first build...what do you think?

[Grizzly Adams]

Hello all, this is my first rifle build. It was built from a TVM southern rifle kit and is a 45 cal. I made my fair share of mistakes on this unit but I would rather build something ugly than buy something pretty :grin: Strangely enough, i was able to use plum brown browning solution the same way as aqua fortis and it turned out pretty good! So what do you guys think, is it a good start or a pretty fence post :wink:

 

[Grizzly Adams]

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[Treestalker]

Looks very much like my first longrifle, she was SM style in maple with aquafortis stain, (much darker) and the lock was on the other side but I kept her plain and she was a great .36 cal. First time out she fired 16 times without misfire and no swabbing. Her name was Arlen. Had to sell her one year to help the family. : Good shooting with your lovely rifle, Treestalker.

 

[kaintuck]

:hatsoff:
I too began flintlock life with a TVM "kit".....luckily I still have my 50cal.....good start!

Now that you have one to hold and shoot......you can be merciless on the next one......get that file and rasp out.....make more wood chips on the floor......Think toothpick!

Someone once said here.....your tenth or twelfth one will start to please you.... :shocked2:

So.....?Your journey begins......!
Marc n tomtom

 

[Eric Krewson]

The lock panels are pretty wide and could probably use some trimming.

Looking back on my first, which wasn't made that long ago, I stopped taking wood off way too soon and left some bulges here and uneven places there that I see every time I pick the finished gun up now.

 

[Swede50]

Nice looking rifle better than my first build.
All I had was a board and some parts.
The only thing I can find is the lock is on the wrong side, but since my wife is left handed...

 

[Col. Batguano]

Fence post or beauty queen is all in the eye of the beholder. What ever you do, don't get rid of that gun. Once you start building from parts sets, you will want to refer to it for certain things. Mistakes you didn't know you made will become apparent to you. Your best friend will be historical research from any and all sources, and a critical eye (meaning being a good listener and willing to take advice) for teensy details are the key to making good LR's.

The important thing right now is that you have something you can shoot, and use. You more than likely do not actually NEED another gun right now, (but probably WANT one, which is different). Once you shoulder a gun, and the only thing you see is the sight picture they all function pretty much the same (with the exception of trigger break and lock time), whether it's a $75,000 ultra embellished gun, or a beat up $100 plastic stocked Investarms. The fundamentals of shooting are pretty much the same for all guns (within the same class and application mode).

 

[galamb]

Except for puttin' the lock and cheek piece on the "wrong sides" it looks more than fine for a first attempt :rotf:

I would absolutely tell others "I built it" and stand tall while doing so.

Good looking rifle.

 

[fahopity]

Good looking gun. My first build from a parts set was also a TVM southern mountain rifle in 45 caliber. I love mine, it has a 42" long barrel 13/16 inch across the flats. What barrel do you have?
Have fun.

 

[tenngun]

Looks very nice you should be very proud. If some of the comments above make you second guess your skills, you can send it to me and I will hide it for you :haha:
Kidding aside its a great looking gun :wink:

 

[Hangfire]

200 years from now some gun builder will be trying to duplicate a Mountain Dewd style of longrifle.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

My rifle is also a 45 with a 42 inch 13/16 inch across the flats colerain. What brand is your barrel?

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Hey, I would just like to thank all of you guys for your input, advice, and support- this is just awesome!

 

[Ken Cormier]

IMHO great looking gun if you had built it perfect on your first try. Some of the critics around here would have something to say. I think you did a GREAT job if it was mine I would be proud to carry it. But what do I know.
As being a expert = ex is a has been and a pert is a drip that comes out under pressure.
Ken

 

[Loyalist Dave]

The lock panels are pretty wide and could probably use some trimming.

Yep and it's a bit "blond" too...


SO WHAT? I'm not a Judge at Dixon's so that's just my opinion...

Does she shoot well?

I met a fellow who made a very ugly, clunky looking long rifle..., not nearly as nice as yours....he took home a lot of frozen turkeys and Virginia Hams with that rifle. Kinda a like you can mary a beauty queen OR you can marry a loyal, dependable, plain girl, who cooks...guess which scenario makes a man happier in the long run? :haha:

LD

 

[Grizzly Adams]

I haven't put her on paper yet but I put about 20 rounds down range and there's a lot of promise. On top of that the lock time and ignition are rock solid- quick and one misfire out of 20 shots. I may very well leave the TC .50 cal at home this deer season :grin:

 

[Vaino]

I won't critique your rifle....I could, but you are satisfied that it's a shooter and seeing that's the purpose of a rifle, any comments on the aesthetics or architecture would be misplaced....so, if it satisfies your needs, so be it.....Fred

 

[fahopity]

Same as yours, Colerain.

 

[bearbullets]

It looks far better than my first rifle. You should be very proud. I am sure it is not without its flaws but its made with the human hand. Flawed, but beautiful. Like the human hand.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

My rifle has also proven to be reliable in the same way... I guess simple guns are naturally good shooters. Sorry you had to sell her, that couldn't have been easy- but family comes first.