Newbie with some questions

[Pete G.]

I just retired after 40 years in a shipyard, thirty + of those years devoted to CAD/CAM. CAD can be great for reducing time spent to produce a drawing, but it does nothing for the integrity of the design; in fact there is a good argument on the side that it can degrade the final design.

What we are producing here are replicas/reproductions of hand made items. Machines are linear, people are not. Stick with paper and pencil and don't forget to throw in some study of classic artworks. The form and decoration on Early American Longrifles all have their roots in classical art, so if you are going to build a believable longrifle you need to do your homework. Be aware however, that when you start studying classical art that you are going to run across a certain mathematical proportion that is so common that even higher mathematics assigns it the given value of phi, but if even mentioned on this board it will drive some otherwise rational people absolutely nuts.
 
On the other hand, you can build Southern Mountain rifles using the axiom "form follows function" and be perfectly happy until the end of your days.

One of the great things about this endeavor you have chosen is that there are so many different avenues that you can pick and choose. Just be careful not to mix too many different ingredients together in the same pot. Works great for gumbo, but for rifles; not so much.

[Acer Saccharum]

OK for Gumbo?

Or.....who put the pigweed in the Mulligan stew?

[PPatch]

And sorry, one more question...

How does one determine the angle of the stock? I know that it is dependent on the style of the rifle, but are there standards for all guns? For instance, I have decided that I want to build a Tennessee Mountain Rifle or a Southern Mountain Rifle. Are the angles determined by the builder and what is comfortable, or do those rifles have set angles that they are made at?

Thank you!!

Speaking generally the "angles" are fairly standard and within limits but vary according to whom the gun is built for and their individual build and the intended use. An average sized person can get along fine with a 13 1/2 inch length of pull for instance, a shorter fellow will shorten that, taller, then longer. Cast off for a right hand shooter is 1/4 inch to the right of center at the butt, off the comb of the rifle. Beyond that you have drop and that dimension is both a style thing and a functional thing and aids in how the rifle shoulders and points, and the felt recoil. For southern mountain riles its generally about two to three and a half inches or thereabouts, it varies. Any set of plans you purchase will be for an average sized shooter and you would need to adjust according to your build and need.

Best thing would be for you to shoulder a rifle or shotgun and see how it feels and points for you then base your rifle on what feels right. Another consideration is what use you will put the gun to such as fair weather target shooting, or, hunting in cold weather where you expect to wear more clothes thus might consider a little less LOP or Length of Pull.

Hope that helps

dave