My Modified Build of a Traditions Kentucky Rifle kit

[Ricochet]

Man that looks great!

 

[hanshi]

I think you did a splendid job and created a custom rifle for YOU!

 

[Tumbledown]

With all due respect to your post, I would bet that JB took took Kansas V as both opinion and compliment. When a feller struts his stuff, he naturally likes to hear Atta Boys, but should be open minded to someone else's thoughts. Other people's thoughts often wake our minds to bigger and better ideas.
JB You took a simple kit to the next level, good job!
Flintlocklar

I was not bothered by the "not for me" remark as it was built for ME. I try to find inspiration in historical styles that I find appealing and can recreate with my skillset and available materials, without things looking too mixmashed. Critiques are expected and welcome, it's one way to learn.

 

[Cruzatte]

I like what you've done to a standard run-of-the-mill entry level rifle. Pretty creative. I'd like to see what you can do with a TOW parts set, for example. I suspect it would turn out to be a dandy rifle.

 

[Sidney Smith]

If you are satisfied then that is all that counts. Screw the critics. You did a fine job.

 

[Khulb]

I for one do like the inlays. It's all about putting your twist on it.
The rifle looks really good.
Nice job!

 

[bud in pa]

:thumbs up:

 

[kansas_volunteer]

I like what you did with that #11 blade. It makes a lot of sense. I don't use them much anymore but I'll have to try out your improvement. When I was in the newspaper business we used the blades to get things ready to print and they worked quite well. I've only used them for minor work on wood. I see how a modified blade might be just the thing for small tight work.

 

[Griz44Mag]

I like it! I don't think the patchbox side is too busy. It compliments an otherwise simple item.
The Eagle and stars are real eye candy. VERY nicely done.
I like bling, but this is more art than bling.
Excellent job!

 

[sawyer04]

Very, very admirable craftsmanship.
The definition of making something from dull to highly presentable.

 

[Col. Batguano]

It's a nice step up and enhancement to a Traditions kit gun. Where do you plan on going from here? On to doing a complete build?

 

[S.Kenton]

I like the eagle and the stars, all the inlays are nicely done.

 

[Cowboy]

Extremely nice and creative my friend. Took something run of the mill and achieved something very special!

When a person can use their mind, hands, and surrender to their god given talents and passion, it becomes extremely satisfying. Sort of like getting away from everything for a while. Just doing your own thing! Very therapeutic.

Anyway, the rifle is gorgeous!

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[Eric Krewson]

Nice craftsmanship, first class. Just me but I would have reduced the lock panels way down from the original factory configuration, those things are huge!

 

[Walkingeagle]

That looks awesome! Great job sir!!
Walk

 

[Tumbledown]

Nice craftsmanship, first class. Just me but I would have reduced the lock panels way down from the original factory configuration, those things are huge!

Thank you. Do you mean reduce around the plate? I could see that. Didn't occur to me.

 

[Tumbledown]

It's a nice step up and enhancement to a Traditions kit gun. Where do you plan on going from here? On to doing a complete build?

Thank you. I'm not sure what is next. I want to have some fun shooting this one first.

 

[Tumbledown]

Extremely nice and creative my friend. Took something run of the mill and achieved something very special!

When a person can use their mind, hands, and surrender to their god given talents and passion, it becomes extremely satisfying. Sort of like getting away from everything for a while. Just doing your own thing! Very therapeutic.

Anyway, the rifle is gorgeous!

Respectfully, Cowboy

Thank you. I am quite humbled.

I seem to be able to look at something and see potential for transformation, or to study it and figure out how to make something like it. I find great satisfaction in seeing an idea take shape and become more than imagined.

 

[oldwood]

I encourage you to build another rifle from a more advanced kit. You obviously have the skills needed to make a fine rifle , so go do it. There are never enough gunstockers out here.

 

[Eric Krewson]

If you look at lock panels on original guns and copies they slope from the tang to the lock plate and are narrow. You should have the same gentle slope from the trigger guard to the bottom of the lock but a lot less wood.

Here is a beautiful Allen Martin gun, you can see the how the perfectly shaped lock panels make the gun look slender and period correct.