Good books for greenhorn builders

[Nathan Ripley]

I need honest reviews. I am interested in putting a fowler together. I want to get the ducks in a row before I order the parts.

thanks

 

[Black Hand]

You can read all you want (and should), but nothing is a substitute for hands-on experience. My first build was a tradegun purchased as a kit from North Star West, and I learned more by doing than ever before. Lots of folks start with a lower-end kit (ex. Lyman GPR) but some of us just jump in. Not knowing your level of expertise with general wood- and metal-working, it is difficult to suggest......There are many books and videos available, and others may be able suggest some to find.

 

Please check out[url] http://www.airbum.com/NeatShtpix/HainesPart1.html[/url] Yeah, I know it is an airplane website, but they have some good info.

 

[Tommy Bruce]

Try "The Art of Building the Pennsylvania Longrifle" by by Ehrig, Miller and Dixon. Since your looking at fowlers Tom Grinsdale's book "Flintlock Fowlers...The First Guns Made in America" has some excellent pictures and good examples of fowling pieces. I would also check around your area and see if there is someone who has built some guns before and see if they will let you apprentice. Having someone who has "been there" assisting your first build is a big help.
Good luck and have fun.

 

[patch knife]

In addition to what has already been mentioned . I reccomend "Recreating The American Longrifle" by Buchele , Shumway and Alexander . The more books you read , the better you will understand gun building . There is always more than one way to do something . The more ways you know , the better . :winking:

 

[J.D.]

I reccomend "Recreating The American Longrifle" by Buchele , Shumway and Alexander . The more books you read , the better you will understand gun building . There is always more than one way to do something . The more ways you know , the better . :winking:

"Recreating the American Longrifle", and "The Gunsmith of Grenville County" are probably the two best books on building longrifles.

"Rifles of Colonial America" both volumes, are filled with longrifles, with dimensions and good photos.

There are some good videos on several aspects of building available for rent from Smartflix;[url] http://smartflix.com/index.php?main_page=index[/url]
J.D.