I'm building a Lancaster Pennsylvania Long Rifle. I obtained the components from Pecatonica, thinking it was a kit, but I'm finding that this is above my skill level. I'm looking for a craftsman/mentor to help me develop the skills to finish this project. I'm located in Northeast Wisconsin so somebody within a days drive or so, that I could spend some time with to help me finish this gun before I mess it up anymore. Of course, I'd be willing to pay for your time.
Looking for help
- Thread starter TeutonJohn
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If you cannot find a craftsman who can take the time to help you out, my suggestion is watch as many videos relating to what you are doing; that is, if you are working on the sight's installation, look at specific vids or writings that deal with just that. Look at the tools being used and why. Things like grinding off the teeth on one side of a triangular file so it only cuts where intended...things like that example. Many times, a general build post or vid is just that and really answers no questions. Take your time and good fortune with your build.
You have found out after the fact, and too late, that the term "kit" often just means a box full of parts. Good luck on finding a builder.
Pecatonica says in its ads that it does not sell kits. They sell a complete selection of parts - everything you need to build a rifle - but they are not "kits".
I hope you find someone to help you out.
I hope you find someone to help you out.
Thanks. That's great advice
You are correct. Pecatonica did not claim to have a kit. My mistake was after building a Traditions kit, I could handle this project. I found out that it is beyond my present skill level. I am learning though, I thought if I could find a craftsman/mentor that I could spend some time with, I could avoid making a complete mess of this project.
You could try to sell it and buy a Kibler Colonial.
My mistake, not Pecatonica's I just overestimated my skill level.
Here is a link to the first in a series of videos about building a rifle. It goes into detail of every step. It shows building from a blank, but everything most of it will apply to building from a pre-carved stock also. Full series is over 60 hours of video so it should cover pretty much everything.
I'm not seeing a link to the video series. Would you please repost it?
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It’s on Rumble. Not YouTube.
The very first thing you need to understand is that you DON'T need a bunch of tools to build a gun. You can do it with a few gouges, a couple of files and a hand drill. You will also have to learn to sharpen your tools.
Then I would buy Herschel House's CD on building a Longrifle. Also go to the American Longrifle site and look up Mike Brooks tutorial on gun building. These two people are some of the best out their. You can do it. Just take it step by step.
But your number one tool you need is Patience.
Then I would buy Herschel House's CD on building a Longrifle. Also go to the American Longrifle site and look up Mike Brooks tutorial on gun building. These two people are some of the best out their. You can do it. Just take it step by step.
But your number one tool you need is Patience.
If you haven’t done real inletting, your first build that requires it is a learning curve. Iy’s worthwhile to practice on pieces of hardwood. Drilling for underlug pins, lock bolts, tang bolts; these are potential problem areas for new builders. Go slow and double check is my advice.
longhunter 1776
36 Cl.
We could help you,me and a good friend of years gone by build and sell the flintlock rifles,As for the pecatonic ,i have bought from them for years their compontes and built a quite a few of their rifles know doug very well and in fact my freind knows him from friendship ohio shoot, But you could send us that rife as we have done this before and build it for you,,let me know i can then talk with you and get you going on this,mostly i like to know you did try to build this ,afterall the people long ago did this ,,so why cannot you ?Either way i can help you and i would like to,,mickey
Sean E Bug
32 cal. or less
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I live in beaver dam, WI
what are you struggling with? and I highly recommend picking up the gunsmith of Greenville county.
what are you struggling with? and I highly recommend picking up the gunsmith of Greenville county.
longhunter 1776
36 Cl.
i think you sent this to me by mistake for it was another guy that is struggling with a rifle build.I build with no problem ,i was reaching out to him to let him know i could help him,,mickey
longhunter 1776
36 Cl.
oh by the way I owned this book for years! mickey
Hello Sean,
Thanks for your response. I've been working on the ramrod thimbles, and had a lot of trouble but now I think I've got that figured out. I'm sure I'm going to need some help though with the patchbox. If you every close to Green Bay, let me know, I'd welcome the opportunity to meet you. I've just ordered the book you recommended.
John
Johnny Tremain
Silversmith in training
Friendship IN isnt that far away. I here there are all kinds of builders there.
