MSW said:
i'll go with the consensus, especially, paul &jd. ... DVDs are nice, but i get more out of books (luddite? who?? ME!!???) so i'd urge you to spring for either Shumway's or Alexander's books, both of which can be had at Track of the Wolf, and both of which will more than save you thier purchase price in ruined parts and cut fingers. (not to mention colourful language and wasted time repeating steps)
IMHO, the books are a necessity for someone building a gun, and I do recommend that Steve buy at least one of the books prior to actual construction. However, IMHO, the DVD's give someone who has no idea of what it takes to build a gun from a parts kit a pretty good idea of the complexity and relationships of parts and skills required to assemble a parts kit. Besides, the DVD's can be very educational and sometimes fun to watch...at least those that don't put the viewer to sleep.
I'm sure Steve can successfully assemble, finish, and fire any "kit" he might choose. It ain't rocket science, but it does take some knowledge of the realationships of the component parts and some skill with hand tools....and some support from those who have gone before. IMHO, If I can do it, anyone can do it.
As mentioned earlier, take the time to weight as many variables as possible. Ask as many questions as you can think of. Look at as many "kits" that you can find and evaluate the pros and cons of each.
A few questions you might want to ask yourself are;
1. Do I have, or can I learn the skills to build a parts kit. Again, If I can do it, anyone can do it.
2. What is my budget?
3. How important is historical correctness, and what will I use this gun for? Hunting? Rendezvousing? Reenacting? Or, just informal shooting?
4. If you think you might become involved in reenacting, what time period? A gun from an earlier period is more correct than one from a later period.
5. Which style of gun do you like?
And one more thought, If you want to build a kit gun to save money, you need to consider the expense of any tools and finishing supplies. Brown or blueing for the barrel, and the necessities for application. Sandpaper, stain and finish for the stock, and assorted accessories necessary for application. Also consider a lock finished "as cast," meaning a slightly to somewhat rough finish on all of the internal parts that need to be polished,tuned and reassembled...and the tools necessesary for that.
IMHO, its less expensive to buy a ready made gun than buy all of the tools and assorted items necessary to complete a parts kit.
If you like to work with your hands and build things, then go for it. If you simply want to save money, building a single gun is like pouring money into an old car. You will never get your investment back.
If, however, you have most of the tools, a good workbench complete with a good vise, an assortment of chisels, rasps, files, sand paper, hack saw, propane torch, drill and assorted drillbits, and several other tools I can't think of at the moment, then you might save some bucks...maybe.
Good Luck,
J.D.
