Getting started

[waksupi]

For tool ferrules, a 1/2" copper connector cut in half, like in the picture above shows, is the way to go, you will have pennies in them instead of dollars like the actual brass ones cost.

Those are pipe end caps, with an inlet cut to allow the blade fitting.

 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I love the information guys. Keep it coming and thank you for sharing it. As for videos. I watched a channel called old iron cabin. That really helped kick me off. I decided to start with attempting a new maple stock for dad’s old New Englander. The factory walnut stock is like new. But, I figure some practice on something like this made more sense than jumping head first into a long rifle. The round barrel got my tool making juices flowing. I took a 1” guide pin from a die set and turned it off sharp on one end. It’s done all the barrel channel. Need to go another 1/8”.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I practiced inletting on scrap as well before I touched my first gun's stock blank.

I thought the Gunsmith of Grenville County was good until I learned how to make guns, then, not so much.

 

[JDBraddy]

I found it less expensive to pay someone who knew what they where doing and how to execute it, than to keep buggering up beautiful slabs of knurled walnut and flame maple!

 

[waksupi]

I found it less expensive to pay someone who knew what they where doing and how to execute it, than to keep buggering up beautiful slabs of knurled walnut and flame maple!

A man's gotta know his limitations. That's why I don't work on vehicles.

 

[waksupi]

As long as we get the lead out of the bore!

 

[mikesto44]

If you don't try how will you ever know your true abilities ? I'm no expert at building guns. Nor will I ever claim to be. But you will never learn anything if you don't at least try...

 

[WALT53]

I will certainly do that. I have to slowly buy what I need over the next few months to stay below the wife's radar.

A stock here and a lock there, you know

Good luck with that radar thing if yours is like mine your gonna get caught.

 

[PEARL DRUMS]

So far I have stayed clear of her detection systems . I have needed a few odds and ends things that Chinazon sells. I put them in the "basket" and she orders it. She hasn't said a peep. But, its been a $20 here and $15 there. No big ticket items. Last night I almost got the hook tang/barrel inlet. But, I ran out of concentration and walked away from the bench. Too far along now to make a stupid mistake. I follow the same rule building bows.

 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I’m pretty happy with my barrel and tang fit. Barrel is seated over the length and my hook is secure and flush. Lots of wood to come off around it. Feel free to speak up if you see anything foolish or the like.

 

[Rob M.]

I never liked any of the " How to build a long rifle " type books until after I'd built a couple long guns , and then just as reference ... The best manual is the one written by Pryor Mountain Bill Newton , its about building a N.W. Trade Gun , and Hershel House's 1991 VDO , Building a Kentucky Long Rifle , you can get it at the library ... they are both great for beginners . Yep , just four chisels , 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 , 1" , mallet , shaping tools , ....and a good vice ....that'll get ya started . Just a suggestion ... I love smooth trade guns , they are my thing but ...they are also good starter firearms to build . Bit simpler , straight forward , plainer , no cast off , straight center lines, no cheek piece , etc.etc. and a short one DARN cheaper because of the barrel ... Any who ...build a short smoothbore , they are great for bunnies and such ! , and get some experience ... Then on to a rifle ....just a suggestion . Best of luck to ya ! Oh yeah ...if you want a free copy of Pryor Mountain Bill Newton's building manual just PM with an email and I'll send ya one ....take care