Steve Milbocker
32 Cal
Wow! beautiful rifle.
First Build Competed!
- Thread starter Buckskinn
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You know...,
You might seriously consider schlepping down to Dixon's Gunmaker's Fair this year and submitting that in the "first rifle build" category (I think they have that category)...
I've seen some some "rough" builds (including those I tried my hand at), but that's not "rough" by any means and IS pretty dang nice, ESPECIALLY for a first flintlock build. Even if you ignored the amazing wood..., THAT is pretty dang good!
LD
You might seriously consider schlepping down to Dixon's Gunmaker's Fair this year and submitting that in the "first rifle build" category (I think they have that category)...
I've seen some some "rough" builds (including those I tried my hand at), but that's not "rough" by any means and IS pretty dang nice, ESPECIALLY for a first flintlock build. Even if you ignored the amazing wood..., THAT is pretty dang good!
LD
Buckskinn
45 Cal.
You know...,
You might seriously consider schlepping down to Dixon's Gunmaker's Fair this year and submitting that in the "first rifle build" category (I think they have that category)...
I've seen some some "rough" builds (including those I tried my hand at), but that's not "rough" by any means and IS pretty dang nice, ESPECIALLY for a first flintlock build. Even if you ignored the amazing wood..., THAT is pretty dang good!
LD
Wow, that is quite flattering! I would love to go to an event like that and just for the heck of it, throw my rifle in the ring... That would be a fun road trip and not too far from me. Unfortunately I will be fishing in Canada then. I shouldn't say unfortunately, very much looking forward to taking my boys up there...
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please tell us about the fishing in canada, big northerns, and anything else you catch. man fishing their is the greatest.
Col. Batguano
75 Cal.
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I think that most people start out in their building careers with modest ambitions. They wisely keep it simple at first. Architecture is hard enough to get right (and probably the most important element of a build after safety and functionality) without adding the complexity of multiple carvings and engravings. You can add those next time now that you have experience AND a personally-built gun to take out and shoot when the mood strikes you.
I think NOT having a personally-built gun in the class being built is one of the major contributors to people rushing to get it done, and workmanship to be less than what they are capable of.
It all comes down to time really. Whether you get the architecture right or wrong takes the same amount of chisel time to a learned hand. Good carving and good engraving takes longer than poorly done stuff.
A highly decorated and profusely carved and engraved gun on poor architecture is still a poor build. Ok quality carving and engraving on good architecture is often described as "period correct". Perfect engraving and carving on perfect architecture on jaw dropping wood just didn't happen much in America. That's more of a European presentation thing
I think NOT having a personally-built gun in the class being built is one of the major contributors to people rushing to get it done, and workmanship to be less than what they are capable of.
It all comes down to time really. Whether you get the architecture right or wrong takes the same amount of chisel time to a learned hand. Good carving and good engraving takes longer than poorly done stuff.
A highly decorated and profusely carved and engraved gun on poor architecture is still a poor build. Ok quality carving and engraving on good architecture is often described as "period correct". Perfect engraving and carving on perfect architecture on jaw dropping wood just didn't happen much in America. That's more of a European presentation thing
That is a gorgeous rifle! I prefer rifles without much engraving that, I think, detracts from the beautiful wood, such as yours, as in not gilding the lily.
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baxter, your right.
WRustyLane
32 Cal.
Wow! What a beautiful rifle. You did very well on that build. That's the kinda rifle I want; beautiful wood, simple with no engraving. I just wish I had that much talent and patience.
Buckskinn
45 Cal.
It feels odd not having it to work on. I also had no idea black powder was so hard to get around here these days! Called every gun shop in the area and even Cabela's didn't have any, so now waiting on Powder Valley to deliver it. That will keep me busy again with it, but am thinking of a 36 cal. small game rifle next. Although I was really hoping not to get into one until winter again, when I have a heck of a lot more free time on my hands.
That is an awesome looking rifle and you did a fantastic job. I just did my first high-end rifle kit as well. I was afraid I had jumped in over my head and did experience some frustrations during the build. Just one question, is that one of Jim Kibler's rifle kits? The kit I did was a TOTW half stock Hawken percussion rifle and I would really like to do a flintlock. I have been looking at the Kibler kits but have the same fear concerning them that I did with the TROW kit. I don't want to spend $1200 on a kit and end up with a $400 rifle.
Again, your rifle is just awesome looking. Gorgeous wood. I would be elated if a build I did turned out as well. Congratulations! Hope you have many years of pleasurable shooting.
Again, your rifle is just awesome looking. Gorgeous wood. I would be elated if a build I did turned out as well. Congratulations! Hope you have many years of pleasurable shooting.
Buckskinn
45 Cal.
Thanks! No, it's not one of Kibler's kits, although at times I had wished it was! From what I understand Kibler's are much more exact in their stock duplication due to the precision of the CNC machining, therefore a much easier build. Mine was from Jim Chamber's, the Edward Marshall rifle. They put out a very nice product as well and in hind-sight I am glad I went the route I did as it definitely challenged me and rewarded me in the end. Many times I thought I went in over my head, as a matter of fact my first post/thread on this site what "what did I get myself into". But the resources on this site are hard to beat and they can walk you through any issue that you might have. I would hate to think of what my rifle would have looked like without them.
jrmflintlock
45 Cal.
Tsaah Wookkuh Buckskinn!!
Very fine rifle!! You should be proud!! I can't wait to see the pictures of all the critters you harvest with it!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Very fine rifle!! You should be proud!! I can't wait to see the pictures of all the critters you harvest with it!!
Thanks for sharing!!
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Wow!
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you did well.
Buckskinn
45 Cal.
Finally got some powder and was able to put a half dozen down the pipe. I like it!!! I have an inline (I know, bad word...) but it was the first time I've ever shot a flintlock and I think I am hooked. The rest of my guns in the safe are going to get envious.
Now to play with the load and figure this thing out!
Now to play with the load and figure this thing out!
Beauiful rifle
digger6581
32 Cal
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That rifle looks great. Love the metal finish. All mine have been browned and would like to try the finish you have on yours, would you share your process?
Buckskinn
45 Cal.
I was looking for that soft grey/blue color, so at the suggestion of Dave Person, I used a cold bluing solution. I used Brownell's - Oxpho-Blue, but I'm sure most others would work similar. I think it was the easiest step of the gun with the fastest result. I blued as bottle instructed then polished to desired result with charcoal Scotch Brite pad. I did this routine twice. As I already knew, it's not a very durable finish, but that is fine as it will get the natural patina that I'm looking for as it is used and ages. It has already started near the flash hole.
WRustyLane
32 Cal.
Buckskinn,
That sure is a nice photo of you shooting yer rifle. Perfectly timed photo that shows the remainder of the pan flash as well as the main charge going off at the muzzle. Who made the photo for you? I would have to call that the perfect flintlock photo! All of my other guns are extremely jealous of my flintlock.
That sure is a nice photo of you shooting yer rifle. Perfectly timed photo that shows the remainder of the pan flash as well as the main charge going off at the muzzle. Who made the photo for you? I would have to call that the perfect flintlock photo! All of my other guns are extremely jealous of my flintlock.
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