What a great resource!

[BigDad]

I am a new member.  I have enjoyed immensely perusing the ALR Virtual Library and Musesum.  I cannot begin to say just how much  I have learned from studying the photos here. I am impressed more than ever by the exquisite architecture of these guns. It is even more impressive when I think of how most of these makers started with next to nothing and had to to make most of their own tools, and even their own screws, from scrap iron.

I hope to soon begin work on a rifle of the east Tennessee - west North Carolina variety. I do not have near the skill to do a true replica but I hope to produce something reasonably representative of that region. I can see it takes a lot more than a catalog trigger guard and a browned barrel to make a southern mountain rifle. 

Thank you to everyone who has shared his photos and knowledge.

[B Shipman]

Go for it. I have no doubt it'll be better than the first thing I made.

[eagle24]

Welcome and good luck with your first rifle!  The experience and knowledge here is amazing and invaluable to a new builder.  I'm not much part of that, as I am new myself.  Working on my second southern rifle now.

[BigDad]

Thank you both for the encouragement.  I'm beginning to feel at home.   

[bonron]

Welcome, Big Dad!  I, too, am fairly new to the building muzzleloaders although I have been active in black powder shooting for quite a few years. The skill and knowledge that is available to us here is nearly unbelievable. Plus, the people possessing this knowledge are very willing to share their skills with we beginners, and it is cheerfully given. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance when the need arises. They want us to succeed as bad as we do. Luck to ya Laddie,    Ron

[blunderbuss]

I've been building since before 1968 I mean real guns before that they were firecracker guns with pine stocks. I didn't have any one to ask questions to. That would have been great I wouldn't have messed up so much iron and wood if I would have. Don't think a mistake you make hasn't been made by any one of us or guys back in the day eather.
I saw a original rifle once that the gunsmith took 5 tries to hit the hole in the barrel retainer.

[BigDad]

Thank you Ron and Blunderbuss.  I am really enjoying getting to know the folks here.