Anyone here know much about guns?

[Taverner]

Specifically if one forges a gun based on a classic type of rifle - is it going to be as good? I'm sure a lot of that depends on how good they are at forging it from whatever metal...

[RafterMan]

1. I watched Michael Palin's Himalaya

and when he visited Peshawar, there were people doing just that -- hand-forging guns based on classic models. They seemed to work okay.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. best to ask a gunsmith

There are folks that still make black poweder guns around here. But I thought the difference between a gun and a rifle was the rifling inside the barrel, which, I thought, helped in accuracy. Is this what you are talking about, or by 'gun' do you mean a handgun?

[Historic NY]

3. If your talking about reproductions........

The Japanese & Italians had been making repro's of many US classic weapons from from the Revolutionary War through Civil War period. I do know that India and a few other countries are now in the act. The earlier weapons were proofed to make sure they wouldn't blow up, the newer stuff needs to have it done. There are lots of companies marketing (historic)weapons, but one needs to do some research and deal with a knowledgeable dealer.

[solinvictus]

4. Chamber pressure and such...

Unless I were a professional, I'd leave riflemaking alone. The immediate pressure from some (if not most) modern rifle cartridges is tens of thousands of pounds per square inch. If the machining or metal aren't up to it, it is dangerous to shoot.

If you're referring to black powder or other primitive guns, always make certain that the weapon is constructed of steel rather than the softer brass used in some cheaper kits.

[Parche]

5. guns

They have triggers and shoot bullets