Fusil de Chasse, at last!!!

[PathfinderNC]

“I am wondering if there is a way to move the swipe stick closer to the barrel. Wood removal, of course.”
Yes, I have done this with some kit guns that have a very thick web ( the wood between the barrel channel and ramrod channel.) I use a rattail file that’s a bit narrower than the ramrod channel and start rasping away in the ramrod channel from the stock entry hole forward, removing more as I get closer to the front. This will do the trick in reducing the web nicely. There will be a slight bend to your ramrod later as it is fully inserted but not enough to stress your wooden ramrod.
(PS; looking at it from the side, a little more than half of your ramrod thickness will be visible when it is in place. This gives your gun an even more slim profile)

 

[pipascus]

“I am wondering if there is a way to move the swipe stick closer to the barrel. Wood removal, of course.”
Yes, I have done this with some kit guns that have a very thick web ( the wood between the barrel channel and ramrod channel.) I use a rattail file that’s a bit narrower than the ramrod channel and start rasping away in the ramrod channel from the stock entry hole forward, removing more as I get closer to the front. This will do the trick in reducing the web nicely. There will be a slight bend to your ramrod later as it is fully inserted but not enough to stress your wooden ramrod.

Wow! That's great to hear! Thank you!
Looks like I need to remove about a 1/4" of wood!
I'm looking for pictures of good reproductions and originals. Figure I can print them out and do comparisons.

 

[tenngun]

Not sure what you mean by "thing".
It's not at the level of a top piece, but I have read they shoot well and believe it can be improved with some wood work.

You’ll be proud of that gun, just like it is. To improve you just need to thin everything down. About 1/16
Thin the forestock down to about 1/16 to 1/8 wider then the barrel
The large ends at the end of the lock and side plate should be heart shaped and about 1/2 that size.
You won’t get a perfect FDC from an Indian gun, however with a little TLC your gun will be so close as 99% of living history guys won’t be able yo tell you what’s wrong with it
You gun will give you years of happiness and your grandson years of happiness if taken care of. It will shoot as well as any gun costing three times as much
Just some snobs get a stick up their one end about Indian guns. I know I used to be a such a snob. Then I got one and my disrespect for them threw out the window

 

[Billy-by-gosh]

Yes it is. Why?

Just wondering where they're located. You gave a good endorsement for their service. Looks like a decent gun and should serve you well for the your stated purpose. Have fun and let us know how it turns out.

 

[pipascus]

You’ll be proud of that gun, just like it is. To improve you just need to thin everything down. About 1/16
Thin the forestock down to about 1/16 to 1/8 wider then the barrel
The large ends at the end of the lock and side plate should be heart shaped and about 1/2 that size.
You won’t get a perfect FDC from an Indian gun, however with a little TLC your gun will be so close as 99% of living history guys won’t be able yo tell you what’s wrong with it
You gun will give you years of happiness and your grandson years of happiness if taken care of. It will shoot as well as any gun costing three times as much
Just some snobs get a stick up their one end about Indian guns. I know I used to be a such a snob. Then I got one and my disrespect for them threw out the windowView attachment 391128

Thank you. I appreciate that!
That's a beautiful gun! I like the crucifix on the stock!
I want to personalize mine as well.
I'm going to study photos!

 

[pipascus]

Just wondering where they're located. You gave a good endorsement for their service. Looks like a decent gun and should serve you well for the your stated purpose. Have fun and let us know how it turns out.

Yeah they were good. They were a bit backed up and were honest about it-contacted me as soon as they had one ready. Marty was quick to get back with me.
I will post pictures once I start working on it. I have to see what tools I need.

 

[Maximillian]

But remember that we all started somewhere before we became so knowledgeable.
I am excited when someone like the OP steps forward and asks our community for advise as he begins on anew and exciting journey in Muzzleloading (especially flintlocks!)
It’s a big tent and there is room for the well advanced as well as the budding novice.
We all do what we can with the things we have.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

 

[Brokennock]

I understand what you are saying about the so called "negative Nancy," comments. But someone had to tell you that this isn't a matter of just not being "top end," and that no matter what you do or how well you do it, this is not going to be a reasonable replica of a Fusil des Chase. Does that mean it can't be a fantasy piece with a backstory of disparate parts being restocked in the colonies? No, this could certainly be your story.

I agree with what was said about not doing any of the work you mention until you make sure the gun functions as desired. Do not waste your efforts on this if it does not function properly. Then, look at as many pictures as you possibly can of original guns and decide from there where to make changes, if at all.

Here's my snarky comment for you, "a Spaniard living near the Canadian border during the F&I," ???? Huh?