WTB: Merrill carbine 2nd model parts

**ewmail15** · 04-25-2018

Breech plunger is now free of the breech. Damage to the lever and plunger are fixed, and she's operating like she must have several decades ago, before she rusted up all over and inside the barrel.

Had to destroy the buttplate screw heads with extractor bit, as the rust all the way down the threads made it impossible to have leverage with the screwdriver on the heads. Found a guy on eBay (Alan, interarms_tx) who had .406 m1855-64 head diameter US Military Screw set for my buttplate.

Anyone ever run across a Merrill collector, someone who might have a box full of Merrill parts? Please keep me in mind for the front and rear sights and brass band. Any other carbine manufacturer that might have a size matching band?

**ewmail15** · 04-27-2018

After finding buttplate screws from a guy on eBay, I figured maybe James Merrill also used brass bands already mass produced for Springfield or other carbine makers. I tried my 1859 Sharps carbine band on my 1863 Merrill carbine, but it was too tall and wide. I also had bands from my 1859 Sharps long rifle. Forward and middle were too small and lower was too big.

Guy on eBay had an m1864 lower band that was also too big. Thought it was also brass from the pics but was just light effects. Anyone, please share thoughts on other carbines that might be a snug fit.

**geezmo** · 04-27-2018

S & S firearms has repro bands and rear sights. As for finding originals on the loose, good luck with that. If you ever find them they won't be cheap.

http://ssfirearms.com/ Nice folks, good to deal with. Check them out.

**Carolina Reb** · 04-27-2018

S&S is the way to go for a band. They are unique to Merrills. Not only that, they are fitted to each stock. If you find a loose band, it may require fitting to go on to your stock. Since Merrill was in Baltimore, he did not have the ready access to subcontractors that the New England contractors had, so he made a lot of the parts that others bought from subs.

**ewmail15** · 04-29-2018

There's leftover brass from the mold process. What's the best way to get rid of it? One spot too long with the dremel or grinder or file and it's toast. How do I hold it in the vice snugly without causing damage to the sides? Never done this, so hoping you can help reb. Thanks, Eric.

**ewmail15** · 05-10-2018

Did anyone who attended the CW show in OH happen to see a Merrill rear sight at Ed Knisely's table (I need 3rd type)? Heard from one person on another forum that he thought he saw one, but didn't ask about it. He said it was in a box of parts without a tag, so either Ed was clueless, or my contact was off. Rear sight still needed as well. Please be on the lookout and let me know of any leads. Eric in WI.