the time has come

[dlocke]

Well, I've finished my Investarms Hawkin kit (came out beautiful) after 4 months of work and it is now time to proceed with the TOTW colonial longrifle kit. Breechplug fitting starts after Christmas.
I was having a couple beers and looking over the pre-shaped blank and barrel and it occurred to me that it might be easier to build from a true blank, albeit with the barrel and ramrod channels already done. In any event, the pre-cut barrel channel is slightly undersized. I haven't mic'd the barrel flats in comparison to the cut-outs yet, but is it only the sides of the barrel channel that have to be opened up? Or, does the entire channel (all 5 flats) need to be hogged out to a certain degree?
DJL

 

[dlocke]

BTW, the reason I say a true blank might be easier is b/c with more wood, there is more room to move things around, and you can adjust the drop more. I'm just glad I didn't get a stock that was pre-inlet for the lock.
DJL

 

[bob1961]

when i got my pre shaped stock from pecatonica river all i got done was the barrel channel done to rices barrel i told them i was getting and the ram rod hole drilled....this way i had room to move stuff to where it needed to go....they also put in the cast off i needed :v ..............bob

 

[Birddog6]

You took the correct path, as IMHO jumping to a blank would be too much to take on with the experience you have as to date... BIG dif. in a Investarms kit & then jumping to a blank.........

Now later one after you have done some you may say "Oh yes, rather start from a blank now" but it is best to take baby steps rather than fall & get all beat up trying to run right away...... I have bought MANY rifle parts sets started & not finished.