Advice

[LadyColeman]

Ok, so I have been lurking around for a while, I did post an intro a while back. Anyway, I have been looking around and getting interested, my husband has talked me into buying a kit and building my own gun. Thing is, I have never done anything like this before and I don't even know that much about guns. The kit he helped me pick out is Pedersoli Pennsylvania Rifle Kit - .50 Caliber Flint(copy and paste is great). My kit should be here in a few days or so, depending on how UPS feels. After reading thru so many diffrent posts I have gathered a few tools. I picked up a microplane, a few chisels, some small screwdrivers, and some files. I already have a drill with various sized bits, a cheap exacto, measuring tape and square. I know there has been mention of some homemade tools, and maybe a few things I missed. Is there anything else I need to get started? I plan on taking this really slow, I want to get it right. That's the reason I came here to ask questions and advise. I know you all have plenty of advise and suggestions, and when needed you will tell me how to fix whatever I mess up. And don't worry I will post plenty of pics for you! Thanks in advance to all who help me out!! You will hear that alot in the coming months!!

 

[Robbo]

I am about to start my first build also. I strongly recommend you buy one of the instructional DVD's available from Track of the Wolf (try them on google). Easy step by step instructions which anyone could follow. Good luck!!

Robbo

 

[Zonie]

LadyColeman:
Welcome and thank you for your vote of confidence in us. :grin:

Actually it sounds like you already have about everything you will need except for lots of sandpaper.

The Pedersoli kits, like those produced by the other manufacturers are basically factory guns which were not totally finished.
The most fitting that needs to be done consists of trimming some of the mortises to allow the metal parts to fit down into the pockets.

Most of the work is sanding the wood so that it matches the mating metal part smoothly and blends with it.

Assuming the barrel is unfinished, you will have to decide whether you want to leave it "in the white", browned or blued.
As the work envolved between these varies substantially I'll wait until you decide what you want.

If you were tackling one of the "box of parts" type of guns that many of us work on I would agree with Robbo however, the kit you will be working on is very straight forward.

While your waiting for your kit, you may enjoy going back to the Gun Builders Bench index and selecting Gun Building Tutorial (A permanent post second from the top).
While this involves way more than what is required to build your kit the steps and logic behind it is similar to what you will be doing (but on a much grander scale).

Again, welcome.
We will be more than happy to help you in any way we can.
zonie

 

[LadyColeman]

Thank you! I did check out the tutorial, I am sure I will be going back to it several times to make sure I have it right. My kit got here yesterday but I haven't had time to get it out of the box yet. Hopefully I will be able to get it out tonite after I get the kids settled. I will take some pics and try to post them tomorrow!

 

[Charles D. Prokopp]

Welcome to the forum. I've built some Pedersoli kits, and can testify that they're not overpowering for a tyro. As Zonie said, you've got everything you need. The amount of sandpaper required is rather startling, though!
Take your time and have fun. Sure beats scrap-booking.

 

[BrownBear]

I'd get some kind of bedding black or an obnoxious color of lipstick from the sale bin. Marking metal parts with that, then lowering them into the stock will really help you "true up" the bedding of the barrel and tang. If for some reason you need to adjust the pitch or seating depth of the lock, it will be useful there, too. Not much money or maybe free, but it will sure make your life easier.

 

[Jim-Iowa]

I'd get some kind of bedding black or an obnoxious color of lipstick from the sale bin. Marking metal parts with that, then lowering them into the stock will really help you "true up" the bedding of the barrel and tang. If for some reason you need to adjust the pitch or seating depth of the lock, it will be useful there, too. Not much money or maybe free, but it will sure make your life easier.

That will sure help, I was taught to use a common candle and soot the parts. Some put a light coat of petroleum jelly on the part and then soot it.
But I have got good transfer w/o and it's not near as messy(you still get soon on your hands though).

 

[Old40Rod]

Be sure to post photos as you go!

 

[mazo kid]

I'm still using the small sample tubes of lipstick that a friend gave me several years ago. A little goes a long way, especially when you are getting down close to the final fitting. Good luck on your project! I'm sure you will find it enjoyable. Emery

 

Dry erase markers work real good too, only without the mess.

 

[BrownBear]

Best idea I ever heard of! Gonna try that first chance.

 

[LadyColeman]

Ok here are a few pics right out of the box.

 

[jimmy82]

I think you are going to do great and when I get a chance to do a kit I will have you to help me out :blah: