TVM - Tenn Valley ML - Question

[Alden]

With plain maple you won't always worry about nicks and scratches. I made the mistake of buying a TVM early Lancaster with super premium maple several years ago. It sat on the wall unfired for three years before I gave up and sold it. It was so beautiful I was too afraid to take it outside.

I know how that is and (too) often feel exactly the same way -- some guns are just too beautiful a piece of art to take out into the mean, cruel, world and shoot with that dirty black powder! "My preciousss." Didn't have that issue with TVM myself; quite the opposite actually re: the wood I bought and paid for vs. what they had the audacity to send me.

 

[mooman76]

That's why I don't like those purdy guns. Not that I mistreat them but they get knocked around and banged up no matter how careful I am and I'd be afraid to take it out. Same with other things too like fancy knives and such.

 

[azmntman]

I buy em to shoot em. Probably why i can yet afford a custom? :hmm:

 

[dcriner]

I have a TVM Early Lancaster with the plain stock. It, to my eye, is very pretty, and I shoot it and display it.

I've read that heavily striped maple may be weaker than regular wood?

 

[Zonie]

...

I've read that heavily striped maple may be weaker than regular wood?

That's an old wives tale.

There are several different kinds of maple and one is weaker than the other but having curl isn't the reason its weaker.

It is weaker because it grows faster so the wood is less dense.

As for the curly wood, the reason it shows the stripes as it does is because the grain is wavy.

The wavy grain is just as strong as it would be if it was straight.

 

[Doug Lykins]

I've heard the fancy, curly maple is harder to work with or carve. My experience has been that hard, dense maple or walnut is better to work with than the softer stuff. Nothin' worse than trying to inlet a spongy piece of wood.

 

[Micah Clark]

Well gang, I took the plunge. I came down to a Late Lancaster from Pecatonica or TVM . . it was a fine line. In the end, I went with TVM. Some will say that's heresy, but I am not as concerned about pure historical correctness, yet. This is my first build and I felt as though the TVM kit might be slightly better, or easier, kit for a first timer. Both are fine folks and companies.

I ordered a Late Lancaster, Left hand, Flint, in brass with 1 step up, stock upgrade, Rice Barrel in .32 caliber.

I am REALLY excited about it . . . and my builder guide is too, for which I am glad. I look forward to the day when I can squirrel hunt with it on a beautiful autumn day. First i have to wait 4 weeks.

 

[Blackbruin]

I've heard the fancy, curly maple is harder to work with or carve. My experience has been that hard, dense maple or walnut is better to work with than the softer stuff. Nothin' worse than trying to inlet a spongy piece of wood.

Just cause it is "fancy curly maple" doesn't mean its soft. Hard wood is hard tight grain, doesnt mean there isnt a twist in the grain, cause that will be a pain too. I've seen first hand a $800 piece of wood better set as firewood as far as workability, but prettier than heck. Nice straight grain hard sugar and some figure in the but works for me!

 

[kh0456]

Mac, good deal! I'll be interested to see the progress so please post any when you can.
Let me know when you get the kit and what you think of it out the box.
I'm excited for you! :hatsoff:

 

[Dean2]

Well gang, I took the plunge. I came down to a Late Lancaster from Pecatonica or TVM . . it was a fine line. In the end, I went with TVM. Some will say that's heresy, but I am not as concerned about pure historical correctness, yet. This is my first build and I felt as though the TVM kit might be slightly better, or easier, kit for a first timer. Both are fine folks and companies.

I ordered a Late Lancaster, Left hand, Flint, in brass with 1 step up, stock upgrade, Rice Barrel in .32 caliber.

I am REALLY excited about it . . . and my builder guide is too, for which I am glad. I look forward to the day when I can squirrel hunt with it on a beautiful autumn day. First i have to wait 4 weeks.

Very pleased to hear you pulled the trigger. Look forward to your posts as you go through the build, with pictures of course. :grin:

 

[Micah Clark]

Thanks Dean & Johnny,

I will keep you all posted. I am very much looking forward to a big box arriving in a few weeks.

Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[Micah Clark]

EC121 -- That's a pretty rifle . . .