First LR

[Vaino]

Never before have I shown my first built LR. Actually built in 1978 but the bbl is stamped 1981. It appropriately is named "Ugly", but has shot 100s of squirrels and 98% were head hits.

Didn't know too much about anything when I built "Ugly", but it was my first and that entitles her to some recognition...afterall, it wasn't her fault.

Remarks are welcome...whether they be constructive or otherwise. She won't mind.....Fred

 

[jackpine]

I think it looks real nice. If I ever get to build a 'first', I would be right pleased to have it look like that.

 

[larry wv]

A fine rifle. You should and I expect are proud of her. :grin: Larry

 

[S.Kenton]

I don't see anything "ugly' about that rifle!.. I'd be proud to have made it!

 

[jamesthomas]

She looks dang pretty to me! :bow: .

 

[cynthialee]

IF that is 'Ugly' I want to see your 'Pretty' rifle!

 

[smil]

... after all, it wasn't her fault.

I like that.

Looks good. Thanks for the pics.

 

[Wes/Tex]

IF that is 'Ugly' I want to see your 'Pretty' rifle!

Yowsah! Me too!! I'd say you did a very good job for a first build. My first didn't come close and unfortunately she's long gone and the photos got floated off to sea by one of the Houston/Galveston hurricanes! I can't even prove you're better...just take my word for it! :thumbsup: :rotf:

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

For the fact that you knew nothing much about building also the fact that there was not an internet in '78, I would say well done as it looks as though you avoided the main pitfalls of "slabsidedness" or so it seems from the pictures, actually I think I see some areas that could have been less rounded (lock panel to trigger plate and lock panel to tang)

I had experienced help with my 1st and it didn't look that good, I must not have asked the right questions.

 

[Vaino]

Finally a somewhat "honest" appraisal of Ugly....for awhile there, because of all the praise, she thought her name should be changed to something more flattering....don't think that will happen.

In the final analysis, Ugly was a good teacher and I resisted the urge to "dress her up"....she sat on the gunrack through many later builds and always reminded me that I didn't want to build "another Ugly"....she definitely did her duty.....Fred

 

[Lock Nut]

What's ugly about it? Color? Style?
Looks like Bethlehem school? :hmm:
I think it needs a little engraving work on the patch box :wink:

 

[Renegade Dan]

Damn good lookin rifle!

 

[jamesthomas]

If the lock panels are the only thing "ugly" about I would be proud to own that rifle and she would not be hanging around, she would be shot every day I could and taken to every shoot I could go to. The first person to diss her would get the buttplate in their teeth!. She needs more handling marks and some tarnish on the brass.

 

[Dane]

Fred,
As a friend and fellow builder, all I will say is...... Looks a lot like my first.
My first is still out there, still shooting, and still just as ugly as the day I finished it. I watch it perform, but will never admit I built it.
Thank The Lord we've both improved!!

 

[Captjoel]

About all I can add Fred is that for a 1st build, you did a pretty darn good job especially considering that you must have made your own patch box. And even for a 1st PB very well done! I would change the name you call her from ugly to Bullwinkle. The PB finial looks like a silhouette of ole Bullwinkle! :haha:

 

[Vaino]

Thanks to all for the kind words and some necessary critical insights.

Ugly has a .45 cal. X 7/8" X 42 " bbl which is stamped "Dixie Gun Works", but in fact was made by Douglas. The lock is a small Siler which I made from a kit but it should have been a large Siler. The sights, keys and escutcheons, trigger and Tplate, muzzle cap, RR pipes, toe plate, TH liner, cheek star, sideplate and Pbox were all homade. As I said, Ugly was a good teacher.

During many squirrel seasons, my attitude towards Ugly always changed....alone in the woods w/ her was always an enjoyable event and she always reliably did her job. She transfomed herself, anyways in my mind, into an object of beauty.....and she was the "scourge of the woods"...many squirrels attested to that.

But to return to reality...she is what she is....a first LR named Ugly.....Fred

 

[kaintuck]

Can I say, I like that PB? It looks like a nice custom one....with all the piercings.

 

[Davemuzz]

I like the rifle. But those shoes you have in that one picture...man...now those are some UGULY shoes!!! And that's no joking around!! :blah:

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

I still shoot my first build, it's an "ugly meat stick". On the up side it shoots well enough to give the cap gun shooters grief on the trail.

 

[Vaino]

Would never take that as a "first build".....very well done....Fred