Which style/school for my next rifle

[Tennessee.45]

I just ordered a blank and I’m trying to decide what style or school I should try to follow, I’ll be using a Colerain transitional C weight in 58. I’m wanting to do something from 1750’s-1760’s and want to see what’s out there.

Also I’m torn between inletting the barrel myself or having someone else do it.

What is everyone’s thoughts

[Sawfiler]

Inlet the barrel yourself. Much more satisfaction. Not terribly difficult just takes time and patience. You will be very happy to be able to say you did it yourself.

[Bill Raby]

Can't imagine why you would want to have someone else inlet the barrel for you. That is like paying someone to go to Disneyland for you.

[smallpatch]

I've built nearly 100 rifles from blanks..... I've only inlet 2 barrels.  One rifle, one pistol.  I know how to do it, but I just don't want to!
Takes wayyyyyy too much time I can use to do the rest of the build.
Just sayin'.
Nothing' like going to Disneyland.

[rich pierce]

Do you have the book, Rifles of Colonial America, volume 1?

[WadePatton]

Letting in the bbl might be a joy to some.  Not me, but maybe you should let one in to see what you'd be missing? 

I went to Opryland...never had a desire for Disney and don't expect to. They let in bbls there? 

[n stephenson]

By inletting the barrel yourself, you will get some "feel" for the piece of wood, plus experience inletting. With a barrel being big , it is good experience , as the inlets get smaller , as in  , lock  inlet , trigger inlet , etc., , you will be glad for the experience. JMHO   Nate

[Mike Brooks]

I inlet my first 16 by hand. Then I found Fred Miller and Dave Rase and they have done the rest of the 300+. I'm all busted up and wore out now, can't imagine how bad it would be if I did 300+ barrels by hand. BTW, I never took any satisfaction in inletting barrels by hand....bonified grunt work.

[Pukka Bundook]

Tennessee,

As they used to say back home;
You can't learn no younger!"     

:-)

[Tennessee.45]

Where do y’all get your patterns or blueprints for your rifles? I’m thinking either an early Bethlehem or Christian Springs Rifle.

[Mike Brooks]

Where do y’all get your patterns or blueprints for your rifles? I’m thinking either an early Bethlehem or Christian Springs Rifle.

You get all your parts together and draw out your pattern using those parts. I do this for every gun I make.