Flintlock Gunsmithing

TheThunderGun · Oct 26, 2024

Hello all I want to get into building my own guns, to recreate some older models because it's difficult to find Spanish Muskets now a days

. ANYWAYS I was looking for some points and tools that I'll need to get started. I'm in alabama and have some basic tools already but there some things I don't believe I have and I want to hear from experienced builders on what they use and what I would likely need. So I can create a list. I'm not aiming to exactly forge every little piece but I'd like to carve my own stocks, etc. As well as put together and fit the parts how I want. Like I said not sure I'll be forging the tangs and barrels or anything but still. Anyways thanks all!

tenngun · Oct 26, 2024

TheThunderGun said:
Hello all I want to get into building my own guns, to recreate some older models because it's difficult to find Spanish Muskets now a days . ANYWAYS I was looking for some points and tools that I'll need to get started. I'm in alabama and have some basic tools already but there some things I don't believe I have and I want to hear from experienced builders on what they use and what I would likely need. So I can create a list. I'm not aiming to exactly forge every little piece but I'd like to carve my own stocks, etc. As well as put together and fit the parts how I want. Like I said not sure I'll be forging the tangs and barrels or anything but still. Anyways thanks all!

I would suggest going on Rumble and looking up Bill Rabe he does like four hundred vids on custom builds

TheThunderGun · Oct 26, 2024

tenngun said:
I would suggest going on Rumble and looking up Bill Rabe he does like four hundred vids on custom builds

Thank you I'm new to attempting something this large so it will be helpful.

billraby · Oct 26, 2024

This might help: https://rumble.com/user/BillRaby

billraby · Oct 26, 2024

Here is one with just tools.

TheThunderGun · Oct 26, 2024

billraby said:
This might help: https://rumble.com/user/BillRaby

Thank you. I will definitely watch. I hope it can help me get some of these sought after models that people don't make (Escopeta)

billraby · Oct 26, 2024

The Maryland rifle and 4 Bore Rifle #2 series go into the most detail. The 4 Bore #2 series is not all posted on Rumble yet but about all that is left on it is the engraving. The Schuetzen rifle series is just getting started. The Maryland rifle series is complete on Rumble now. There is no Escopeta in there but they are all built mostly the same way.

Mulemauler · Oct 27, 2024

You don't need to get a lot of tools but get GOOD ones when you do. Stay away from cheap starter set chisels, get a few really good ones and a good set of stones to keep them sharp! I have about 3 straight chisels from 1/8" to 3/8" and a couple of round gouges that do 90% of my inletting. Check out the "Shinto" wood rasp, it is my go to tool for removing large amounts of wood. Assorted round/flat files and rasps. A good set of "Gunsmith" screwdrivers and your pretty well set.

rp77469 · Oct 27, 2024

billraby said:
This might help: https://rumble.com/user/BillRaby

Your videos are very helpful. A question about your 12" bench now that you have used it for a while. If you made another based on how this one works, what changes would you make to it? Higher, lower, more narrow or wider, thicker, type of wood, etc? Does the base cause tripping issues? I've gotten older and falling is a concern now.

Thank you for your past videos and you patient explanations in them. I have d/l many to a portable drive over the years.

billraby · Oct 27, 2024

Skinny work bench is definitely the way to go if you have enough space for it. I don't think I would make any changes. I really have not had any problems with it. I have never tripped over the base. But if that is an issue you could always not use a base and just bolt the table down to the floor instead.

rp77469 · Oct 27, 2024

billraby said:
Skinny work bench is definitely the way to go if you have enough space for it. I don't think I would make any changes. I really have not had any problems with it. I have never tripped over the base. But if that is an issue you could always not use a base and just bolt the table down to the floor instead.

Thank you. I was thinking of bolting to a floor joist and maybe a middle leg later for rigidity.

Hatchet-Jack · Oct 27, 2024

You will need a vise with the jaws lined with leather. I cut pieces of veg tanned leather and use carpet tape to stick them in the vise jaws. Get a light fixture that you can move around the gun. Good directional lighting is essential in gun building. Make yourself a stand to hold the gun up. I make mine out of old microphone stands.

TheThunderGun · Oct 27, 2024

Interesting this is really going to help propel me into learning.

rich pierce · Oct 27, 2024

Books are important tools. A person can have tools and not know what they are trying to achieve, or the right steps in getting there. Videos and forums are helpful but a book can be opened to this page where you can say, ok, I’m at this step now.

Hatchet-Jack · Oct 27, 2024

It helps to have one or all of these books.

If I had to have one it would be:

Daveboone · Oct 27, 2024

TheThunderGun said:
Hello all I want to get into building my own guns, to recreate some older models because it's difficult to find Spanish Muskets now a days . ANYWAYS I was looking for some points and tools that I'll need to get started. I'm in alabama and have some basic tools already but there some things I don't believe I have and I want to hear from experienced builders on what they use and what I would likely need. So I can create a list. I'm not aiming to exactly forge every little piece but I'd like to carve my own stocks, etc. As well as put together and fit the parts how I want. Like I said not sure I'll be forging the tangs and barrels or anything but still. Anyways thanks all!

This may sound like a silly question....but you do not mention if you are currently a traditional ML shooter? A buddy of mine makes guitars....and never learned how to play....so he has a difficult time knowing just how....it should play! Thus....not that by any means there is anything wrong (actually cool) to want to build them, but kinda the same thing....If you dont shoot....learn. It will help your mission.

sportster73hp · Oct 27, 2024

Hatchet-Jack said:
It helps to have one or all of these books.
View attachment 358283
If I had to have one it would be:
View attachment 358284

Great books especially the gunsmith of Grenville

Rob M. · Oct 27, 2024

Go to the library and check out Hershel Houses VDO ,How to build a Kentucky long rifle . Its the best . The building books were no good to me until after I had built a couple ...this VDO is great . .. Really helped me . Best of luck

rp77469 · Oct 28, 2024

Just a comment on straight bench chisels. I restore old tools when not crippled up. I buy 100 yo socket chisels at fleas and yard sales, usually under a buck, as long as the sockets are not bunged up. Takes 15 minutes to turn a replacement handle if needed and you have a chisel as good as anything made today.

Save money on tools and spend it on learning to sharpen!

flconch53 · Nov 4, 2024

Hatchet-Jack said:
You will need a vise with the jaws lined with leather. I cut pieces of veg tanned leather and use carpet tape to stick them in the vise jaws. Get a light fixture that you can move around the gun. Good directional lighting is essential in gun building. Make yourself a stand to hold the gun up. I make mine out of old microphone stands.
View attachment 358277

I keep a PC of 1/4 thick leather that I fold and put in vice jaws. That achieves the cushioning effect. The steady rest is a good idea

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