First rifle finished

[davebozell]

Finally finished my first rifle.  Started with a TOTW generic "kit", so no specific school, just a place to start to learn.  I made plenty of mistakes, but was able to correct most of them.  My wife was impressed enough to give me the green light on another one, and it's hanging over our front door.

Chambers Golden Age lock, 50 cal Colerain straight barrel (yeah, I know now...)

Carving similar to the crest rail on a Windsor chair



Tried to get it as skinny as possible.  (Thanks to Curt Lyles for showing me what "skinny" really meant.)

It's new home over our front door.
Sorry for the terrible pictures.  Comments and suggestions welcome.

[smylee grouch]

I would say you did a great first job. Patch box might be a little too long for me but thats just me.

[wattlebuster]

I think it looks pretty darn good for a first timer. Looks a lot better than my first

[J Hollis]

Looks good - what method did you use to finish the lock and barrel?

[David R. Pennington]

Fine first effort. How does it shoot? My first rifle was full of mistakes, but it shot well. It is still the rifle I shoot most in matches. Taken several deer and a few squirrels with it.  Not very pretty but effective. I finally had to replace touch hole liner a while back. WARNING! Flintlocks can be addictive.

[oldtravler61]

Very nice rifle. Well done.

[davebozell]

To finish the lock, I first bead blasted the exterior components, then I used Historic Houseparts "Brass Tarnishing Solution.  For the barrel, I used four coats of Laurel Mountain Barrel Brown.  I took most of the browning off with gray scotchbrite, and then used more of the brass tarnishing solution.  I bead blasted the lock parts a couple years ago with glass beads, and for whatever reason, none of those parts ever developed even a touch of rust.

Haven't shot it yet, but I know what you mean about addictive.

[thimble rig]

That's a pretty good job I like the color of the stain.i have been reading on how to age brass Did you use anything on youre brass parts

[davebozell]

I used the Historic Houseparts "Brass Tarnishing Solution" on the brass parts as well.  The difference was that the brass parts had to be submerged in the solution.  It took several minutes, but turned the parts black.  I then used gray scotchbrite to remove some of the black.  For the steel parts like the lock and barrel, all I had to do was wipe the solution on the parts.  The results on steel were almost instantaneous.  Scotchbrite also worked on the steel parts to bring some contrast to the parts.  Additional applications could be added to touch up areas where needed.  Scotchbrite helped blend everything together.

For the stain, I used two coats of aqua fortis.  I showed the process in a previous post.

[Bill Ladd]

I'd say that's an awesome first effort for sure!!

[Boompa]

Nothin' wrong with that rifle.

[Acer Saccharum]

Dave, just keep an eye on the gun where it sits in the hangers. The vibration from the door opening and closing could put wear on the rifle if the hooks aren't padded well. Gun could wear even if the hooks are padded.

[davebozell]

Thanks for the advise Acer.  Luckily, we don't use this door much.  I also wrapped the hooks with leather, so hopefully that will protect the rifle.  Would wood cradles inside the hooks be better?