https://thegreatmodel8.net/

Guys,

I've been working to improve the functioning of my early Model 8 - s/n places it at 1908.

Not sure if I the magazine indicator assembly is early or late - and this gun has no magazine side plates. I am thinking that some of my issues with sticking bolt release - sometimes the bolt will not release completely into battery from hold-open unless I push down on the leading (front) edge of the barrel lock - are related to the combination of parts from different periods. This gun has a 1920's barrel jacket but probably an original 1908 barrel, but I am not 100% sure.
Roger, maybe you can answer some of these questions - I can't recall if you said the barrel jacket was the replaced part, and not the barrel.

Just thinking aloud here - will try and show what I mean via photos, when I can.

Thanks
Adam

Hey Adam,
My memory isn't too good these days but I only remember changing the barrel jacket on that rifle. What was done before I got it I can't say. I bought from an older guy at a gunshow, as a parts gun and then figured out that all it needed was a new barrel jacket. It functioned fine for me. I'm sorry it's causing you trouble. Are you pulling back slightly on the operating handle when you try to pull down on the magazine indicator handle? I'm just asking because alot of these guns require that you do that to operate correctly. Maybe someone else here has an idea about this.
Thanks for your time,
Roger

Hey Roger -

Don't worry about the rifle - there's no blame here, it is 108 years old - and I expect it to require some TLC! That is the reason why I wanted it in the first place - to "learn by doing" and in this case, it has so very little to fix.

One thing I will be finishing up with very soon are my Model 8's stock and forearm. After stripping the wood earlier, I had never truly completed the task of applying several thin coats of my poly/stain mix. Now, it is done. At this point, I am also fixing myself to reblue the metal, finally, since it has been stripped and prepared for some time now.

I will still be on the parts lookout for another magazine indicator and spring, but not a critical thing. I believe most of that sticking will be cured once the rifle is properly lubricated anyway, and not "dry" if you know what I mean.

Roger - if you read this - check your PM's. Just some ideas I have for gun "wish lists" sorta stuff.

Adam