ordering from the Rifle Shoppe

[PanzerOfJustice]

Hello, I have been lurking here quite a while and I've always wanted to build me a nice longarm, and I've decided on a 1854 Lorenz Rifle-Musket because I'm a civil war reenactor and I think they are the most beautiful military rifles out there.

I know it takes a while for the Rifle Shoppe so that's why I am ordering it now. (I'm in college right now so making a rifle in my dorm is a no-go. :shocked2: ) However I go to their site and I can't figure out how to order. I sent them in email but It didn't work. There is no "paypal" button I can click on.

Another question. I've build a Traditions kit and I plan on building a Lyman GPR before I tackle the Lorenz. The only thing i'm woried about is tapping( puting the threads in holes) the lockplate for the screws. What type of equipement is necessary? I've drilled holes before but not with my own equipement. How difficult is this? Also I have "Gunsmiths of Grenville County" which I will reference, is there any book which specializes on military longarms?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Claude Mathis]

However I go to their site and I can't figure out how to order. I sent them in email but It didn't work. There is no "paypal" button I can click on.

The only kits I find for sale are on this page (each one has a PayPal link)
[url] http://www.therifleshoppe.com/complete_parts_sets.htm[/url]

 

Another question. I've build a Traditions kit and I plan on building a Lyman GPR before I tackle the Lorenz. The only thing i'm woried about is tapping( puting the threads in holes) the lockplate for the screws. What type of equipement is necessary? I've drilled holes before but not with my own equipement. How difficult is this?

I did mine free-hand with a cordless drill. It helps to have a second pair of eyes to get a few feet away and help you make sure you're keeping the drill straight. Drill the holes half-way from one side, then the other half from the other side so they meet in the middle. The rule is: "Measure 10 times, cut once." Make dang sure your marks are in the right spot on both sides before you drill and you'll have no problem.

Once you have the holes drilled, the tapping is easy. All you need is a tap, tap handle and some cutting oil. Always tap the holes with the part mounted on/in the stock. So, for the lockplate holes, put the lock in the mortice and tap the holes from the sideplate side. Once the tap starts cutting, gently turn it 1/4 turn, then back it off 1/2 turn, 1/4 more, then back 1/2, etc. By only cutting 1/4 turn at a time and backing it out half a turn, you keep the tap clean and don't have to worry about it breaking off in the hole.

When you order the taps, get extras, so that if you do break one, you don't have to wait for another one to arrive to continue the work. They're pretty cheap, so having a couple extra shouldn't break your budget.

 

[Mike Brooks]

You could probably buy an original cheaper than you could buy the parts and build one.

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

The Lorenz from TRS can not be had as a kit since they do not have all parts available from them. The barrel is the sticking point but you can order a barrel from one of their barrel suppliers, Bob Hoyt comes to mind. Be aware, however, that considerable skill will be necessary if you intend to assemble a lock from their parts and a drill press is mandatory along with the ability to harden and temper parts - tumbler, sear, main spring and sear spring. They can supply you and assembled and finished lock and that may be the route you decide to take? It is expensive but will bewell done.

Add to this that all other metal parts will need casting sprues removed and filed and polished. If you have never done this it can be a daunting task but it is doable, especially if you have a good selection of files and know how to use them.

The wood stock will need some work but it is well done so, again, doable.

The Lorenz is sadly under represented in the CW reenacting community so I applaud your efforts.

As a last note, I am sure you are aware that time will be needed to get the parts unless they have all parts in stock when you order. Best to call and talk to them. I have found that the best time to talk to them is in the morning, their time. You can work out the dtails and ask many questions. Good luck, their parts are good and I have been happy with everything that I have received from them.

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

You could probably buy an original cheaper than you could buy the parts and build one.

Until relatively recently Mike I would have agreed with you but the price of originals has risen to nose bleed levels over the last few years. :shocked2: (8 or 10 years ago you could buy a good Lorenz for $350 - $500, but those days are LONG gong.) If a buyer can do the work, it will be cheaper to buy the parts and assmble one. However, if you need the services of a maker to do it, you are probably right. It is not a Traditions kit for sure!

 

[flintlockmdj]

I have an original LOrenz that I was thinking of sending to TOTW to sell for me. Contact me and we will talk.
[email protected]

 

I would not order from them unless you first checked by phone that the parts are in stock, the wait could be from a year to when Hell freezes over. Also be aware that the commercial kit you ordered is a kit, almost in the white. What they call a kit is nothing more than a pile of parts, and castings. Many of the screws and pins are rough casting that have to be finished and threaded. At minimum you will need a drill press to complete one. on skill level a gun in the white is a one, just finish the wood, and metal. The kit you built is a two, or three, and a TRS rifle is a nine or ten on skills needed. Not saying it can't be done, and don't want to scare you, just trying to make you aware. Also if you check the site Claude listed you will see it was last updated in February of 2004. That being said, they are the only ones with the parts for some of these, and if you don't mind poor service, and communications, go for it.
Bill

 

[PanzerOfJustice]

Yes, I intend to buy the assembled lock from them. I know it is costly but I'm afraid I would mess up the geometry of the lock.

I considered buying an orginal, however I want a kit for two reasons:

1. I want a summer project, because building things is fun and I would appreciate the rifle more if I built it myself.
2. I wouldn't want to take one out in the field. My Springfield of 2 years already has several dents and scratches and rust. I know this adds "character" but I wouldn't want to do this to an orginal.

Thanks for the offer of an original, but I'm not interested at this time. Orginals go for a little over a grand, which is about the same price as parts from TRS.

 

[Erzulis boat]

TRS appears to be cleaning up their act. I am now into the "older" stuff, and the service has been no slower than TOTW.

I received lock castings, and some spare springs that were ordered later within weeks, not months.

In fact, TRS only owes me a triggerguard, and I have ordered a bunch of stuff.

 

[WRussell]

Would you order some stuff for me :bow: :haha:

Maybe I'll try phoning them again one of these days. See if they even have any record of my orders