Track of the Wolf Kits

[joehenz]

I'm looking to build my first muzzleloader. Anyone have any experience building a gun from one of "Track of the Wolf"'s kits?

 

[J.D.]

Tracks kits are generally pretty decent, however, the inlets usually need lots of tweaking to get the parts to fit right.

IMHO, if this is your first parts kit, I suggest a Chambers kit. The fits of the inlets are better, locks are absolutely the best, and the hardware fits much better. And while Chambers kits are more expensive, the better quality is worth the extra price.

 

[LRB]

What JD said! TOW kits are not always the best for a beginner, and I have found problems that a beginner might not recognize before it was too late. Save up a few more dollars, and get a Chambers.

 

[grey8833]

I started with a Track kit. Most of the tasks are straight forward, so long as you get a good book or books on building kits. Gunsmith of Grenville and American Longrifle are excellent. Get yourself a small drill press. The 100$ or so you spend at Sears, or where ever, will save you a lot of time and trouble. A good hand drill and chisels are needed. Buy the mainspring vise at Track and find youself a good diamond stone and stroping block for the chisels (which you will use razor sharp for scraping, not cutting). Most of all, take your time, if you think you have a problem, you do - ask questions here BEFORE you cut wood or metal, these guys will save you a ton of time and anger managemnent.

Mike F

 

[bioprof]

I've put together three of them from TOW. I wouldn't recommend the Hawkens parts sets unless you've already built a few from parts.

 

[Vaino]

What do you expect a "kit" to be? TOW's and other similar "kits" require inletting of various components, drilling and tapping holes,drilling in wood for various bolts and pins, cutting dovetails, finishing brass components, installing triggers and coping w/ unforeseen problems. This is not meant to discourage you from proceeding because many have done one of these "kits" as a first build and the end results most of the time, are shootable MLers. As was mentioned previously...buy a couple of good "how to" books from TOW along w/ the "kit". Once started, this website offers the knowledge and experience of many accomplished builders who are more than willing to help you w/ any problems you might encounter. Mike Brook's gun building tutorial that's available on this website has excellent photos and instructions and is an invaluable aid for "doing the work". Good luck and go slow....Fred

 

[Allan Gray]

If you do have your heart set on a TOW kit they do offer gunsmithing services in house for some of the more intimidating steps of a build such as breech plug install, dovetail cutting and lug installation. But if you're in it for the long haul I would suggest you give these a try to build your skill sets. They're really not too difficult. Other key things are careful planing, going slow, asking plenty of questions here...no better resourse on the planet.
And yes, spend the extra bucks and get a book or 2 and read before you build. You will thank yourself in the end.

 

[barebackjack]

Ive done two Track kits. A book is good and this website should be kept on "speed dial". Otherwise I dont think their that bad.

 

[MSW]

I agree with Mike F. check out the tutorials on this site (which is the best around) and there are also several available for rent.

good luck with your first build!

msw