Bedford kit?

[Bedford County Doc]

I have an original Bedford long rifle in percussion. I want to build a flinter version. I need help understanding which of the various vendors will allow me maximum enjoyment with minimal hassle... The options are Track of the Wolf, Jedediah-Starr, and Pecatonica seem to have kits that are very similar in price. Which company would you recommend for a relatively new person? I have two Kiblers and a Chamers under my belt, but I still consider myself a newbie. So, ease of the build is a high priority...

 

[MAC1967]

I think only Pecatonica would have a bedford style, though you might check track of the wolf. . .some say Pecatonica does their kits, but I don't know if that is true. Just my two cents as a newbie building my third rifle.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I have one TOW and one pre-carve from Pecatonica, both had flaws in the pre-carve, some major, some minor.

I have posted this advice a bunch of times; don't let them do the lock inlet, do it yourself so it will be in the right place.

I have done two plank builds with the barrel inletted and ramrod hole drilled by Fred Miller (now retired). I found this route to be much easier than working from a flawed pre-carve.

I work off a full-sized plan, this lets you know how things are supposed to be shaped.

If you go this route, I would recommend Mark Weider for the barrel inletting, ramrod hole drilling, buttstock shaping and lock inletting, he does the best work I have ever seen.

 

[billraby]

Build from a blank and you get exactly what you want. Building from a blank is actually easier than building from a kit. Barrel inletting and ramrod hole and such is nothing to worry about.