New half-stock build...

[GANGGREEN]

I got a lot of help and advice on this rifle here on the board and it's greatly appreciated.  This is my 5th muzzleloader that I've built entirely or partly by myself.  Sadly, I'm not one of those guys that can post photos of his first, second or third builds and pop your eyes out with the beauty of the build; my learning curve has apparently been a lot slower than some.  That said, I think I'm starting to learn certain things and most tasks have become at least a bit easier for me, though I still have a LONG way to go for sure.

Most here would call this a "fantasy rifle" and I'm fine with that.  I built it for my son's 20th birthday present and have already given it to him with the promise to build or pour a forend cap if he'd like one (he seems fine without a cap, but perhaps he'll change his mind at some point) or an inlay or two.

Constructive criticism (or ridiculous praise) is welcome, but I post this partly to encourage other guys like me not to be ashamed to post photos of their work, we simply aren't all masters, at least not as beginners.  By the way, one thing that I notice in the photos is that the lock is a bit too proud of the lock panel.  When I got home I noticed that the lock bolt (I only used one on this build) wasn't tight.  When I tightened it, the lock recessed to where it belongs, but you get the idea. 

[GANGGREEN]

A couple of notes.  First of all, I bought the curly maple from a friend and had Dave Keck inlet the barrel and drill the ramrod hole.  Dave's about 3 hours from me, but I always enjoy the trip down to see his shop and to visit for a short time.  The barrel was a re-purposed Armsport .50 barrel that I picked up somewhere.  I don't even remember where but I recall having purchased "the Kentuckian" rifle specifically to use the barrel on a future build, since the price was right.  I still have the stock and furniture from the gun and would be happy to sell it cheaply or to trade for a little something if anyone had any special use for it (I already sold the lock to someone). 

The turkey call in the photo was also built by yours truly.  It was a nice piece of wood but isn't the prettiest call in the world for sure.  That said, I gave it to my son as part of his gift (along with the filled possibles bag) and the call sounds good and is surely good enough to call a bird to the gun for him some day should he choose to use it.  Sadly, my son's never had any strong interest in hunting, though he suggests that he may go out in our flintlock only primitive season after Christmas; I surely hope that he will.

[thimble rig]

hey you did a good job on that.Ilike it.what stain did you use  nice color.As being a newbie to building to. it is hard to post pictures of the work we do.The rifle that are shown on here are very beautiful and these guys are so talented They should be very proud of themselves.But we new builders should be proud of the work we do .You have to start somewhere The only way to get better is by doing.

[longcruise]

Nice rifle and lucky son.  Some people who are only mildly interested in hunting find a whole new perspective when they go afield with a muzzle loader.

I have a question about the Turkey call,  but I'll post it in accoutrements so as not to get off topic.

[GANGGREEN]

hey you did a good job on that.Ilike it.what stain did you use  nice color.As being a newbie to building to. it is hard to post pictures of the work we do.The rifle that are shown on here are very beautiful and these guys are so talented They should be very proud of themselves.But we new builders should be proud of the work we do .You have to start somewhere The only way to get better is by doing.

I used LMF Nut Brown and Permalyn sealant.  Thanks for the compliments.

[oldtravler61]

I like your gun. The tigerstripe maple(curly) is real nice. An like so many here we can all learn something. Each time we do something. Otherwise we wouldn't be doing it. Good job!

[grouchy]

I like it! Very nice, especially  the wood! where is the spell checker??!!! ned