Finally makin' some smoke!

[1BadDart]

I've finally completed my .40 caliber Virginia build and fired the first three shots just before dark tonight. I've got the trigger pretty light and the first shot surprised me. I started this build the first week of May and probably have over 200 hours in it. The rifle finished at 9 lbs 8 oz.
There is a build thread here. Slow progress on my .40 build.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

That is a fine looking firearm. I wish I had the skill, patience, and “where with all” to be able to build as fine a firearm.

 

[springfield art]

I've finally completed my .40 caliber Virginia build and fired the first three shots just before dark tonight. I've got the trigger pretty light and the first shot surprised me. I started this build the first week of May and probably have over 200 hours in it. The rifle finished at 9 lbs 8 oz.
There is a build thread here. Slow progress on my .40 build.

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Very nice lefty! I'm a lefty but can shoot either way due to playing with all kinds of toy guns when a kid. Your rifle is real good looking.

 

[springfield art]

That is a fine looking firearm. I wish I had the skill, patience, and “where with all” to be able to build as fine a firearm.

I don't have patience to build, either; always appreciate guys who do.

 

[1BadDart]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

 

[hanshi]

Great looking rifle you built. Looks good and I like it.

 

[Ballshooter]

Awesome looking work you did very well.

 

[1BadDart]

The two patches I could find.

 

[ord sgt]

The lock is on the wrong side!

 

[1BadDart]

The lock is on the wrong side!

Depends on how you hold it.

 

[ord sgt]

My wife is a lefty. That's why I say things in jest.

 

[MSW]

nice looking rifle!

 

[Grenadier1758]

I see no signs of wear from the lands or circular cuts from a sharp crown. The frayed edges are normal.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Now these are shredded patches. I used too thin of a patch and undersized ball to see the effects of using a very easy to load ball and patch combination.

Things were much better with a larger ball and thicker cotton drill cloth patching.

You can see some wear marks from the lands, but no holes.

 

[azmntman]

When I retire Iwill build one. I ordered a Kibler kit and started thinking about my packrat garage and fact I would need a bunch or tools and I traded back by extra fancy maple for standard maple and "in the white" Figure I may be able to sand n stain. Asked a member here if they was interested in a finish job with no reply So what I end up with is gonna be just dandy. Now bout that purchase.....Damn its a been a while. Last time I checked was 3-4 weeks out. That was a week or two ago. Cant wait!! Mine is a .40 as well.

 

[1BadDart]

Thanks guys. I have some .400" balls to try too, just had to shoot it the other night after i finished it. It seems like it's been a long road and at times frustrating. When I started getting frustrated, I'd just step back for a while and re-evaluate things, then go at it again. Like the old saying, "patience is a virtue", it has come hard for me.

 

[J dirt]

That is a beauty for sure. Even better it has the lock on the “proper” side instead of the “right” side.

 

[gunpa]

That's something to be proud of! Love it!