Frame shaping method
 

How was the shaping of the frame done on the forward part of the frame on the v and up? I imagine most of it was milled and then shaped by hand ? Buddy wants to give his really rough trojan a face lift and was wondering.He is a patternmaker and a real whiz with a mill and a file by the way.

Those talented gunsmiths who sculpt the frames of common guns to make attractive custom guns generally do not have a "book" to study in creating their great works. The ability to run a veritical mill, work a file, and make sanding blocks is enough to get started.

I would have guessed that it was all done by hand file. But, the more he could mill off, the easier it'll be.

I am sure these frames were rough milled and then the "Action filers" took over. These men had to have an unlimited amount of talent and patience. True artisans.

Not long ago, I received a sculpted receiver that is just wonderful. I avoided interrupting progress by looking over the shoulder of the talented gunsmith. With some background in machine work and filing, I can't imagine how he does it.

He's done a couple of "el cheapos" to get the hang of it and they came out really well plus he works where there are heat treating facilities with a state of the art lab for testing if he needs it.Thanks for the replies.