So many people post their builds that I figured me posting mine would not add a lot of value, but here are the finished results. I like dark and plain rifles. So I ordered an SMR in 32 caliber. Finished the metal parts with Jax blackener. Stock finish is a layer of tannic acid then a layer of ferric acid. Rubbed it back and oiled the stock with Chamber's Oil Finish. I used no dies, so just the natural color whatever turned out it was going to turn out. It was not exactly what I had imagined when I started, but I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. Even the plain maple stock has quite a bit of figure in it. Near the butt there are a few worm holes, which I really like the added character.
Finished it a week ago and was able to shoot today. I did absolutely no adjustment of the sights yet other than centering them in the dovetails. I am going to wait until the barrel has 100 rounds through it. I loaded it with 15 grains of 3F, used a pillow ticking patch, and a 0.310 roundball. The picture of the target is 25 yards offhand. Same as everyone elses experience, I could not be happier with the way that the rifle shoots. Took about 25 shots today with it, never cleaned the flash hole or pan, and the flint is probably close to 4o shots right now with zero knapping.
Finished it a week ago and was able to shoot today. I did absolutely no adjustment of the sights yet other than centering them in the dovetails. I am going to wait until the barrel has 100 rounds through it. I loaded it with 15 grains of 3F, used a pillow ticking patch, and a 0.310 roundball. The picture of the target is 25 yards offhand. Same as everyone elses experience, I could not be happier with the way that the rifle shoots. Took about 25 shots today with it, never cleaned the flash hole or pan, and the flint is probably close to 4o shots right now with zero knapping.
