Cost to build

[PJ.H.]

Trying to decide to build a custom kit such as Curtis,TOW,TVM etc. or buy a flintlock already completed. I would like to know estimated cost to build if I have no tools,stain,finish or any other items needed to build a kit rifle. I believe I have the ability but not the items listed above. Thanks so Much for your advise!

 

[jrmflintlock]

I do not want to discourage you, because it is an amazing feeling to fashion a rifle!
But, Without the tools, I believe it will cost you the same as a custom rifle.
Barrel - $200+
Stock -$100+ or Precarved stock - $250+
lock - $170+
trigger - $10-$60 single or set
Butt Plate -$20-$40
trigger guard - $15-$40
thimbles - $20
Rammer - $5
Various bolts pins and screws - $20
Vice $50
Chisels $100
files $75
stain $20
finish $10
Various taps and Drill bits $60
Plus 200+ hrs to complete
If you go cheap on any of these items it will show!

Rifle builders do not do it to become rich!

The kits by Kibler, from what I have seen and read are the best out there All others are not kits but parts sets which require a lot more work. If I were just starting this crazy ride, I would go with a Kibler.

Other builders chime in and correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Kansas Jake]

If you have no tools including drills, bits, files, taps, vise, chisels, stain etc. I would expect you can easily expect to spend several hundred dollars minimum on things you will need before you are done. If you have friends with some tools that you can borrow or use, then some of the costs could be reduced.

jrm, you beat me to the keyboard and added a much better list.

 

[tenngun]

Several dealers offer gunsmiting sevices on their kit. Where the builder can finish the almost dines. An exato knife and el cheapo hobby store use one discard carving tools and a file and drill set finishes the job.
Evan more work can be done with an in the white gun, where little more then sanding and finishing is done.

 

[tenngun]

 

[tenngun]

That’s a gun being built on the floor, you don’t need a shop but some tools are a must, puppies watching are optional

 

[Col. Batguano]

No tools as in NO tools? There are basic things that almost everyone has; screwdrivers, hammers, drills, bits, files, If you don't have a bench, though it CAN be (and often IS done on the kitchen table, a bench with at least one vice (preferably 2) really really helps with the frustration factor. Apart from the drill, bench and vice(s), figure on $400 as sort of a round number as a "starter set" to get going with stuff you can actually learn with rather than the cheap stuff that will make learning harder. Remember, you only pay for quality once.

 

[Pete G]

You cannot build only one gun, so tool cost is a one time expense. That said, you are looking at $1000/200hr.

 

[S.Kenton]

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Hats off to you sir! I had often thought of setting up a shop in my spare bedroom. I’ve seen some prolific builders set up In thier basement.... but wife would not be happy with me on the living room floor..

 

[Loyalist Dave]

The kits by Kibler, from what I have seen and read are the best out there All others are not kits but parts sets which require a lot more work. If I were just starting this crazy ride, I would go with a Kibler.

For my likes..., I'd be looking at a Kibler Early Colonial Rifle. The base cost is $1050.00...., and you will need some hand tools to complete it. Now depending on the time you have to invest, and your skill level, you can have it fully assembled, with only stock finishing and metal polishing left to be done, which will cost you $1750.00, and either way you will be waiting several months, so if you want to hunt with it this calendar-year, best to get your order in soon. https://kiblerslongrifles.com/colle...-colonial-american-longrifle-kit-down-payment.

LD

 

[rich pierce]

I built my first 4 on the floor in an apartment, astride a cheap plastic black and decker workmate vise. I bet you have some tools. As above, correct drill bits, taps, files, rasps, chisels are needed. I agree $400 will get it done.

 

[54ball]

To do this right, there's the education. The research that's on going for a lifetime. Then there's the skill first knowing how to apply that skill in the right direction...then actually being able to do it...then actually being able to it well...then there's the basic mechanical stuff...you know the easy stuff that makes the gun work the easy stuff that if done wrong ruins the gun (lay out)(Lock tuning)(lock trigger relationship..set triggers)(pinning the stock and barrel) (tapping) (countersinking and getting things straight) all that has to be done right or the skills have to be there to overcome it when it's not done right the first time or the second or...lessening the screw up.
Have we talked about shop space and work benches?
Do you have the time?
Do you have the support? IE the wife cleans house and stacks the Christmas decorations and garage sale junk on your work bench all over your rifle....Jr. uses your $50 chisel as a screw driver.....your daughter's cat whizzes on your project. (my son's kitty urinated all over my Gillespie Rifle) That was Marvelous!!!
In the end.
Do you want to build or do you want to own a fine longrifle?
These are 2 separate things.
If you want to own one.....
Commission a build from a custom maker even if it costs more than 5 grand. You'll save money!
If you want to build...start your education.

 

[Rifleman1776]

el cheapo hobby store use one discard carving tools

I have to strongly disagree with my friend on that point. Those El Cheapo carving tools frequently have very short tangs and are set in weak wood. This means, that with even slight pressure the tang can break through the handle and possible cause serious injury. I've seen it and always try to steer folks away from them. I like saving money but there is no savings in buying something that can send you to the emergency room and cripple your hand forever. Check wood carving sites and start shopping.

 

[tenngun]

You cannot build only one gun, so tool cost is a one time expense. That said, you are looking at $1000/200hr.

‘Well honey, I have to make another gun or the first one is too expensive’... a few years later... ‘yes hon, just one more gun and I’ll have broke even on the tools.

 

[Spikebuck]

I would agree with the comments above that ask if you want to be a builder or if you just want a nice rifle or two?

If the latter, you can find some darned nice lightly used custom built rifles being sold right on this forum from time to time that aren't a whole lot more than you'll spend on a kit, much less investing in tools for a one shot build.

If you want to be a builder, well then, invest in some quality tools and enjoy! To add to the item lists of tools, I'd suggest that one or two good gun building books and/or DVD's are nearly a must if you don't already have gun building experience.

 

[PJ.H.]

Thanks to all the responses! I am retired and was thinking of a winter project for next year. Real uncomfortable trying to shoot when winter arrives. Yes I do have basic tools. However if I will spend more on accumulating the needed specialty tools and accessories to build a flintlock than a finished rifle will cost it does not seem feasible.
I do not see myself building more than one rifle

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

[QUOTE="tenngun, post: 1543049,[/QUOTE]
I just want to know: R those dogs spoiled??
Flintlocklar

 

[tenngun]

Compleatly, and now they have a little brother who is learning to be well spoiled also

 

[tenngun]

Thanks to all the responses! I am retired and was thinking of a winter project for next year. Real uncomfortable trying to shoot when winter arrives. Yes I do have basic tools. However if I will spend more on accumulating the needed specialty tools and accessories to build a flintlock than a finished rifle will cost it does not seem feasible.
I do not see myself building more than one rifle

If you have some basics and you don’t plan to do carving a few chisels and gouges should do, along with an exato set. Dremol makes a little drill press that will serve simple needs. 90% a 1/4 inch chisel will serve.
All that’s out the window if your going to try inletting your own barrel channel and ramrod channel.

 

[EC121]

I'd say it depends on whether you want a winter project or a rifle to shoot. It doesn't take specialty tools to build a plain rifle. A couple of files, a small size tap and die set, and some drill bits plus a 4mm chisel will build about any plain rifle with the barrel already inlet. I've done it. Or you can spend a lot of money for fancy chisels and French files. Depends on how deep you want to go.
On the other hand to buy a rifle to shoot some shopping can get you a decent used rifle for just a little more than the parts are going to cost you.
If you like their style, Jim Kibler's kits are the best of both worlds.