First kit build (pistol); go easy, or go hard?

[Birddog1911]

I'm looking to build my first kit; well, two actually. I'm looking at the Pedersoli Howdah kit from Dixie, and the French Dragoon from MBS. But, where to actually start.

My trepidation lies with my wood carving skills, not to mention lack of woodworking tools, at the moment. My thinking is that the Howdah kit appears to be mostly finished, other than some contouring, maybe slight inletting. Building that might give me greater confidence to proceed to that beautiful Dragoon.

Any and all advice is welcomed!

 

[Col. Batguano]

It really depends on how determined you are, and how patient you are. It sounds like the dragoon is your first want, but you feel the skills necessary is (currently) outside your skill set. If that's what you really want AND you are willing to go slowly--very slowly in order to produce a very nice gun, then do it that way. If you're more in a hurry to get a gun done, and get an education along the way, and build your confidence, go the other way.

It's not uncommon for people to produce a truly beautiful gun on their first try--IF they're willing to spend a few years at it. I personally think it's best to take on projects that are only slightly out of my comfort zone. Start modestly and expand from there. But that's me. I don't have the patience to wait more than about 3 years to finish a gun build project. Others can take on bigger and longer-term projects and maintain their focus, like the pyramids at Giza.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Never built a muzzleloader (its on the bucket list) but have built a few un-mentionables and no not all AR type guns, go slow when you run into a situation and you will lay down the tools and take the time to think about the situation, I spent 4 years on a Mauser actioned rifle before it came together and turned out a fine rifle.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Wow! I thought I was slow taking 4 months on a build. Kits are done in weeks. But the real issue is having the basic tools and a place to work. That and knowing what SHARP is!

 

[Col. Batguano]

"....That and knowing what SHARP is!

Amen Phil!

 

[Birddog1911]

Well, I've gone and done it now. I ordered the French Dragoon from MBS. I still might order the Howdah, or some other pistol kit that I can practice with, that is mostly finished.

 

[deerstalkert]

"....That and knowing what SHARP is!

Amen Phil!

Wow! I thought I was slow taking 4 months on a build. Kits are done in weeks. But the real issue is having the basic tools and a place to work. That and knowing what SHARP is!

that and knowing what sharp is! that and ................!
i spent the day sharpening my chisels. wife ask so full of sweetness, " how sharp are do you get those?" sharp enough to shave with says I, with a dawning awareness forming a deer in the headlights look in my eyes. "wonderful", says she, as she hands me one and points at my beard. she loves my moustache and detests my beard!
but sharp enough to shave with is almost sharp enough to work with.

 

[Dave Dworshak]

when you get your wood stocks, you may want to trace it on a piece of "scrap " wood and do a little carving practice. Sharp is good! Good luck!