My 2nd Build

[BillingsDave]

Here is my 2nd build that I completed a few weeks ago. My first build was 35 years ago, so be kind! Ha!
I built this from TOW's Iaasic Haines kit. Rice 38", .54 caliber C profile barrel. I wanted a plain rifle, something my ancestors might have been able to afford. Perhaps a rifle built by an apprentice.

[Ed Wenger]

I like the stock finish.  Also the metal work and patina on the brass...  Not a bad "no frills" rifle, and better than my second one, lol.  Thanks for posting your work!


        Ed

[smylee grouch]

I agree, nice gun and a nice job of building it. It is a no frills gun  but it is still pretty. Nice wood and finish.

[thimble rig]

That's a fine looking rifle.What did you use for the finish.I like the plain simple rifles.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Nice indeed!!  Sure A LOT NICER than my second!!  I see why you had to leave the lock panels a little wider than would have been preferred...you drilled the pin hole for the guard through the lower lock panel.  In the future, drill it inside the lock mortise. Then you can slim away to your heart's delight.  The panel above the lock looks good - it's the lower one that needs a diet.

Cut your ramrod to the length of the barrel - even with the muzzle.  That is just asking for either a broken rod or broken forestock!!!

[BillingsDave]

That's a fine looking rifle.What did you use for the finish.I like the plain simple rifles.

The finish is 10 coats of Tru-oil rubbed in with my finger and very lightly rubbed out with 0000 steel wool between coats. I also used a tack cloth between coats. I used pumice and rotten stone to rub out the finish after it had hardened. It still may be a little too shiny for my taste, might do a little more work with the pumice and rotten stone.

[BillingsDave]

Nice indeed!!  Sure A LOT NICER than my second!!  I see why you had to leave the lock panels a little wider than would have been preferred...you drilled the pin hole for the guard through the lower lock panel.  In the future, drill it inside the lock mortise. Then you can slim away to your heart's delight.  The panel above the lock looks good - it's the lower one that needs a diet.

Cut your ramrod to the length of the barrel - even with the muzzle.  That is just asking for either a broken rod or broken forestock!!!

Thanks much for the advice about the lock panels. I'll remember that on my next build. I have cut the ramrod back since these pictures were taken.

[Fred Hembree]

Good job! Its a beauty...

[oldtravler61]

Very nice rifle for number two. Simple yet graceful lines.imho

[smallpatch]

Billingsdave,
Nice rifle for a second effort.  Like Ed said..... Way better than my second rifle.
That style and configuration makes one of the nicest handling rifles you can build.

Enjoy, and build another.

[BillingsDave]

Billingsdave,
Nice rifle for a second effort.  Like Ed said..... Way better than my second rifle.
That style and configuration makes one of the nicest handling rifles you can build.

Enjoy, and build another.

Thanks. My first rifle was a LeHigh Valley style in .45 cal. I still like it a lot, but this one is so much nicer to hunt with.  My next build will be something completely different. I'm going to build one inspired by the rifles of Alfred Bearden of Lincoln County Tennessee.

[smallpatch]

Lehigh, now you're talking about MY addiction!  Love em!!!