flintlock

[doc623]

May be the wrong thread so feel free to move.

If I wanted to build - not a kit and not construction of metal parts - buying the metal parts,barrel, lock,but have my own wood for the stock - where do I start?
A straight octagonal barrel, 50-54 cal., flintlock. This would be a hunting rifle gun and not a wall hanging show piece.
I have wood that I would like to use.
Have basic knowledge and tols for wood and metal working.Ihave been making less saw dust and less metal shavings lately and actual finished recognizable projects - than years ago.
I do not want to break the piggy bank.
I know this is pretty open but any suggestions would be much apreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Zonie]

If I read this correctly, you want to know where to start in selecting the metal parts for some existing wood you have?

Assuming this is the case, and the gun is for your use in hunting and not a wall hanger then IMO the PC or HC stuff can be somewhat eliminated.

I guess first off, you have to decide if you want a full stock or a half stock gun.
You must decide if it should be similar to an existing gun and if so, what kind.

If it is similar to an existing fullstock or some halfstocks, there are full size blueprints available from Track, Dixie and MBS so I would start with one of these so the end product would have a shape and size similar to a real gun.

A straight barrel is much easier to inlet into the stock than a swamped barrel would be. These cost about $100 + $15 for a breech plug.
There are many very good flintlocks available for about $100.
The trigger and furniture/simple sights will cost about $70-$120.

Your wood must be fully dried.

I would suggest that you buy one of several different books that describe how to build a muzzleloading rifle.
The one I own is "The Art of Building the Pennsylvania Longrifle" by Dixon.
Although it is about the Longrifle, the information applies to any traditional muzzleloader.

 

[54JNoll]

Other good books include

Recreating the American Longrifle by Shumway

The Gunsmith of Greenville County

Making many of the parts yourself, vice buying cast ones, will save you some money.

You can make your own patch box from brass or wood, your own side plate and toe plate, ramrod thimbals, nose cap, barrel pins, triggers, and sights.

Some of the items might save you money up front but take a reall long time to hand produce. Price everything out and compare. Just remember when making your own you still need the stock material which can be gotten at Industrial Supply Stores and some hardware stores.

 

[Roy]

a good barrel and a good lock to start. What sort of gun are you looking to build?

 

[doc623]

Unknown/undecided at this time as I"m just starting to look.
Any suggestions?

 

[CrackStock]

Most parts vendors can help you with this project. Just contact them and discuss your skills and desires.

Of course, figuring out what you want is a big job and a lot of fun.
(Watch out or these guys will talk you into a smoothbore!)

I suggest that you buy better than you think you might need/want since it will become more precious to you after you work on it; win some matches with it while readying yourself for the hunt and especially after you bring home game with it. At least that was my experience.

CS

 

[Roy]

I would keep it simple. What sort of wood do you have?

 

[doc623]

Curly maple

 

[Roy]

if its hard maple I would consider a plain southern rifle. Nothing much more than a couple thimbles and a trigger gaurd for hardware.

 

[Swampman]

A Leman Trade Rifle would be pretty easy to build.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

http://www.muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com/

This guys can get you what ever you want.

 

[doc623]

Sorry, I forgot.
I do have some black walnut.