New project?

[aflo]

Next project?

I am considering several possibilities for a next rifle project.
One is a TOTW Leman trade rifle, probably .54 cal x 36”, done pretty much straight with no embellishments or innovations. A patchbox yes. I really like the look of these guns. http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/617/1/HE-LEMAN-INDIAN-TRADE-RIFLE-PERC-PARTS-LIST

Second is a Gillespie rifle (from D. Glazener), probably smaller cal but longer barrel. http://www.gillespierifles.com/ Again, done with regard to reasonable historical content.

Third is a custom/original design, the kind of thing being discussed on the back fence thread. http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=21268.0 > http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/aflo41/AZ3.jpg <

The first choice is the fastest build, fairly well packaged and easy to see the way ahead. The second is strange territory for me but I love that stock shape, as well as the whole idea of this kind of gun. Third choice would be the most ambitious because of a lengthy design stage, working from a stock blank, wax parts for casting, etc. Probably the most risky in terms of an outcome.

It occurs to me that there may be other (better?) Leman kits out there. I also wonder about the Gillespie rifle (probably not really a “kit” but that is okay).
It is early in the deliberative process so I am open to inputs.

[rich pierce]

Whatever floats your boat- there's a lot of time and effort invested in a build, so make sure it's what you think you want!  As I've implied, we sometimes change our minds mid-build if it takes too long to build one.

[Bernard]

How many rifles have you built? Have you undertaken a project to make an accurate copy of one of the old master gunmakers? If the answer is Several and at least one was a good copy that turned out well then you might consider your third option if not and you want a quick build you should opt for the Leman. I'd want it in flint lock and if TOTW doesn't offer it in flint I'd get a good lock from Jim Chambers and fit it in to the stock. The Gillespie rifle looks like quite a challenge and will certainly not be a quick build.

[David Rase]

Next project?

It occurs to me that there may be other (better?) Leman kits out there. It is early in the deliberative process so I am open to inputs.

Jack Brooks http://www.jsbrookslongrifles.com/ sells a very authentic Leman kit.  HIs kit was designed from an original he had in his shop for restoration/repair many years ago.
Dave

[aflo]

I didn't see a Leman on the Brooks website. Maybe I would have to e-mail him?
I have noticed that Pecatonica also has a Lemans kit. Anybody know how it would compare to the others?

[Bill of the 45th]

Track's, and Pecatonica's Leman is the same kit, Pecatonica supplies most of the wood for Tracks stuff.  The Jack Brooks Leman will be a better kit overall.  Dennis' Gillespie kit I think can be customized as to barrel length.  Both the Leman, and Gillespie have very little carving to then, to get them right it's a matter of correct dimensions.  Good luck whichever avenue you choose.

Bill

[Habu]

The Pecatonica is basically the same as the kit from TOTW.  I helped a friend put one together several years ago, we did a bit of kit-bashing to come up with an almost-bench copy of an original belonging to another friend. 

[elk killer]

Pecatonica and Tracks are indeed one and the same,
one of this issues is the trigger guard is about 3 sizes too large..
but its the one thats available,,needs thinned a considerable amount.