Great Plains 54 Caplock kit

[Hesp]

I have had a Great plains 54 cal cap lock ML for years. Just recently purchased the same in a kit, 54 cal, 1/60 twist. . As yet has not arrived, but will be here shortly. Haveing never assembled a kit before, was wondering if there was anything in particular I should be aware of. I realize, take your time for fit & finish. Any thing I'm missing or should pay particular attention to. I know there are those of you who build from scratch so looking to pick your brain . Want to do this right the first time. Thanks so much.

 

[morehops52]

I've only put together small pistol kits. The best advice I can give you is when some part fitting is getting you frustrated, go have a beer or cup of tea ad come back and look at it fresh. Sometimes obvious things aren't so obvious.

 

[Dale Lilly]

I finished one a few months ago, My only concern is the excessive amount of wood at the cheekpiece. Look carefully at finished guns including the one you have and slowly remove and shape that beavertail cheekpiece. It is well worth the extra effort. Dale

 

[longcruise]

Watch the little screws that hold the key escuteons in place. I've built four and they all had extremely poor quality screws that break easily. Best to replace them right off rather than take chances with them.

 

[Hesp]

Thanks so much. Will for sure get different screws. Great info.

 

[sdhunter]

Search “nmlra” on youtube. They did a 9 part series on building a tradition’s st. Louis hawken Kit. I understand it is not a Great Plains but it is the same concept. Very informative video series that gives you a birds eye view step by step.

 

[Johnny Too-Tall]

I built many of these kits for people over the years here’s some hints or recommendation. You can draw file the markings off the barrel. The bottom of stock comes with a large excess of wood on bottom of stock making it look like a fish filled with eggs, make it straight if desired it makes for a better looking rifle IMO. i take a good amount of wood off for stand-off on the cheek well. This makes for a more comfortable gun to shoot overall. The lock comes case hardened and I like to brown all my steel parts with laurel mountain, the lock takes a much longer time for the process to brown properly then the rest of the steel. Hope this helps.