First build, 1803 Harpers Ferry

[Vikingson]

Hello,  I’m looking at doing my first build of a complete rifle.  I have restocked but never a full build.  I found a complete key from Muzzle Builders  Supply.  It’s either their kit or going through The Rifle Shop and I love the research they’ve done but it seems most of their parts are a little more than I’m ready for.  I’d appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you

[Ats5331]

Go through MBS, you couldn’t ask to deal with nicer people. Terry Jo and Ryan both have hearts of gold!

[smylee grouch]

Go with the one that has the parts on hand in stock. I 2nd MBS as a good choice but I have never bought from TRS. Always had good luck with MBS.

[HSmithTX]

Read up on the kits, and I would suggest not getting the lock or the triggers inlet, if they aren't in exactly the right spot you're in for a time fixing it and as a rookie I can attest to the difficulty of figuring out what is wrong, why it's wrong and what to do to fix it.  Putting them in the right place to begin with is easier and faster in my opinion, again as a rookie.  Having the stock shaped and barrel inlet I would suggest doing, massaging them isn't too difficult.

[Vikingson]

Go with the one that has the parts on hand in stock. I 2nd MBS as a good choice but I have never bought from TRS. Always had good luck with MBS.

From my conversation with Ryan, I have to agree.  Great guy to talk to with lots of information. Ordered the last 1803 kit he will do. 

[Vikingson]

Read up on the kits, and I would suggest not getting the lock or the triggers inlet, if they aren't in exactly the right spot you're in for a time fixing it and as a rookie I can attest to the difficulty of figuring out what is wrong, why it's wrong and what to do to fix it.  Putting them in the right place to begin with is easier and faster in my opinion, again as a rookie.  Having the stock shaped and barrel inlet I would suggest doing, massaging them isn't too difficult.

. I’ve been looking into this rifle for a long time, just now have time to actually do the build.  Ryan had the only complete set of all suppliers to put out this kit.  I’ve ordered the last one that he said he will put together.  Thanks for your input.

[Clark Badgett]

Read up on the kits, and I would suggest not getting the lock or the triggers inlet, if they aren't in exactly the right spot you're in for a time fixing it and as a rookie I can attest to the difficulty of figuring out what is wrong, why it's wrong and what to do to fix it.  Putting them in the right place to begin with is easier and faster in my opinion, again as a rookie.  Having the stock shaped and barrel inlet I would suggest doing, massaging them isn't too difficult.

. I’ve been looking into this rifle for a long time, just now have time to actually do the build.  Ryan had the only complete set of all suppliers to put out this kit.  I’ve ordered the last one that he said he will put together.  Thanks for your input.

Those same parts are sold other places as well.

[Vikingson]

Everywhere else I looked parts were out. TRS and Pecatonica to name a couple 2. Apparently the main source for the castings for these rifles has retired.

[Craig Wilcox]

My first was from MBS, and the crew there was tops in advice and direction.  They truly value their customers, and will soon treat you as a family member.

Best of luck with your project - and there is only about 2 or 3hundred folks here who will help you along.

[Vikingson]

My first was from MBS, and the crew there was tops in advice and direction.  They truly value their customers, and will soon treat you as a family member.

Best of luck with your project - and there is only about 2 or 3hundred folks here who will help you along.

Thank you. Ryan has been great to talk to and really helpful. I’m looking forward to getting this started.

[Vikingson]

Restarting this thread.  I have all the parts for this build.  They’ve been sitting now for a couple of years now.  Unfortunately health and family kind of put a halt to working on this.  I now have the time to start this.  Wish me luck.  Hopefully I won’t make a mess of the build.

[45-110]

I just finished my 1803 last month. It took time to locate the parts, most where out of stock and some where terrible once they arrived. The Davis lock was an assembled wreck, I had to make a new tumbler, bridle, sear and a proper sear spring. It now works great. I made the patch box and plunger. TRS drawing was not done by a real draftsman and is of marginal limited use. My reference books came to play with the use of proportional dividers and a trip to Cody to see the one in their collection
kw

[CooleyS]

Good luck with your project! I really enjoyed the 1800 HF prototype I put together from TRS parts. It’s essentially the 1803 and difficult to tell apart. The lock has been great, sparks well and has functioned flawlessly. If you need pictures I’ve got quite a few complied from when I built mine. They are wonderful elk hunting rifles too!
-Steve