Dunlap Woodcrafts kit

[nag]

Hello
I am interested in the Isaac Haines B kit that is sold from Dunlap and I was wondering if anyone here has experience in building one of his kits. He is known for his wood stocks but I am curious to know how easy one of his kits would be. He mentions a kit could be put together to shoot in the white in 10 to 12 hours.
Would I be mistaken to believe that time is from an experienced gun maker with too much coffee and dinner waiting?
Any info would be helpful.....I am thinking of a winter project and finances will not enable me to try an easier kit to gain experience on. The warden will allow me just one.

thanks neilg

 

[Mike Brooks]

I've built several of those for Wayne. They go together well. I can have all the parts attatched in about 11 or 12 hours. I can get all the extra wood off and have it ready to stain and finish in 18 or 20 hours. This is assuming I don't run into any snags and everything goes as planed....that is a rare occasion... :haha:
I would imagine those less experienced than I can figure 2X or 3X the hours assembling this kit..

 

[nag]

Mike

Would you consider it a first time kit? How would it compare in quality to the other kits on the market.
I am trying to figure out if I would be able to take on a project such as this, without trying a less difficult kit to gain experience.
I have purchased a couple of dvds on the subject of building a Jim Chambers kit to see what I would be getting myself into.

any thoughts would be appreciated
thanks neil

 

[Mike Brooks]

Dunlaps kit is of the same experience level as chambers. If you think you could do it after watching the dvd, then go for it. You'll never know till you try.

 

[Packdog]

Neilg,
I have built one of Wayne's Lancaster kits. 10 to 12 hours for a beginner is a little ambitious in my book but it could be done with experience I think Mike's estimate of 20 to 30 hours is closer to right.

Be sure to order all the parts from him. I picked up hardware for a I.H. and then bought a stock from him at Friendship. Then found out his inlets are set for specific parts. No problem, just get it all together from him.

Good kit for a first project in my opinion. Get the DVDs or good builders book. Just don't think it will fall together however most of the inletting has been done. You will be drilling, tapping and inletting. Just not inletting large areas and removing large chunks of wood.

Hope that helps some. Good luck with the project.
PD

 

[Rabbit]

This was the first gun I ever built. It took me way longer than 30 hours to build it but I took my time. I built mine back in 1988 and at that time there were no books/DVD, etc like there are today but it came out nice, especially for my first. I would say it is not all that difficult. Hardest part for me was the metal work, tapping screw holes, cutting dovetails, threading touchhole liner, etc. I didn't have the best tools at hand but made do. Even the chisels I had were a cheap set I bought but I still use them today.

 

[Finnwolf]

Hi Neil,
Can't tell you much from my experience except that I am very happy with the Dunlap kit I bought in June. I especially love the gorgeous tiger stripe stock Wayne sent me, the Rice barrel is a fine example of workmanship and the Siler lock is just amazing. When I compare those components to the T/C flinters I have owned I just wish I had built this kit 15 years ago instead of wasting all those years.
You don't say anything about your wood or metal working skills but after seeing the Chambers DVD you must have some idea if this is within your capabilities. I've done only a minimal amount of work on my kit due to a really hectic summer but I'm planning on putting more time into it when the snow flies here.
Like I did, you will have to make the call on whether you think you can make a good working rifle or a pile of expensive parts. If you go for it, spend a little more and get Dixon's book, Alexander's book or both. They're invaluable.
Finnwolf.

 

[mjones111]

My first flintlock kit was one of Wayne's I.H. in 40cal. I thought it was just about the right mix of required skills for me. It turned out very nice, shoots well too. Excellent wood. Excellent lock. Wayne used to also sell a blue colored book that gives some useful hints for building one of these. I forget the title.
Mark in Va.

 

[Finnwolf]

That Blue colored book would be The Art of Building the Pennsylvania Longrifle
Finnwolf

 

[flashpanner]

I have this book. Very good info! I have read it several times thru. Nice, clear sketches. A worthy read and reference book.

 

[oldarmy]

Dixon's book rock's :redthumb:
I think it is a better begginers book then Shumways "recreating the american longrifle"
I have both and I am using dixons to help build my second rifle.
the drawing and writing is simple, to the point and very clear.
With this book and some help from an experianced builder you can build a nice rifle

 

[TANSTAAFL]

If you have average WW skills, can mind your P's & Q's have a go at it.

I had one of his IH kits sitting around for a few years and then a couple back put it together with hunting in mind. I found it quite easy and the wood was beautiful.

Just have good instructions, think it through and take your time if it is a first go. More than a few guys and girls here are willing to help you answer any questions.