AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Nordnecker on April 02, 2014, 02:25:50 PM
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So far my (first) gun build has been an exercise in what not to do, and how to fix it. Despite these setbacks, I'm plugging along as time allows. Last evening I finally got my side plate morticed in, and the lock bolts cut to the right length. The lock was re-assembled completely for the first time in weeks and everything bolted together. It was so nice to hear that snick at the half cock notch. I had to shave a little off the stock for the hammer to get to the full cock position. I tripped the sear with the end of a small metal square through the slot for the trigger. Maybe I'll get the trigger/plate fit this evening. Then I'll drill for the tang bolt.
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Progress! Every mistake or setback helps us learn. Course old fellas sometimes forget their lessons!
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I learned a long time ago that one of the marks of a true craftsman is not if he makes mistakes but how he recovers from them.
The other thing I've learned is to enjoy the process of the build...including it's frustrations.
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I generally have two rifles underway at the same time in various stages. If and when I make a mistake on one I switch work to the other. This gives me time to really think about what I will do to correct the remedy for the other rifle. That way I don't get anxious and try to do a rapid fix on the first one and maybe lead me into making the original mistake worse. Sometimes the repair comes to me in those foggy hours just when I'm waking up in the morning. It works for me.
Curt
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Curt;
I just walk away from the project for a bit, do something else like work on the metal or fabricate something. Essentially this gives me that pause while I consider how to correct me mess up. Hopefully the answer comes while I am engaged otherwise, same as you.
Nordnecker; Sounds like a normal build, a few steps forward and one back. Hang in there. As Rich stated each mistake only enlightens us and teaches us. Good luck.
dp