option.
I've also made it possible to alter the power curve pretty easily.
This prototype will run up to about 250 fpe in 45 caliber (with
slugs at about 2,600 psi). It will also be great fun to sit and
feed it round ball at lower power levels. It would seem like a
SCUBA tank fill would last forever on an approx. 1,600 psi firing
cycle. Clip on a line feed and spend the afternoon.
