I want to build a fowler

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naterflint

32 Cal
Joined
Dec 4, 2024
Messages
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Location
Pineville mo
does anyone have any recommendations for cheap parts so I can make the most budget flintlock.

need a Smooth bore barrel and breech plug, preferably already on the barrel

A non-inlet pre-cut stock (yes I realize I will have to inlet the barrel)

A quality lock But not completely custom

And if anyone knows where I can get some good prices on hardware, side plates, Butt plates, ramrod pipes or any other furnishings

Any help is appreciated I use track of the wolf a lot. But if anyone has recommendations on other websites.

I am aware of the Kimbler kits. I’m looking for something cheaper than that and something that’s more hands-on.
 
Gun parts corporation has 28 gauge unfinished shotgun barrels that can be made into a nice light shotgun. And they are inexpensive!
 
I LOVE making inexpensive smooth bores ! Example ... One of these shorty N.W. guns ... 185 in the lock , 26 in the barrel,.58 , 10 breech plug , 35-50 in the stock , 18 side plate , screws and varnish 10-20 , steel for trigger , T.G. and tennons , 20 to free , make B.P. out of steel is cheaper than brass .... Hickory for R.R. free to 10 ...
 

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That was a thought of mine because I got wood at my house so I can cut, but I don’t know if I trust myself shaping that
Building from a blank is actually a lot easier than building from a pre-carved stock. If you already have the wood then what do you have to lose?
 
I LOVE making inexpensive smooth bores ! Example ... One of these shorty N.W. guns ... 185 in the lock , 26 in the barrel,.58 , 10 breech plug , 35-50 in the stock , 18 side plate , screws and varnish 10-20 , steel for trigger , T.G. and tennons , 20 to free , make B.P. out of steel is cheaper than brass .... Hickory for R.R. free to 10
That sure looks nice
 
I LOVE making inexpensive smooth bores ! Example ... One of these shorty N.W. guns ... 185 in the lock , 26 in the barrel,.58 , 10 breech plug , 35-50 in the stock , 18 side plate , screws and varnish 10-20 , steel for trigger , T.G. and tennons , 20 to free , make B.P. out of steel is cheaper than brass .... Hickory for R.R. free to 10 ...
Is there any specialty tools you use to cut the stock? Like tools that not an average person’s shop has.
 
Is there any specialty tools you use to cut the stock? Like tools that not an average person’s shop has.
A band saw for the basic outline , then to slab off extra wood in a couple of steps but ...ive built guns when I didnt have a bandsaw ...I used a neighbors saw for the cuts ... then ...a rasp , and couple chisels , 1/8", 1/4" and 3/8"
 
For anyone reading this post that hasn't built before ... Go to the library and get Hershel House's VDO , Building a Kentucky long rifle 1991... Its great ! Helped me immensely !
 
Is there any specialty tools you use to cut the stock? Like tools that not an average person’s shop has.
Funny , when ya see pics of guys bench's it looks like SO many tools ! Each build I break out my three chisels , 1/8, 1/4" , 3/8" and sometimes my 1/2" gouge ... Rasp and body file when shaping ... A good vice and sturdy bench , I have maybe 10 bucks in my bench , I built it from scrap wood
 

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Is there any specialty tools you use to cut the stock? Like tools that not an average person’s shop has.
Bill shows all this in his videos. But I use a bandsaw to start. It’s going to be tough for a newbie to set up the ramrod groove and drill the hole. Shaping can be done a dozen ways.

Us old timers building in the 70s and 80s bought a book, a blank, a lock kit, guard and buttplate, a few bolts and screws, some brass sheet stock, some iron sheet, and made the rest of the parts. It can be done ( we did it) but not by asking questions step by step. It’s important to have a book that takes you through step by step.
 
Bill shows all this in his videos. But I use a bandsaw to start. It’s going to be tough for a newbie to set up the ramrod groove and drill the hole. Shaping can be done a dozen ways.

Us old timers building in the 70s and 80s bought a book, a blank, a lock kit, guard and buttplate, a few bolts and screws, some brass sheet stock, some iron sheet, and made the rest of the parts. It can be done ( we did it) but not by asking questions step by step. It’s important to have a book that takes you through step by step.
Thanks all of yall for the input
 
It’s going to be tough to build any gun with decent components for say $800 or less unless you buy used parts. Track of the Wolf has some inexpensive octagon to round barrels where the octagon part is not tapered. Maybe the round part is not tapered, either. Then you buy a good used lock off somebody for $175 (but they will want $200 at today’s prices for new locks). $75 for guard and buttplate. Make trigger, trigger plate, side plate, underlugs, thimbles, front sight. Buy tang bolt and lock bolts. Could come in at $500 if you have the wood. But then $200-$400 for ramrod drill, files, chisels, and your choices of shaping tools (rasps, spokeshave, planes, scrapers). Then finishing supplies- sandpaper, stain, finish, browning solution, etc will run you another $75-100. Oh you’ll need 8-32 taps and associated drill.
 
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