Little fellers rifle

[Walks with Fire]

I am looking to build my first kit rifle and the kit I am looking at is the Jim Chambers "Little fellers rifle". This is for me not a youngster though. I am 5'8" and the rifle has a 13" length of pull which may be about 1/2" shorter than I would like.

I want a lighter weight .50 caliber rifle for winter deer hunting and at 34" barrel length I would think it would be a good little rifle for what I want it for.

There are several questions I have and have not contacted them yet because I want to see what others have to say about the little rifle. Has anyone built this specific kit before and what are your comments on it. I am sure to have more questions if I can find someone who has done this specific kit.

I couldn't find any specific reviews on an web search.

[bob in the woods]

Considering the temp is in the minus 28 deg range, a shorter length of pull wouldn't be too hard to deal with, what with all the wool stuff I have on 

[n stephenson]

I got a little feller kit in trade , a few years ago. I think the one I had was .45 I can`t remember . I was impressed with  how well it handled. For a person of the size you are describing , it would be a good choice. The one I built , I believe weighed about 7 and a half pounds. You could carry it all day no problem. They are really nice handling little rifles  with excellent balance !  I like them!!

[hanshi]

Most rifles have a much too long lop for me.  I've never owned a "little feller's rifle" from Chambers but do have one that was built to my specs by another builder.  I'm 5'4" and wanted a - kid's rifle, actually - small rifle that was .50 but very light with a shorter lop.  The lop is 12.5" and fits perfectly.  Even when bundled up I prefer the way it mounts.  All my others are 13" lop but so nicely built I can mount and shoot in one movement.  12.5" is just better.  Mine does have a Chambers lock, though, and a Rice "B" wgt (IIRC) rb barrel.  I love these little handy, featherweight rifles.  While I can't speak to that particular rifle having never owned one, I don't see how you could do better.

[B.Habermehl]

I wouldn't sweat the length of pull issue, I'm 5'8" and stocky. My primary deer hunting rifle is a English styled rifle with a 13 & 1/4 inch pull in .58 cal. It could be a bit shorter with all the clothes I pile on for our late flintlock season. My target gun is the same LOP. BJH

[Justin]

I am building an Isaac Haines kit from the Chambers family (I say "family" because when I call or email, I usually get Barbie or her mom -- both very friendly).

The Isaac Haines rifle is 54" long while their early Lancaster rifle is 6" longer at 60". When I spoke to the Chambers' about what I intended to use it for (hunting in Wisconsin), they recommended that model in .54 caliber. At first I was worried about the .54 caliber being too big but then I realized that would make the barrel lighter (more is bored out ).

I've been working on my build since November and am now just working on my carving skills before I cut into the stock so I have a good idea of the overall feel of the rifle. To me it feels pretty quick handling and fits me well and I'm 5'8" and weigh about 170.

As a comparison, I held my brother's Thompson Center flintlock the other week and that thing weighed a ton. I think the swamped barrel in the Chambers kit really makes a difference with the weight and balance.

That's just my 2 cents but figured it may be helpful.

[Terry Reynolds]

Walks, this will be my 2nd build if I ever get the first one finished. 30” green mtn barrel in 40 cal. It will be the grandson’s one day.

[thecapgunkid]

You can't go wrong with the Chambers crew OR the Little Feller. I have built five of them ranging from a .50 cal out of box to a 20 28 gauge replacement barrel.

If you splurge and get Jim Turpin's video on building the Chambers Kit you will produce a rifle that you will be proud of, shoots well, is very comfortable for your height/weight and is one of the most understated buys out there.  If you can get to a show and meet Jim, Barbie and Karen so much the better.




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