Clay Smith kits

[RockLock92]

Anyone have any experience with his kits? I’ve been wanting to try putting together one of his Type G kits for a minute, but I just have never gotten around to ordering one. In truth I’ve got a few irons on the fire at the moment but I figured I’d pick y’alls brain a bit on his kits before I started saving up to buy one.

[Frank]

I have built one of Clay's early English Trade Guns, basically the same as a Carolina Gun. His kits do not have as much wood to remove as most trade gun kits out there. All dovetails are cut for barrel lugs as well as sights and a touch hole liner is installed. No need to solder on lugs and sights like other kits. A real time saver. Over all a real quality kit and an easy build. I got mine in walnut, but wish I would have gotten maple. The walnut was a bear, lots of chipping and splintering. Had to be real careful.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

I built one of his early trade gun kits and painted in blue.  I went together real easily.  With all the dovetails cut a good builder could assemble it in a weekend.  It also surprised me what a great shooter it was. 

Cory Joe Stewart

[B.Habermehl]

I built one of his kits for a customer some time ago, no fuss. One of the least problematic kits I've worked with. As usual with any kit I've built there's a decent amount of extra wood to remove. BJH

[Bigmon]

I have one of his fowler kits here, for the past three years or so.  Never had time to start other than shape the breech plug.
But I have examined it plenty.  His work, the stock of very nice cherry looks first rate.
The barrel is a Colerain and nice, but the tang on the breech plug must ne 3/8" thick.  Why?
But my main concerns are the butt plate which looks like it is going to be a problem fitting his already done inlet, as the angle does not look like it will fit the stock angle?
And also the trigger guard which I don't think I'll be able to use as it is twisted and warped pretty bad, unless I can straighten it.
But those are not of his work I don't think, his wood work and the barrel inlet are great, just some questionable parts.
I don't think he offers this Fowler kit any more.  Otherwise it is nice.
Now that I'm reminded of it you might see it on here in the classifieds.
Hope this helps

[Craig Wilcox]

Do let us know, Bigmon.  I am wanting my next flintlock to be a fowler.  We can always repair or replace parts.

Craig

[Bigmon]

Will do, just not sure?
Also, in my post, I should have used a period instead of a comma in the line regarding my opinion of "his work".
I DO think his part of the work is just fine or even great.
The way I have it written could be mis-understood.
Let me think about that kit.
Regards to all