AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Kingsburyarms on October 12, 2018, 05:25:08 PM
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I have the pleasure of knowing David Price for a number of years now, and I keep bugging him on making another Swivel Breach rifle kit for me to build. He made kits for years, but slowed down, and I was on the tail end of that. Well, David took me under his wing, and as his apprentice, We said "Let's fire this back up" and we both agreed to see what we could do together to make another run. I'll let David chime in, but the horse has left the barn and we are making significant progress. New technology, updated swivel actions, new barrels, and the finest Maple wood you can get your hands on.
These are kits, they will need building and work to finish, but they are very refined and "updated". I'm looking forward to finally building one (See what happens when you are persistent???)
Some images of the progress and the final results (David's work) , and again, I'll let David jump in and chat a little more about this next generation set of kits....
Cheers, Jon
(https://preview.ibb.co/hj3Mdp/file-51.jpg) (https://ibb.co/n88nJp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/b65Zyp/file-50.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gNS3r9)
(https://preview.ibb.co/dCwUW9/file-52.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mRm7Jp)
Some of David's incredible work....
(https://preview.ibb.co/fC4NjU/project1ph2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dtB2jU)
(https://preview.ibb.co/dn1eW9/swpr1ph4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iB56B9)
(https://preview.ibb.co/mH78PU/dsc-0286.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cdQv4U)
(https://preview.ibb.co/hfCNJp/dsc-0292.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fsBtPU)
(https://preview.ibb.co/ewYwdp/dsc-0293.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cPxNJp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/fC4NjU/project1ph2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dtB2jU)
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Wow!! Great job Jon! And David always does nice work!!
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Jon,
I heard from David that you make the stocks for him.
I think that this is a good choice, it gives David more time.
I hope to see this picture again.
Adrie
(https://preview.ibb.co/hiy9W9/10-SWIVELBREECHKITS009.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bScgdp)
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Hi Jon,
This is great and I hope you two can continue for a long time. Dave's are the best engineered swivels out there in my opinion. Not to mention, his work is exquisite.
dave
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Thanks all, and Adrie - That is an excellent picture!!!! - Thank you for sharing - that was back when David's shop was a little cleaner :) - I'm just proud to be a part of this - Much more to follow....
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I think there will be enough interest in on e of those kits that you guys can stay busy for some time. I wanted one in 50 cal. in 2010 but all David had left at the time was 54s. Looking forward to your offerings and good luck with the big step.
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A swivel breech is on my want to build list. This is very motivating!
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You have my attention now, I'll keep watching for more info.
Percy
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Sign me up and let me know!! I am serious!! 8)
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sign me up. Got a target price in mind?
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I lurk more than I comment here, but I'm interested (always assuming I have the cash). Wow, are those beautiful!
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Sign me up too. Those look nice.
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Jon,
I'm not sure who is the master and who is the apprentice here. I certainly would not have attempted a project like this without your encouragement, advise, and help.
About eighteen months ago I used the last of the 128 barrels that Green Mt. custom built for me. Green Mt Barrel Co. requires an order of a minium of 100 barrels or more for an order of custom built barrels. At eighty years old I didn't think I was capable of building another fifty swivel breach rifles. At that point I figured I had built my last swivel breach rifle.
Over the next few months I got several requests for swivel breach rifles so I thought, If Green Mt. would agree to do fifty barrels for me, that would only be twenty five rifles and I could probably handle that. I then notofied everyone that wanted one that i would put them on a waiting list WITH NO DEPOSIT, and if I could get fifty barrels I would do another twenty five rifles. I have the barrels and all the other parts that I need now. Kingsbury Arms is going to shape all the stocks on a C&C machine, another friend is going to do all the machining of the metal parts also on a C&C machine, and my son and I will do all the other work and assembling of the parts. I expect to have some ready to ship in November. I will post some pictures when I get the first one assembled.
At the present time there are 31 people on the waiting list. Some have been on the list for over a year so I expect to loose some of them. I also ended up with enough parts for 28 rifles.
David Price
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This is the rifle that got me even thinking about building my own rifle! I’ve never built one so it’s probsbly too advanced for me at the moment, but I definitely have my eyes set on owning one! I got to get a tour today at Kingsbury Armory (thank you so much Jon!) and I’m definitely encouraged.
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10-12-18
David,
Please expand on the "Updated Swivel Actions" -- What's different from the original design or concept etc.?
Best Regards,
Robert
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This is the rifle that got me even thinking about building my own rifle! I’ve never built one so it’s probsbly too advanced for me at the moment, but I definitely have my eyes set on owning one! I got to get a tour today at Kingsbury Armory (thank you so much Jon!) and I’m definitely encouraged.
Proud to meet you and have you visit my shop.... thank you and I know you will be a fantastic member of this forum and a very skilled contributor to this group. I’m here if you need anything.
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Congrats on making this project happen! I have two questions . Will these ever be available without the buttstock? I would like to build one , but more like an "Antes" profile stock? Is there room to reshape the lock plate , and miss the internal parts , I`m not too fond of the "humped" appearance of the lock plate . Please! don`t take this as negative criticism , just a question! Is the large lock and counter plate needed because of the thumb bar release versus the more streamlined plates found on those with a trigger guard type release. As stated , I`m not being critical , just seeking info. I have wanted to build one of these for years. Is this design copied from an original ? if so , which one? All of the old ones I have got to handle had the trigger guard style release. I am interested and only ask these things in pursuit of info. I understand that there has to be room for the mainspring behind the cock , so the plate HAS to be some bigger than normal, I just wonder how much , if any of the plate could be reshaped/ removed. Does the larger plate extending further to toward the wrist , make it more of a reach to get your finger on the trigger , because that area of wood , cant be removed because of the plate being there. I try to really swoop that area down , so that the trigger finger , can lay comfortably down below the lower edge of the lock, another reason not to have wide lock panels . Thanks Nate
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I`m not too fond of the "humped" appearance.....
(https://i.imgur.com/dktTYgz.gif)
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What kind of price are we talking here for the kit?
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rtadams
Nothing about the design, shape, or parts have changed. The only difference is all the hardware is pre inlet on a C&c machine. The lock, release plate, tang, trigger plate, butt plate, thimbles, and nose cap are all pre inlet.
The dove tails for the sights will be done, and the holes that go between the barrels for the screws that hold the wood barrel panels will be done. The sliding wood patch boxes will be all cut in. The stock will be very close to the finished shape, requiring only light rasping and sandpaper. Barrels are available either smooth or rifled, in 54 cal. only. These rifles finish up weighing only eight and a half lbs. I will try and get a picture of one posted here on ALR in the next couple of days. I will also be doing a video showing finishing the complete rifle on my web site.
This really is not a kit, it is more like an unfinished rifle.
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P.W Berkuta,
The price is $3000.00 which includes everything including screws and sights.
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Thanks for the info Dave. Once I pay off my very recent hip replacement surgery I will see what kind of monies I have left over.
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n stelphenson
I made the lock plate as small as I could and still get all the working parts on it. The release side plate of course had to match the lock plate. When I was designing the swivel plates and the locking mechanism I tried using the trigger guard for the locking release. Just like all the other swivel breach rifles I tried that used the trigger guard for the release, it rattled and never really locked up tight. My release is not a copy of an original, but it was recommended to me by Dave Waters who also builds swivel breach actions. Thank you Dave !
I am not sure of what you are referring to as the humped appearance . Actually the stock is quite straight as it comes off the swivel plate and must be, because there is a threaded rod that goes into the stock and pulls everything together. After inletting the lock mortise, the release mortise, the tang, and the triggers there is not much wood left. The lock and side plate are bolted together and the tang and trigger plate are bolted together making this area very strong. There is still plenty of wood that can be removed to slim it down a bit.
I am attaching some pictures that should answer most of your questions. If not please ask.
(https://preview.ibb.co/kkcwDp/IMG-1903.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mQvSKU)
(https://preview.ibb.co/hwd3tp/IMG-1907.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bPrdR9)
(https://preview.ibb.co/nifGDp/IMG-1919.jpg) (https://ibb.co/coX7KU)
(https://preview.ibb.co/mUnwDp/IMG-1922.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eX7wDp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/jvEyR9/IMG-1924.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eesUYp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/hg33tp/IMG-1905.jpg) (https://ibb.co/f8SUYp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/mScJR9/IMG-1906.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gAGpYp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/hbjbDp/IMG-1908.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bKN7KU)
(https://preview.ibb.co/eoHJR9/IMG-1909.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gj2k69)
(https://preview.ibb.co/cHKyR9/IMG-1911.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mAiQ69)
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Sorry some of the pictures are upside down. If someone can turn them right side up I would apreciate it.
David Price
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Hi David,
I'm pleased that you are doing well. I'm always impressed with your projects, and of course your finished, carved guns. I hope I am as well when I reach 80. My compliments.
Regards,
Pletch
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Larry,
Thank you for the kind words.
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When you consider that a Kibler kit coast about $1,000.....and is all CNC machined, requires some cleanup, sanding, finishing etc., the $3,000 cost of David Price's swivel rifle "kit" is not unreasonable. Considering the metal and machine work that is needed to have a quality swivel breech....and have it last, it's like purchasing two Kibler kits.....but with an almost "modern like" revolver quality to the swivel breech.....and not to mention essentially two locks and for sure two barrels that are already properly connected.
MHO
Dave
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Nate,
I had intended to include the picture of the inside of the lock so I am attaching it now.
(https://preview.ibb.co/dy3Ttp/IMG-2132.jpg) (https://ibb.co/keHXKU)
(https://preview.ibb.co/c6aKzU/IMG-2131.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iWOTtp)
This is the wood that I am going to use. I have been saving this wood for thirty years just for a special project.
(https://preview.ibb.co/bwr3R9/IMG-2107.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nsiuYp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/cWkV69/IMG-2120.jpg) (https://ibb.co/e3M3R9)
(https://preview.ibb.co/kAwTR9/IMG-2104.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dhQcKU)
I cut the barrel panels out of the same piece of wood so that the grain and stripe will match on both sides of the barrels.
(https://preview.ibb.co/ivczzU/IMG-2094.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iYCotp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/f19ZYp/IMG-2095.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dhGEYp)
(https://preview.ibb.co/nE2otp/IMG-2097.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kfhXKU)
(https://preview.ibb.co/nczZYp/IMG-2103.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hNNotp)
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David, Thank you for the pics , and the information . Very nice parts ! Thank you. Nate
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Absolutely beautiful work, David. I learned a bunch from your posts and pictures. Six months ago I had never heard of a "swivel rifle", so the whole post has been educational for me.
Both the metal work and the wood work are great, and that piece that you saved for 30 years is exceptionally nice.
Thanks so much for showing all those good things. Perhaps there will be a swivel rifle in my future. Not a lot younger than you (73 now), but like you, still enjoying my rifle building.
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That lock looks good to me.Simple and well made and probably
very durable.
Bob Roller
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I like it. Now you got me wondering if I need one.
What do you thing a finished rifle will weigh?
Thanks
fleener
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Fleener, 8 and 1/2 lbs.
Pletch
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Snapper,
Larry is exactly right, eight and a half lbs. with 32 inch barrels. My own hunting rifle has 28 inch barrels and weighs just under eight lbs.
David Price
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Thanks for the weight reply. I apologize, I went back and read through the messages again and see that the weight was already stated.
thanks
Fleener
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Art,
I may have shot the hunting rifle with the 28” barrels that David mentioned. This story speaks to David’s generosity. At a Spring Shoot in Friendship, David, Steve Chapman, and I were setting up a Woodswalk. David asked me what rifle I would be using. I described my “old puke” to him.
He replied, “Would you like to shoot my hunting rifle?”
I was stunned. After a brief pause I said, “Well, #ell yes!”
After finding the caliber, I mentioned that I needed to get the correct size ball. David said I didn’t need to do that; he would bring everything I would need.
So I shot the Woodswalk with the finest carved rifle I ever held – let alone fired. I don’t remember my score that year. That was the last thing on my mind. But I will remember that Woodswalk and David’s generosity.
Regards,
Pletch
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I rotated the pictures for you.
(https://image.ibb.co/bywmFf/IMG-1906.jpg) (https://ibb.co/evPv80)
(https://image.ibb.co/nPtBgL/IMG-1907.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iQgLaf)
(https://image.ibb.co/kzpTT0/IMG-1908.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fhT0af)
(https://image.ibb.co/gtma80/IMG-1909.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dfrWgL)
(https://image.ibb.co/kPba80/IMG-1911.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hZqP1L)
(https://image.ibb.co/jj3No0/IMG-1919.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eyZj1L)
(https://preview.ibb.co/irpv80/IMG-1922.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hgNF80)
(https://preview.ibb.co/icwa80/IMG-1924.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cDr8T0)
(https://image.ibb.co/nkcho0/IMG-2131.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kpsF80)
(https://image.ibb.co/cVqfaf/IMG-2132.jpg) (https://ibb.co/n8Xtvf)
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I've been on the list for almost a year now and am chomping at the bit to get back so I can take a trip to David's shop.So good to hear news about all this.
It will be the first new custom gun I've ever owned,and made by one of the masters of our time at that.I hope to fill my freezer with it for years to come.
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How do I get on the list? Thank you, Mike New
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I had an absolutely fantastic day today. David had me over and spent basically the entire day with me. He showed me how he works on the kits and also his collection. And I got to shoot his personal swivel breech hunting rifle, the same exact one Larry Pletcher shot. It was my very first time shooting a flintlock rifle and it was awesome! I am definitely hooked! I also got to meet his son and granddaughter, which was also a nice treat.
David, thank you very much your hospitality, generosity and for an enjoyable time!
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Looks like I need to schedule a trip to visit David.
I have looked at this several times, just enjoying the fine workmanship. Envious of the experience demonstrated - I have a ways to go yet.
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I find this fascinating, I had no idea there was this much interest in a 3K kit. Of course it is a very labor intense kit to produce, thus the price and it seems to be a bargain at that price. I'm very pleased there is this much disposable income out there again, there hasn't been since about 2007.
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I received an email from Mr. Price about the cost of this rifle. I have to admit I don't think they are over priced......and I'm still considering it. My wife said...."What are you waiting for?" Good women are hard to find!!