Thoughts on "Kits".
As you may have found as you read posts on the Builders Bench forum, there are basically two kinds. The easy 95% done ones and the more difficult (expensive) Box of Parts.
The former can be built in a few days to a few weeks depending on your knowledge of screw drivers and sandpaper with a little filing and polishing thrown in.
The time to build one of these can be stretched out some by adding a few inlays, browning the barrel and choosing a slow drying finish like linseed oil but I think the average person will have it finished in 2 to 3 weeks.
The Box of Parts in it's easiest form will still require a knowledge (and ownership) of several chisels, drills, files, measuring tools, screw drivers, taps for making threads, etc.
These BOPs will take the average person at least 6 weeks to 6 months. (Most of mine take about 300+ hours but I go slow with all of the things that need doing).
The reason for the large difference in the time it takes to finish the gun is because most of the supply houses will do things like installing the breech plug, fully inleting the stock, installing the but plate, milling the dovetails for the sights and installing the underlugs on the barrel....for a fee. Or you can buy just the raw parts and do it all yourself.
If you choose to pay for these services it will reduce the effort you need to add to finish up the gun and greatly speed up the process.
There doesn't seem to be many unassembled guns in the area of difficulty between the Kits and the Box of Parts.
In my opnion, there is not a great deal of difference in difficulty between the building of a rifle or a pistol. All of the things you need to do to build a rifle will also have to be done on the pistol.
Buy the recommended books and read them from cover to cover.
While your reading be thinking of what you want to end up with and how much you want to spend.
Speaking of spending, if you decide some day to build a Kentucky Rifle, don't skimp on the quality of wood you buy.
Many people buy the cheapest wood they can to save a few bucks but I guarantee when they are finished they will kick themselves in the rear for not spending the additional money for a good grade of wood. (Note, I didn't say a top of the line grade stock).
I think building a rifle or pistol is one of the most satisfying hobbies you can have. Sometimes it's hard work and sometimes it can be aggravating but when your finished you will have something you can be proud of and have a heck of a good time shooting too.