My second build

[Vaino]

The lock and sideplate panels look like they're kinda glued on...not an integral part of the stock. These panels should be formed by the shaping of the areas next to the tang and the wrist.....they shouldn't be "outlined" as they are. The pic below is how they should have been.

I'm keeping "Ugly" for reasons that I'll keep to myself.....Fred

 

[Brokennock]

Thanks. In comparison, I see what you mean now.

 

[Captjoel]

This thread brings up some important aspects of longrifle building that many take for granted. Even the most gifted, talented, artist\craftsman working today, had to start somewhere. From the first built rifle through perhaps scores of builds over time, even a novice enthusiast can spot impovements. For most builders these improvements don't just happen overnight. I would bet the farm to say that what we all so much enjoy viewing fine "eye candy" currently presented here from time to time, is the direct result of many years of experience, study, good tools, learned skills, access to original work, mentorship by other learned craftsmen, some natural talent, and above all else, the obsessive desire to spend much of one's time at this. There are not too many of these master craftsmen that are willing to show and share their early work with us. For this I give Fred (Flehto) Lehto a big pat on the back. You show us all just what our possibilities could be!

 

[Vaino]

Thanks for the kind words. Being a tool and diemaker at the time of building my first LR wasn't enough...w/ the artistry of a LR, a different "hat" has to be worn and this was the most difficult for me.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd attend seminars and workshops taught by the present day masters....this "education" would have been a big shortcut on my way to building somewhat acceptable MLers. But my initial intentions were to only build a couple of MLers for hunting and didn't realize until too late that "going to school" would have greatly facilitated my building of LRs.....Fred