old time builder

[shortbarrel]

I saw a post about a fellow who was kind of getting burned out building rifles. I'm getting ready to start on a southern mountain rifle,all iron. But my thoughts are kind of like his. I build a rifle completely,sometimes minus the lock.  Wonder if I bought one of a kit rifle from one of the good vendors, would I be disapointed. Would be a change in pace for sure.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

The only way to get an answer that you will believe and understand, is to buy a good "kit" and "assemble" the rifle yourself.  I've built many guns both ways, and though I prefer to build from scratch for the personal satisfaction and freedom it affords, I build from parts sets too when I must, and enjoy the outcome very much.

[greybeard]

I have built only 12 guns. 5 from precarves ans 7 from a plank. My next one is from a precarve from David Keck. I got everything I needed from Mr. Keck ,, B wt swamp barrel, Chambers lock. and Davids soft brass hardware. He inlet the barrel cut thr RR groove and drilled  the RR hole and turned the stock from the lock back . I could'nt be happier to have all the grunt work done for me. If you chose to deal with him I'm sure you will be pleased. Just my humble opinion.
   No I'm not related to David.
Cheers    Bob

[shortbarrel]

Thanks for the comments,did not think I would get a lot of input on this post. I'll think about kit building for awhile and make my mind up. A pre- carved stock doesn't leave much room for slight changes, except in but end, but like the man said, it sure saves a lot of grunt work, if you got the ramrod  hole drilled and the barrel channel hogged out.

[Ron Brimer]

 Dont "HOG OUT the barrel channel , unless you intend to glass bed it .
RON B

[shortbarrel]

Hog out is just a term, I inlet a barrel to within .003 of an inch. The inside of a stock should be just as good as the outside.

[Dennis Glazener]

What you might like better would be a one profiled from lock pannels back, inletted barrel with rr hole pre-drilled. The rest you do it your way.
Dennis

[cmac]

Even having just the lock panels back done for you; the length of pull is often set. It can be adjusted sometimes, depending on the style of butt plate, but cannot make it longer. I have run into some gaps around factory inletting jobs as well. I think sometimes that is the inlet and sometimes the castings or parts being used. Castings shrink as they harden and I believe that is some of it.

[shortbarrel]

Thanks Dennis: I didn't know you could get a pre-carved stock in this state. Never bought many items from the vendors. If you would please  place  another post as to the good vendors who would make up a kit like this. Thanks

[Karl Kunkel]

David Keck
Knob Mountain Muzzleloading
287 Mountain Road
Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 759-2053

http://www.knobmountainmuzzleloading.com/

E-Mail: snowfly@ptd.net

[Dennis Glazener]

Thanks Dennis: I didn't know you could get a pre-carved stock in this state. Never bought many items from the vendors. If you would please  place  another post as to the good vendors who would make up a kit like this. Thanks

Shortbarrel, I sent you an email. If you don't get it let me know.
Dennis