Chambers Lancaster Update

I have made some more progress on the 'ol Chambers Lancaster (after a hiatus of sorts), and thought I would post some crappy snapshots I just took of her. I hope I'm not butchering it too badly... :redface:

 

 

[TN.Frank]

Looks like it's coming along nicely. The real proof will be in the shooting. I just got done "restoring" (I guess that's what you'd call it.) a poorboy rifle and it's ugly as homemade sin,LOL. Hopefully it'll shoot good though. It has a quality lock and good barrel in it so with any luck it'll do ok. Someday I'd like to build a rifle from scratch but inletting the barrel and lock scares the heck out of me,LOL. I just know with my luck I'll mess something up.

 

[oldarmy]

looks great.
You seem to have the hard parts done, Now you can relax and finish shaping it and do some carving on her. any ideas on the style of carving you are going to do???

 

Yeah, been thinking about that, and looking at the books... there's a carving on a J. Ferree Lancaster rifle in RCA Vol.1 that I'm seriously considering using for inspiration. I don't have the book right in front of me at the moment, so I can't give you the exact number, but I will. It seems to be fairly simple, but I think will fit the gun quite well.

 

[LSU TIGER]

Just looking at your pics, it looks like you're doing a fine job. Remember, don't be afraid to remove wood. Originals are pretty slim.

 

[oldarmy]

that is an early lancaster correct??
I just finished a late lancaster from a JG kit I bought when they were on sale.
I just love the style, very elegant..
I plan on building another one.This time I will put some carving one it. You went top of the line with this one. :thumbsup: I went wal-mart with mine :grin:

 

Good advice LSU, and I'm taking it. She will be slimmed down more before she's done.

Yep, OldArmy, it's an Early Lancaster. I did go top-of-the-line, but the only way I was able to do it was squeeze it in with a home refi we did to get some home improvements done that were needed. Otherwise, I'd have probably gone the cheapest route I could have taken too. :thumbsup:

 

Looking good. Cutting a molding rail above the ramrod channel will help give it that slimmer look, and help breakup the barrel profile. Keep working at it, the hardest thing is not removing enough wood. The barrel really holds the forend wood, and not the reverse, which is what most people perceive to be the case. Good luck Bill

 

[Ridge]

How hard is it to install their sliding patch box? Are the dovetails cut on the stock/cover?

 

[Finnwolf]

Hey Dood!
It is in the white!
You have been at the vise a few times since last we talked.
Very nice work - way to go! Keep up the good work and you'll be lightin' her up at the range pretty soon.
Finnwolf

 

How hard is it to install their sliding patch box? Are the dovetails cut on the stock/cover?

The cavity and dovetail is already cut in the stock, and the dovetail on the lid is already cut and fits the stock. You have to shorten the dovetail (the dovetails are cut at a slight angle... by shortening it at the front, you get a tighter fit when finished), cut the lid off at the buttplace at the proper angles, then cut the front of the lid off at the length you want, shape it, put a brass plate on the rear of it, and install the spring latch. Not too bad.

Hey Dood!
It is in the white!
You have been at the vise a few times since last we talked.
Very nice work - way to go! Keep up the good work and you'll be lightin' her up at the range pretty soon.
Finnwolf

Hey Finn! Yeah, it's real close. I still gotta drill the vent and put the sights on the barrel. The rest is shaping, carving, sanding, whiskering, and finishing.

Have you worked on your Haines at all since we talked? I can't wait to see what that gorgeous wood looks like when it's all finished! :thumbsup: