AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: rich pierce on June 19, 2018, 03:58:58 AM

Title: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: rich pierce on June 19, 2018, 03:58:58 AM
I've been at this too long but enjoyed every minute of it.  I did as much Fainot gun research as I could especially around patchbox construction.  This gun has traits of several Fainot guns but is not a direct copy of any one gun.  I planned it as something that could have been made by him soon after his arrival in Lancaster.

A hard piece of black walnut, a Getz 46" octagon to round, 20 ga barrel, a Chambers Early Ketland lock, and Reeves Goehring buttplate and guard castings were used. It has a Chambers White Lightning vent liner; one of the ones he makes of barrel steel.  Other parts were constructed of sheet brass.  I made a rear sight and installed it but have a blank dovetail plug for smoothbore matches. A spider front sight was installed.

I aged the metal some but have not decided how far I will go with the wood. It's such a nice piece of wood and finished well for me with Chambers' Oil.


(https://preview.ibb.co/jTzaLJ/IMG_3848.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m0Z9fJ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/h5m0ny/IMG_3821.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fXARSy)


(https://preview.ibb.co/fOm5LJ/IMG_3829.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k8Gi7y)


(https://preview.ibb.co/koMGSy/IMG_3824.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cD6SZd)

(https://preview.ibb.co/m0Mi7y/IMG_3851.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mtdkLJ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/jkYD7y/IMG_3852.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dUCjEd)

(https://preview.ibb.co/eKCjEd/IMG_3853.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mGsjEd)

Comments and critiques are welcome.


(https://preview.ibb.co/kmW5LJ/IMG_3855.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cKzEEd)

(https://preview.ibb.co/mh937y/IMG_3856.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k3ZEEd)

(https://preview.ibb.co/d2anZd/IMG_3857.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bUzEEd)

(https://preview.ibb.co/fnfMud/IMG_3833.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d6Nqny)

(https://preview.ibb.co/dOegud/IMG_3825.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bBTKfJ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cqCO7y/IMG_3837.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ns3Vny)
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: moodyholler on June 19, 2018, 04:14:54 AM
Nice lock bosses! moodyholler
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: David R. Pennington on June 19, 2018, 04:30:59 AM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Pennsylvania Dutchman on June 19, 2018, 05:09:43 AM
Very well done, I like it!
Mark
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: B.Barker on June 19, 2018, 05:12:50 AM
Nice look fowler. You did a really good job carving that walnut.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: alex e. on June 19, 2018, 05:41:50 AM
Wonderful!  I really like it.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: BOB HILL on June 19, 2018, 05:55:22 AM
Fine looking gun there, Rich. Thanks for sharing it.
Bob
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: stubshaft on June 19, 2018, 07:59:46 AM
Very well done Sir!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: elk killer on June 19, 2018, 12:17:47 PM
Lots to admire, very well done
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: WKevinD on June 19, 2018, 01:10:29 PM
That's really nice. If I saw that out, I'd wants to shoulder it then pull it down and send a few minutes rolling it over, tipping up an down not saying a word then sit for an hour asking about it and it's quiet detail.

Kevin
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: smart dog on June 19, 2018, 01:38:12 PM
Very nice Rich.  It has a very credible look and I'll bet, feel, about it.  I hope it will be at Dixon's.

dave
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: bama on June 19, 2018, 02:56:26 PM
Great job Rich. I really appreciate the time you spent researching this build. The work you put into the patch box alone was tremendous much less the rest of the build. Congratulations not only on a project completed but well done. Thanks very much for sharing your work.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: tallbear on June 19, 2018, 03:26:36 PM
Looking good Rich!!!!! Bringing it to Dixons I hope!!!!!!!!

Mitch
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: P.Bigham on June 19, 2018, 03:37:53 PM
Looking forward to seeing it sometime in person.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: n stephenson on June 19, 2018, 03:48:16 PM
Rich, Very nice gun. You know that I like "different" and this is a fine specimen. I`ve always liked the Fainot pieces. It is really neat to see someone build one. I like that you didn't over do it. This gun looks like the old ones and, that is what I like. SUPER job!!!      Nate
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Robert Wolfe on June 19, 2018, 03:49:44 PM
Very appealing and well executed!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: PPatch on June 19, 2018, 03:52:48 PM
Okay Rich, once you get that forearm modified to mount a bayonet you an join the local Militia in style. Kidding aside I know you put a great deal of research and planning into the build, and that shows. You have done a very good job, and I know she naturally points and feels "right" from you showing the gun to me in Ohio. Be proud.

dave
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: James Rogers on June 19, 2018, 03:58:20 PM
I like what I see. Somehow I think you do as well ; )
Well done and very eye pleasing in many areas
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: rich pierce on June 19, 2018, 04:09:21 PM
Thanks, fellas.  The carving was the biggest challenge.  On existing specimens the tang carving is sometimes obliterated through wear.  I also noted that his Gordian knot carving behind the cheekpiece of his rifles is interesting but not overly modeled, so I decided to do limited modeling and keep the carving low as possible.  I decided to go extravagant with the tang carving and try to “channel my inner Fainot”.  I wanted the design to be as long as the lock moldings, something I find attractive from a design standpoint.

Next up is a Fainot rifle based on the one we have here in our wonderful collection on ALR.

Asking for personal preferences here.  Would you do some additional patination of the stock or cut back on the patina on the metal, to better match?  This is going to be a spec piece for sale, part of my daughter’s Masters tuition.

Wish I could bring it to Dixon’s but we are flying, and shipping would add to our costs, and make me more nervous than throwing it in the car.  Ideas there?  Best case scenario would be to deliver it to a customer!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Mike Brooks on June 19, 2018, 04:13:11 PM
I like it, especially the carving at the tang. I'd probably lightly mark up the stock a bit and let it go at that.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Steve-In on June 19, 2018, 04:43:33 PM
If I was the customer I think know I would like it just the way it is.  It will not take but a few hunting and range trips to age the wood some.

The fowler looks great.  Outstanding lob on the pictures.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Acer Saccharum on June 19, 2018, 05:05:15 PM
Golly, that's a beauty, Rich.

Me? I'd age the wood a bit. The patchbox looks like an antique set in perfect wood.

At Dixon's, Roy Stroh is giving a seminar on aging your stock. Perfect timing?

That is a super looking piece.

T
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Cory Joe Stewart on June 19, 2018, 05:13:12 PM
Very well done.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: smylee grouch on June 19, 2018, 05:44:08 PM
Great job Rich, I like it just the way it is. Did you use a hook under the butt plate tang?
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: rich pierce on June 19, 2018, 05:49:56 PM
Yes, used a hook to keep the front of the buttplate down. Did not see a pin hole for a tab and pin on his originals. It’s a neat trick but more work than a pinned tab.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: TommyG on June 20, 2018, 02:45:25 AM
Rich, Beautiful gun.  I really love the stock architecture, looks to be a real comfortable shooter.  You can be real proud of your engraving, great looking borders, tastefully done.  Did you use copper rivets or brass for the patchbox door/finial?
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: rich pierce on June 20, 2018, 02:51:39 AM
Tommy, I used brass rivets but they did not match the sheet brass as well as I’d hoped.  On the other hand the color difference emphasizes how it was constructed.  On my next build, a Fainot rifle, I’m planning on making my own rivets instead of purchasing brass pins.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: J. Talbert on June 20, 2018, 04:27:34 AM
Well done.

Very authentic feel.  I agree with Mike and Acer.  A touch more treatment on the stock would be to my liking.

Jeff
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Curtis on June 20, 2018, 09:02:50 AM
Sweet Rich, just sweet!  Nicely executed.

Curtis
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: rich pierce on June 20, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
I had a previous thread about making the patchbox but here’s a bottom view of the completely self-contained unit.

(https://preview.ibb.co/gZQJud/9_F353_EAA_012_D_4_E82_A44_A_4_D13576_AA33_F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bAMrEd)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cML7ny/4_D95_DD29_A4_A2_484_F_B4_B4_02200_CB58209.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gTFwfJ)
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: sqrldog on June 20, 2018, 04:28:23 PM
Great job Rich. I really like that gun. Tim (no r)
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Majorjoel on June 20, 2018, 07:35:08 PM
You done good Rich "Fainot" Pierce! :)  I like it just the way it is and know that it will age beautifully with time and become a family heirloom that your offspring will take great pride in many generations to come!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: dogcreek on June 20, 2018, 07:55:13 PM
That's a beautiful fowler. Kudos!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Stophel on June 21, 2018, 01:33:52 AM
I like that.   ;)

And I was about to ask how the patchbox mechanism worked.  Pretty neat!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: Ed Wenger on June 22, 2018, 03:04:39 AM
I somehow missed this earlier...  Nice rifle, Rich.  I know you put a lot of thought and effort into this.  I especially like the carving around the tang.  Too bad it won't be making the trip to Dixon's, look forward to seeing you there.


            Ed
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: k gahagan on June 24, 2018, 12:22:35 AM
I like this build a lot especially the patchbox. It looks like a lot of work but not over worked and looks like it should. Carving, archecture everything is great. I would probably age the wood as well but that's a scary road to go down and I understand why you hesitate. Good job.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished
Post by: oldtravler61 on June 24, 2018, 04:15:12 AM
  Rich this is one outstanding firearm. Thanks for showing !! Love that patch box. Very nice. Oldtravler
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: rich pierce on June 28, 2018, 03:42:36 AM
I got semi-brave and did some aging of the stock, which I will call "impressionistic" rather than realistic.  No defacement, just adding areas of blackened, textured finish.  Who likes it, who thinks it's worse, who has suggestions on how to improve the impression?


(https://preview.ibb.co/inRfN8/IMG_3874.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gjyGvT)

(https://preview.ibb.co/gkjZh8/IMG_3875.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eC90N8)

(https://preview.ibb.co/hYrfN8/IMG_3876.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nvBQpo)

(https://preview.ibb.co/fH79FT/IMG_3877.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kALkpo)

(https://preview.ibb.co/fzg89o/IMG_3878.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g0QqN8)

(https://preview.ibb.co/hMRx28/IMG_3879.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gpqPh8)

(https://preview.ibb.co/mz1VN8/IMG_3880.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b5tMUo)

(https://preview.ibb.co/jTyYaT/IMG_3881.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g0dYaT)

(https://preview.ibb.co/iNTzFT/IMG_3882.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bvw89o)

(https://preview.ibb.co/jLdYaT/IMG_3883.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cjPjh8)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cNCFpo/IMG_3884.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eYOc28)

(https://preview.ibb.co/iYe6vT/IMG_3885.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bxPH28)

(https://preview.ibb.co/eph4h8/IMG_3886.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hdSFpo)

(https://preview.ibb.co/fdAeFT/IMG_3887.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d5Z6vT)

(https://preview.ibb.co/djyo9o/IMG_3888.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mDDMUo)

how do i delete my account (https://deleteacc.com/d)
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: TommyG on June 28, 2018, 04:04:02 AM
Rich,  I like it.  Not too overdone and I think it really enhances your carving, which is very nice BTW.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: Robert Wolfe on June 28, 2018, 04:58:48 AM
I too like it.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: Brian Jordan on June 28, 2018, 12:01:45 PM
Beautiful build as always!!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: Majorjoel on June 28, 2018, 07:03:56 PM
Rich, I totally take back my earlier statement to leave your rifle as it was in your initial post pics!

Your additional darkening has really put your Fainot over the top!  I like it much better now and cannot believe how it improved what I thought was great before!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: vanu on June 28, 2018, 07:22:56 PM
Rich,

Excellent!!

Bruce
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: t.caster on June 28, 2018, 07:26:47 PM
Doggone Rich, that's a nice piece! You might have some Fanoit blood running through your veins.

The metal finish is good, but I would patinize the stock in the usual places.

It just seams like they appeal to more buyers that way.

I must have been posting at the same time you were putting up those patina pics!

You got it just right now!

Btw, I'm enjoying your French Fusil book. Almost done, but some sections I will read over again. Funny, I haven't seen ANY reference to "Type C or D fusils! I am wondering if that is modern phrasiology? I haven't started on the fusil yet, as I am working on an English fowler from a Sitting Fox kit for one of my best friends. I have to be careful building English fowler while studying French styles at the same time ;)
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: Mr. Bubbles on June 29, 2018, 08:48:23 PM
What kind of rivets did you use on the MC?  They look silver.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: WadePatton on June 29, 2018, 09:31:02 PM
Very tasteful shading there Rich.  I like it.  I've ALWAYS preferred some character to the wood and never liked the "Bass Pro Shops"* new wood look.  I'd likely not try to improve that one, but if I was going to-it would involve more layers of finish and crud and a bit more "breaking down" of the finish and metal--which some folks wouldn't like.  I see what you've got as a happy medium.

*Or wherever they sell new guns of bland grain and no color.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: rich pierce on June 29, 2018, 10:47:58 PM
What kind of rivets did you use on the MC?  They look silver.

Iron. Waiting for them to rust!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: Craig Wilcox on June 30, 2018, 02:16:15 AM
I like it!  Very tastefully done.  Looking at it makes me want to pick it up and go hunting.  Never mind that it is 100 deg outside!
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: rich pierce on June 30, 2018, 02:29:57 AM
Hot here too in St. Louis.
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: Pennsylvania Dutchman on June 30, 2018, 04:42:47 AM
Very nice! Really well done!
Mark
Title: Re: Fainot fowling piece about finished (more stock aging)
Post by: Mike_StL on July 01, 2018, 02:43:58 AM
I really like the way you did your ageing.  You have a gun that aged through use but was not abused. 

Looks great!