new guys first build.

[sean138]

Well here is the start of my attempt at building a musket.

All of the parts I've collected so far. The lock is a large Siler. Small for a musket but a gift from my dad for my first build.

Stock is A maple from TOW. Fowler that I've started shaping the comb into a Dutch influnced shape.
Advise and friendly crap are welcome.
Sean

 

[Erzulis boat]

Just my opinion- but if you use the Siler, you will regret it, sooner or later. If it was me, I would use a correct size/config lock and save the Siler for build number 2.

Forgot to add- Before I knew better, I used a tiny L+R on a "Lancaster"...............needless to say it is hidden away for the rest of my life, or until I scavenge some parts and make it disappear.

 

[Dane]

Please don't put that nice little lock on that musket.
It would be a shame to waste the lock AND the stock by using something that is the wrong size, style and time frame.

Find a proper sized, type of lock, and save the Siler for a Germanic gun of the right period.

Both will look better, and you'll be happier in the long run.

 

I agree with Dane, and one question I would ask, is are you going for a musket (military/militia) gun, or a fowler a lighter gun for the commoner, and a hunting gun. I would recommend a little more research, and study. Grinsdales book on fowlers, and the military arms of the Revolution come to mind, plus one or two of the building books. A Dutch gun has it's own style, generally closer to French than to English or German. Check Mike Brooks site, for some starting reference, and post some Q"s to him or Stophel, and possibly Okwaho, if you're going for a trade fusel.
P.S. While that lock is of Siler parts it's not a Chambers Siler, it's assembled by some third party. The Siler stamp, and the **** screw are a dead give away. That's not a bad thing, a number of suppliers buy the parts sets, and have people assemble them for resale. With a Chambers we know whose those people are, and the quality.

Bill

 

[rabjr]

Please before you do anything put that lock aside and look into ordering a more appropriate lock but don't hide that one, your going to need it for your next build! Because there will be another, trust me. Get this book, you'll be glad you did, http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Cate...catId=4&subId=24&styleId=69&partNum=BOOK-FF-S :thumbsup:

 

[sean138]

The lock is one of Bud Silers. Not a Chambers. I have been thinking the same about a larger lock.
Sean

 

Wow, Sean, I haven't seen a Bud Siler built lock in over 20 years, that's why it didn't look right. Your Dad must have had it squirreled away for quite some time.

Bill

 

[sean138]

That book is going to be a must have on my book list. I have decided to go with everyone's advise and get a larger lock. I will have to build a rifle for that Siler to go on. I think dad may have had that one and a few others for 20 or so years.
Sean

 

[sean138]

A common gun that would be good enough to pass muster for militia use. I want to stick with the iron furniture. I know most guns of this type should have brass. Early Kings pattern, Dutch/Leige and 1740 Potzdam guns had iron, brass or a mix. Unless I got that wrong. Would the Christians Springs lock work. It's a pretty good looking one.
Sean

 

[jsn]

I don't think it would, for a musket or fowler I think of flat French or queen Anne style locks. I have a chambers small English round face lock.

Personaly tho I would go with a dog lock but to each his own. You find what you like and do a ton of research!

Good luck with your travels!

 

[MSW]

i agree with the consensus; don't use the Siler on this particular gun, but do save it for another build. by way of warning, there will be another build.


Bwhahaha (insert mad scientist laugh here)

another one turned to the dark side, and with a rockbanger right up front... the fellow cuts to the chase- gotta give him credit for that.

 

[sean138]

Thanks for all the advise. I will be getting a different lock to use for this gun. Ordered a barrel today. 1710 Dutch by Colerain. I may look into the Dutch lock and side plate from TRS but I will be saving up some more cash before I move on with this. In the mean time I am enjoying everthing I read on this forum.
Sean