Suggestions for a first kit build

[Oldnamvet]

I need some suggestions for someone who has never built a gun. I do a lot of woodworking but that is mainly building furniture and more recently a hammered dulcimer. Never have worked with metal and suck at carving. So I want to maximize my chances of getting something useful but I don't want to just have something to put together i.e. all the work except for the finishing is already done. Rifle, smoothbore, pistol - makes no difference. I just want to build something.

 

[Roy]

http://www.flintlocks.com/

 

[TAC2]

Hello Oldnamvet,
The one thing I have found out about this is,
TAKE YOUR TIME.
tac2 :thumbsup:

 

[Swampman]

About the easiest gun for a first timer to build would be something like Track of the Wolf's, Northwest Trade Gun. If you want a rifle, I'd suggest a TVM Leman.

 

[Oldnamvet]

Thanks for the suggestions. The Northwest Trade Gun looks like a good candidate. Being retired, I have the time to take my time. Goal is to have it ready by fall for bird hunting and possible deer hunting. It all had just gotten too easy with my regular shotgun and scoped rifle. Now if that stimulus check would just arrive...... :hmm:
One other question - is there a good, practical book on building guns that people could recommend. I work best when I have drawings, measurements, suggestions on techniques, etc.

 

[arkrivco]

I am a first time builder and I would be completely lost without: "Recreating the American Longrife" by Shumway. Great book! :thumbsup:

arkrivco

 

[Black Hand]

One of the offerings from Jim Chambers (www.Flintlocks.com).

 

My first build was Jim Chambers Isaac Haines model. Even though I made some mistakes, it still turned out very nice. Aside from Recreating the American longrifle, I also used Peter Alexander's book and the APV video with Ron Ehlert.

 

[Swampman]

The Northwest Trade Gun is an excellent and very useful choice. Track of the Wolf offers some excellent books, they should be able to suggest one.

 

[tnlonghunter]

I will second (or fifth, actually) the choice of a Chambers gun. The York rifle was my first build, and was really much easier than I expected. With your woodworking background, you should be in really good shape. Also, another vote for Shumway's book. It was invaluable.

 

[Birddog6]

I suggest a plain Lancaster style rifle, from Jim Chambers, Dunlap Woodcrafts or Tip Curtis Frontier Shop. Keep it plain & simple & forget carvings, inlays, etc, stick to the basics.

:thumbsup:

 

[Oldnamvet]

Step 1 is complete. I ordered "Recreating the American Longrifle". After reading it, and acquiring some more $$, I will be ready to seriously think over all suggestions, make a final decision, and place an order. After looking over the prices of the kits and the prices of finished guns, I have to believe that gunmakers are not getting rich on their labor. With a $200 - $400 difference in price, and the hand labor involved, I have to believe that they are not getting much more than minimum unless they are really fast workers.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

http://www.flintlocks.com/

/concur

Soemthing there that will please your eye.

 

[Otter]

Also suggest "The Gunsmith of Grenville County" by Peter Alexander - Alexander is/was a "student" of Shumway. Many of the sketches and methods in this book are attributed and/or credited to Shumway.

I am currently building a .58 cal Leman from TOW parts but did upgrade the lock to a Chambers. It is going well but slowly. I just got real busy with my part-time business and the build went to the back burner. I'm thinking the next build will be from Chambers based upon comments from here and elsewhere.

 

[huntman58]

The book every one told me to get was The Gunsmith of Grenville County
For a first none slap it together kit from personal experience. Full stock I would go for a Tennessee mountain rifle as you can build it with browned steel( no glare when hunting) and they really had no carving may be a mold line or two but that it. To me there just good looking simple classy guns. Were to get one? I know my next one will be a TVA gun but there are a few suppliers out there for this kind like Sitting Fox. Track of the wolf and some others. For a half stock some thing like a Leman Trade Rifle in steel again if the main usage is hunting. I do have to say I love the look of shinny brass but will go steel on the next one .Now remember this is a personal opinion from a person who has only built and rebuild three guns to date now.

 

[Oldnamvet]

I love it "watch yer topknot"
I'm bald and shave what is left :rotf: :rotf:

I am trending towards a fowler build rather than a rifle. I'd get more use out of it. Maybe a rifle later if the first one goes OK.

 

[huntman58]

I am trending towards a fowler build rather than a rifle. I'd get more use out of it. Maybe a rifle later if the first one goes OK.

if it was me than I would most likly look more to a barn gun for the same resons but the others sure are pretty eye candy!
No one said it yet so I will. being that you have called your self a 1st time builder use the books and read this Mike Brooks Tutorial for building a longrifle or as I did copy it and droll over the finished gun:shocked2:.
:hmm: Man I gots to get some big cash and have him build me one

 

[pichou]

I am trending towards a fowler build rather than a rifle. I'd get more use out of it. Maybe a rifle later if the first one goes OK.

NW Trade Gun, Early English Trade Gun, Chief's Treaty Gun, Caywood Wilson Trade Gun.

from North Star West, Sitting Fox Muzzleloaders, Track of the Wolf, Caywood.
:v

Unless your regs say 12 ga. only. Then you have to guess again!

 

[Black Hand]

Unless your regs say 12 ga. only. Then you have to guess again!

North Star West offers both 12 and 16 gauge barrels, but they will probably be special order items.

 

[Slash]

The book that I would recommend for a first-timer is "The Art of Building the Pennsylvania LongRifle" by Chuck Dixon. It is written in layman terms, so it is easy to understand. It has way more info than you will need to build a kit.
Slash