Has anyone built a fowler from either a TVM or TOTW parts set?

[TinStar]

Has anyone here built a fowler from either a TVM or TOTW parts set? If so how do like it and how was the quality?

TinStar
Soli Deo Gloria!

[Ted Kramer]

It's been many years now, but I did put a fowler together  for a customer from TOTW parts he had purchased. Quality was was fine and it turned out to be a decent fowler the owner was pleased with. With any of these parts sets, be sure to carefully examine things before you start removing wood or filing any metal.  Be sure the lock mortise isn't 110% inlet instead of 90%. Best is if you can get a stock with only the barrel inlet.

Ted K.

[bob in the woods]

Depends on the barrel. Some are straight, ie not tapered and flared. Also, I've seen TVM fowler kits with what looked like Virginia rifle butt plates. If you don't care , re HC then OK. Just make certain what you are getting.

[Dphariss]

Has anyone here built a fowler from either a TVM or TOTW parts set? If so how do like it and how was the quality?

TinStar
Soli Deo Gloria!

I made a TOW English. In trying to smooth the barrel a little after I started shooting it I found it had apparently been reamed by a beginning HS shop class. So check the barrel carefully. Preferably by lapping it lightly.

Other than that no serious complaints.

Dan

[frogwalking]

I have built a .40 rifle from TOW parts, and the quality was fine.  I later assembled a 20 gauge fowler kit from Chambers.  There is absolutely no comparison in the finished product.  The Chambers kit is much more authentic and graceful in its styling.  I am not sure what the difference in cost may be now, but I am sure it is worth it.  Details like the lock bolts missing the ramrod channel, the tabs to pin trigger guard in place are long enough to be located properly, and such are all properly worked out in the latter.  A fine shooting gun can be made from the TOW parts, but the finished product will not have the grace of one made from Chambers kit. 

[Rasch Chronicles]

FrogWalking,

I'm glad you mentioned that because my first build will be the New England Fowler from Chambers.

I can't wait till March when I go home for a couple of weeks, and at least get to look at all the parts! I don't dare start anything until I have the time to do the build straight through.

Arrrggg, the anticipation!!!

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
Dealing with Islamic Extremism “Chronicles” Style

[T*O*F]

Part is parts and kits are designed to build a specific gun using the components supplied.  The quality of the completed gun is dependent on your skills, not the parts.  Any other advice given is purely subjective based on the (in)experience or nit-pickyness of the poster. 

Whether it's a CVA it or a Chambers kit, or anything in between, you get what you pay for.....according to your budget.

[Dave B]

I built one of the TOW french Tulie kits for a customer and it went together with out a hitch. The parts were of good quality and every thing I needed was there. I would not hesitate to build one again. Wish you luck with your project.