Introduction

[Tbish]

Hello to everyone nice to meet everyone sort of speak just deciding on a first time build try haven't 100 percent decided on direction yet any tips appreciated thank you from south Illinois land have a blessed Sunday

[FDR]

Welcome to the forum!  For a first time build I would look hard at one of Jim Kibler's kits.

https://www.jimkibler.net/

His kits are supported by  excellent build instructions/video on "you tube"


Fred

[Ky-Flinter]

Hi Tbish,

Welcome to ALR.  There's a lot to consider when deciding on a first build.  What do you want to do with the gun when it's finished?  Target shooting, hunting, re-enacting?  Rifle or smoothbore?  Is there a time period/style of gun you like?  Do you have any woodworking and metalworking experience?  Own any tools or reference books?

There are several companies offering quality kits, and components, all the way from a plank and parts to nearly finished, once you figure out the above questions.  Good luck, but be forewarned, gun building is fun but addictive.

-Ron

[Dennis Glazener]

Welcome to ALR Tbish. I too would suggest that you look closely to one of higher quality kits where all the architecture is properly laid out for you. Also they have the proper hardware included for the "school" you are working with. It give you a good feel for how a longrifle is constructed and allows you to have hand it finishing a rifle that you will be proud to carry (assuming you take your time and careful follow directions).

Jim Kibler's kits are by far the most complete and have good instructions. Jim has posted video's here on ALR for assembling his kits. I believe he offers these for his kits or follow the ones posted here.

Jim and Barbie Chambers offer a wider selection of kits and they offer a DVD for assembly of their kits.   

These are the only two kits I have personally assembled but I believe there may be others that are of high quality.

Be careful of some of cheaper kits, you will run into problems that most new builders would prefer not to run into.

Ask questions here on ALR, the guys and gals here are more than happy to help new builders and will continue as long as they see you are listening and trying to carry out their advice.
Enjoy your time here at ALR.
Dennis

[Tbish]

I got it narrowed down to 2 dickert style or maybe southern style iron hardware I have tools  wood and metal experience  I'm welder fabricator by trade thanks again

[mountainman70]

Welcome to the forum, Tbish. Many good suggestions here,so choose wisely, grasshopper.
 For an ol retired mechanic-me--if you can weld water to wood, you wil do well here !!! Best regards, Dave F

[Kingsburyarms]

Welcome on board!!! - My best suggestion is ASK QUESTIONS.... There is a mountain of knowledge and wealth here - and search and read - You will be glad you did...

Jon

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Welcome to this site!  If I were you, I would turn off the computer and run for your life, unless you are willing to put up with the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating functional historic art and the addiction that is likely to influence the rest of your days.  I myself am a victim.

[stubshaft]

Welcome to the site.  I am also an addict...I have been known to buy a roundball mold and then build a rifle around it...The majority of good people on this site are enablers and will help to keep the addiction going!