My O.C.D. brain craves projects.
My blacksmith shop slows down in the winter so in 2019, I endeavored to have an inside project to satisfy my brain chemistry. In 2020 I chose the challenge to build an Hopkins & Allen Underhammer Rifle.
I bought the action from the Pecatonica Long Rifle Supply Company. The 36 inch long, 54 caliber barrel was ordered on “Cyber Monday” from the Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Company.
The Stock for the rifle is a Remington 870 shotgun stock I found on ebay. It needed some surgical filing and TLC while sanding to match up to the Underhammer action.
The ramrod had to be custom made to fit this rifle. A drawback to these rifles is that the ramrods tend to be a little short due to the fact they don’t extend into the wooden stock of the rifles like other more common flintlock and percussion rifles. So to solve the issue, I just made it hang out the end a bit more. I have had no issues, and appreciate the extra length when field loading.
My old eyes love the pistol red dot optic. For that reason, I did not add any traditional buckhorn sights. Iron sights are still something that may be added in the future.
It was a fun and challenging project. I seriously doubt I’ll build another one. I’m too busy shooting this one.
Cheers!
Jeff Olson 