TVM Woes! :(

[Zonie]

... I think some of you are missing the point. The OP payed for a specific high end barrel and the builder used a generic barrel instead, that IS a disaster. It's not like the builder can say "oh sorry, I'll just swap you barrels".

You may be jumping the gun with the comment "a generic barrel instead".

Rice makes barrels with square cut rifling as well as round cut rifling. It is very possible that the barrel used to build this rifle is a high end Rice barrel and the builder overlooked the fact that the rifling is square cut.

 

[NorthFork]

You are right, I forgot Rice does offer square cut rifling as well. Still a difficult swap. Likely will be a restock if its to be done right.

You may be jumping the gun with the comment "a generic barrel instead".

Rice makes barrels with square cut rifling as well as round cut rifling. It is very possible that the barrel used to build this rifle is a high end Rice barrel and the builder overlooked the fact that the rifling is square cut.

 

[springfield art]

Speaking of TVM: Back when Jack Garner worked under the TVM name, in the mid-1970's, I ordered one of his Tenn. Mt. rifles; was $275., still have it; in 45 cal. with a Dixie lock, patchbox, and nicely browned. Those were the days! (Not to be confused with the current TVM co.) He is gone now, and I understand people still respect his work!

 

[Sidney Smith]

I too dont know if Id use the word disaster to describe this person's rifle. I'm sure it will probably function just fine. However for $1800 he should have received in a lot nicer shape than that. To me $1800 is a lot to spend on a gun any gun. I don't know who these people are who are spending $3K and upwards of $5K on a Flintlock but more power to them if they can afford to. Now back to the OPs gun. In the shape it's in right now that should have been priced at least half of what was paid for it. If that were the case he could have cut his losses and just lived with it for as I said the gun probably will function just fine. Lets hope at this point that TVM makes good on rectifying their mistake.

 

[hanshi]

My experience with TVM has been 100% positive. I can say that even after a gun I ordered from them came with iron mounts instead of the brass I'd asked for. But I actually liked the iron better and didn't want it switched. Mistakes happen to the very best, and they should always be given the opportunity to correct the error.

TVM guns are built from planks unless specified otherwise. Many builders I know prefer scratch building to precarves. Prices have risen since last I ordered mine. But this has happened across the board. If I ever (probably won't) get another rifle it will likely be a Kibler kit which would be a nice challenge for me.

 

[Jim Brennen]

I would like to say that I have a tvm Virginia rifle with a rice square cut barrel, the craftsman ship on mine is perfect and the rifle is a tack driver if I do my part. I have a wooden patch box on mine which is perfect also, cant say anything bad about it.

 

[jdw276]

I would like to say that I have a tvm Virginia rifle with a rice square cut barrel, the craftsman ship on mine is perfect and the rifle is a tack driver if I do my part. I have a wooden patch box on mine which is perfect also, cant say anything bad about it.

Met matt's daughter at friendship this year. Very nice lady and had a nice discussion about my TVM. They are good folks from my meeting and will make it right i would bet.

 

[Juice Jaws]

Sent it back and get what you want or your money back. Believe me, you will never be happy with it.

 

[Huntschool]

I think this thread has gone on long enough...… Many opinions have been posted on several sides. I feel it would be prudent to let this thread end and let Smokey post his comments and results in a new thread...……

JMHO

 

[Zonie]

I'm inclined to agree with you Huntschool so I'm closing this topic.

I do expect Smoky Plainsman to make a follow up post letting us know what happened.
When he does, I will make a link to it in this topic so folks reading it will be able to find out how it ends.

 

[Zonie]

I have reopened this topic so interested members can find out what the final outcome of this TVM problem is.

Hopefully, Smokey Plainsman will tell us what happened.

 

[springfield art]

My experience with TVM has been 100% positive. I can say that even after a gun I ordered from them came with iron mounts instead of the brass I'd asked for. But I actually liked the iron better and didn't want it switched. Mistakes happen to the very best, and they should always be given the opportunity to correct the error.

TVM guns are built from planks unless specified otherwise. Many builders I know prefer scratch building to precarves. Prices have risen since last I ordered mine. But this has happened across the board. If I ever (probably won't) get another rifle it will likely be a Kibler kit which would be a nice challenge for me.

I saw Mr. Kibler at the Gunmaker's Fair last year, and asked it he'd ever do a Pistol Kit! He just said, it's a possibility!

 

[Scoper05]

I saw Mr. Kibler at the Gunmaker's Fair last year, and asked it he'd ever do a Pistol Kit! He just said, it's a possibility!

That would be awesome. Though I'm still working on trying to get his Colonial kit.

 

[Zonie]

Having built several muzzleloading pistols, I can say, they are just about as much work as building a rifle.
The only difference is the amount of wood and barrel material you need to work with.

 

[Thunder14]

Well after seeing that lack of workmanship I am taking them off my list who I’m getting my new flinter from.I guess i will stay local with the PA.builders.
I do understand the disappointment and frustration I just purchased a new rifle and was in the same situation.
Hope it all works out

 

[jdw276]

Well after seeing that lack of workmanship I am taking them off my list who I’m getting my new flinter from.I guess i will stay local with the PA.builders.
I do understand the disappointment and frustration I just purchased a new rifle and was in the same situation.
Hope it all works out

Good luck with your build. This forum's members will love to see the finished product and hear about its specs that you picked out. There is something about a long rifle that a person drools over on this forum. Maybe even a little lusting as well. Again good luck with the build.

 

[Mark Herman]

Glad to see this opened again. I have a TVM early Virginia LH that is top of the line quality. Matt is a first class guy and if anything was his fault I would bet a dime to a donut that he will make every effort to correct it.

 

[Dean2]

So this thread started 2 months ago and still no update from the OP on what happened with TVM. My bet is TVM made it right and I would think it is only fair to post the outcome as these kinds of threads can have a real bad effect on a gun makers reputation.

 

[Mark Herman]

Agree heartily with Dean. Reputations are hard to build and easy to destroy.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Of course the only thing that matters is the maker's reputation and the buyer be damned, right? The OP has been following up on this mess on the ALR forum. Apparently, the gun was returned fixed but something was wrong with the flint cock. Either it was bent or it was not seated properly on the tumbler such that the shoulder did not sit on top of the bolster at rest but barely made contact and slid by wearing the lock plate. He posted photos of the problem and there definitely was a problem. How it left the shop that way is a wonder but unless the cock is actually bent, the fix would take me all of 30 seconds.

dave