Clay Smith Trade Gun Build

[TDM]

Have the kit in hand and unboxed. This will be an early English model @1740’s. It’s a 20 ga - .62 with a 44” barrel and a Davis lock.
I have to admit, I’m a little intimidated at this time. This is my 4th build, but never one of this undertaking. There will be a lot of “first” times doing this one. But I’ll take my time and keep my chisels sharp. The serpent side plate is blank, sure to be a test for my engraving skills. Since I’ll be taking my time there won’t be any rapid updates.

I do have one item id like input on, the outside mainspring edge on the Davis lock is extremely ruff and scalloped. Never seen anything like it. Question, should I try to polish it out or contact Davis? There’s a photo of it several down.

Also received a Woodsrunner “Quaker” carving stock and Jim’s carving book from Kibler’s. So I have plenty to keep me busy for quite a while.

 

[TDM]

After closer inspection the mainspring is not as bad as I thought. Looks terrible from the side, but it’s only grinding flash, very thin. I can clean it up easily. Still no excuse in it.

 

[Rob M.]

Looks awesome ! I'd certainly be calling Log Cabin about that spring . Liza , the owner , also owns RE Davis . At least get you a spare for free hopefully . Looks great ! Keep posting as you go ! I'm excited !

 

[TDM]

Thanks Rob, I can clean the spring up, but I’ll give them a call too.

 

[Rob M.]

Thanks Rob, I can clean the spring up, but I’ll give them a call too.

A lot of times they won't refund or exchange anything if its touched or altered . My last lock had a casting flaw on it . I hope this doesn't start being a " regular " thing . I watched L&R locks go that way and their quality control has been very lacking unfortunately ... Eh , see what she says ....

 

[TDM]

A lot of times they won't refund or exchange anything if its touched or altered . My last lock had a casting flaw on it . I hope this doesn't start being a " regular " thing . I watched L&R locks go that way and their quality control has been very lacking unfortunately ... Eh , see what she says ....

Yep, I looked at the Davis site and they show the trade lock out of stock, which is what I had heard. Sure would like to have a spare spring. And I agree on L & R, I know they’ve put out some good locks, but they’re not very high on my list anymore.

 

[Bnewberry]

I just bought that same lock yesterday at the Kalamazoo Living History Expo. I am going to use it on a NW trade gun I am going to build myself with a Petaconica stock that isn’t inlet for the lock.

What is the barrel Like? The one I got from Petaconica is a little thick and heavy. Not as heavy as some I have handled, but not as light as a Ken Netting one I saw at the show.

 

[Rob M.]

Yep, I looked at the Davis site and they show the trade lock out of stock, which is what I had heard. Sure would like to have a spare spring. And I agree on L & R, I know they’ve put out some good locks, but they’re not very high on my list anymore.

Yeah , I've been calling Log Cabin every Monday to see if they have their new batch of Early English locks done yet . Still waiting .... Darn shame with L&R because I use a lot of Quern Anne but I just go through the lock and clean them up , etc. Shame ....oh well

 

[Rob M.]

I just bought that same lock yesterday at the Kalamazoo Living History Expo. I am going to use it on a NW trade gun I am going to build myself with a Petaconica stock that isn’t inlet for the lock.

What is the barrel Like? The one I got from Petaconica is a little thick and heavy. Not as heavy as some I have handled, but not as light as a Ken Netting one I saw at the show.

Call Ken and order a barrel
.

 

[TDM]

I just bought that same lock yesterday at the Kalamazoo Living History Expo. I am going to use it on a NW trade gun I am going to build myself with a Petaconica stock that isn’t inlet for the lock.

What is the barrel Like? The one I got from Petaconica is a little thick and heavy. Not as heavy as some I have handled, but not as light as a Ken Netting one I saw at the show.

Mine is a Rice, I don’t have much experience with different barrels, but it looks correct and well finished, not heavy at all.

 

[Rob M.]

Mine is a Rice, I don’t have much experience with different barrels, but it looks correct and well finished, not heavy at all.

Ah cool ! A Rice ! I've heard good things about them lately and saw their dimensions and they looked spot on . My buddy just bought a dozen of them .... I'm getting more excited ! ....you got that thing together yet ?! LOL

 

[Bnewberry]

Mine is a Rice, I don’t have much experience with different barrels, but it looks correct and well finished, not heavy at all.

I ordered the Petaconica before I knew enough about these. It will still be fun to build. I plan to be trade gun rich, and cash poor as I later ordered a Type G from a builder. It will be much more correct.

 

[Bnewberry]

Call Ken and order a barrel
.

I hadn’t thought about that, I just learned about him at the trade show! Since the stock is already inlet for the 1 inch barrel it probably wouldn’t work.

 

[TDM]

Ah cool ! A Rice ! I've heard good things about them lately and saw their dimensions and they looked spot on . My buddy just bought a dozen of them .... I'm getting more excited ! ....you got that thing together yet ?! LOL

Maybe it will be together in 6 months!

 

[Rob M.]

Maybe it will be together in 6 months!

Well , its gonna be great ! Gonna be fun watching your build ...Congratulations

 

[TDM]

@Rob M. and @Bnewberry, my Rice barrel has the London stamp and crest also.

 

[bud in pa]

Hey TDM rice has a smooth bore barrel that weighs about 2 1/2 pounds. Costs a bit more but it makes for a light smoothbore.

 

[TDM]

Hey TDM rice has a smooth bore barrel that weighs about 2 1/2 pounds. Costs a bit more but it makes for a light smoothbore.

I think that’s the one I have, doubt mine weighs more that 2 1/2. Haven’t put it on the scales yet.

 

[Mulemauler]

Go slow and take your time on details and it will be nice!

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Have the kit in hand and unboxed. This will be an early English model @1740’s. It’s a 20 ga - .62 with a 44” barrel and a Davis lock.
I have to admit, I’m a little intimidated at this time. This is my 4th build, but never one of this undertaking. There will be a lot of “first” times doing this one. But I’ll take my time and keep my chisels sharp. The serpent side plate is blank, sure to be a test for my engraving skills. Since I’ll be taking my time there won’t be any rapid updates.

I do have one item id like input on, the outside mainspring edge on the Davis lock is extremely ruff and scalloped. Never seen anything like it. Question, should I try to polish it out or contact Davis? There’s a photo of it several down.

Also received a Woodsrunner “Quaker” carving stock and Jim’s carving book from Kibler’s. So I have plenty to keep me busy for quite a while.

I have an extra serpent side plate you can have, send me your address.