Modifying Chambers Early York?

[Patuxent]

I'm new to the forum and only contemplating my first build. I am attracted to the Jim Chambers Early York because it comes closest, as a kit, to the Littlestown or Taneytown rifle I'm interested in building. I think this means reducing the kit's 2" butt to roughly 1.5" and increasing its butt curvature to accept a Golden Age plate. I would appreciate knowing if anyone thinks this is a bad idea. I am interested in emulating Frederick Sell or Philip Creamer or, put another way, in creating a historically correct platform for a four-piece patch box.

Thanks for your help.

[Nate McKenzie]

Check here:   http://knobmountainmuzzleloading.com/

[Patuxent]

Thank you, Nate. I was familiar with Knob Mountain's stock profiles, but unsure that I was up to inletting for the lock. As I say, I'm new to the site, very active with a lot of qualified people.

[smylee grouch]

Welcome to the site. It sounds like you have an interesting project in mind. I think Nate is spot on with his advice, IMHO, Dave Keck is a good guy to deal with and for your project he can get you close to what you want. In letting the lock is time consuming on your first attempt but with the advice you can get on this forum you will do ok. Good luck and have fun.

[54ball]

 Chambers kits are great because all the base components are selected to work together with minimal modification. The layout and basic architecture is established. That's what makes his sets so great. They're not just a box of parts that might work without major modification. Once you start reshaping and using other parts that's out the window.

 If you have a rifle in mind that has "no kit/parts set" , you'll have to build up your own either from a blank or a suitable pre carved pattern. You'll have to do all the layout and have an idea of what parts will work or how these parts can be modified to work. A Track of the Wolf catalog has full size illustrations of their locks and furniture and these can be used for basic layout whether you buy from them or not.

 You need to buy the building Books.
 Look in to building classes.
 Study, study, study.

 

[Patuxent]

Thanks 54ball. Full disclosure: this is a retirement project and I'm about three years from retirement. I will be studying, and glad to find mentors.

[A.Merrill]

    Give Tip Curtis a call. He says , he has over 150 stocks patterns in pre carved. I fellow brought one by for me to give him a hand with a couple year's ago, it was as good as any pre carved kit I'd seen. There should be somebody on here that has his phone number....  Al

[WKevinD]

" unsure that I was up to inletting for the lock"

Patuxent, Just a suggestion- get a piece of maple (4"x4"x8") and a good 1/4" chisel and a gouge and practice four times. and read/ask/watch whenever you can.
Kevin