First Time Builder Smoothbore Kit?

[The Rambling Historian]

I posted about wanting to get my first muzzle loader a while back and have been poking around on here ever since. What would be a recommended flintlock smoothbore kit that is relatively inexpensive and preferably mostly inletted. I was leaning towards the TOF Trade Gun kit or maybe their fusil but have heard somewhat mixed comments in the past. I am particularly fond of trade guns, fusil de chasse, and early fowlers and was thinking of something in 20 gauge that might be suitable for maybe hunting rabbit or other small game. I have no wood or metal working experience but am used to working on things. I am still not ready to buy but am once again tempted to do so. I've bid on a few completed pieces only over the last few months but all have gone for more than I was comfortable spending on something without being to fully inspect it first.

[Keb]

The Northwest trade gun is probably the most uncomfortable gun to shoot that is on the market today. I'd suggest looking at a different style for a hunting gun. A lot of those French guns marketed by TOW and others can also be cheek smackers. Some of the "Type G" trade guns are good shooters depending on how much drop & cast off they have and who makes it. I'd suggest an English style fowling gun for small game and all around hunting & shooting. Another recommendation is Jim Chambers kits. He makes a very nice fowling gun kit but they're kinda pricy but it's money well spent, IMHO.

[ddoyle]

relatively inexpensive

No such thing. You get exactly what you pay for OR you get alot less if you try and 'save' some pennies.

Do your self a huge favor and save enough scrilla to buy a kit from Mr Chambers or like quality. If you try and save a  hundred you will end up with a gun worth 500 dollars less. i.e the wrong lock on an untapered barrel with a whole bunch of quirks that you will eventually come to loath.

A smart guy ( i do not include myself in this category) would own two guns a fowler and a rifle and he would spend on these arms the same as we all spend on the safe clutter and 'had to haves'. Buy once and save in the long run.

If you really need to get a deal buy a low milage, well cared for second hand fowler with a respected pedigree. Most of us are not outliving our best guns

[Nate McKenzie]

Amen!!

[bob in the woods]

As far as smoothbores go, I have had more use out of my Chambers New England fowling gun than any other gun I own. Having said that, my more recent 20 bore, a Chambers Officer's fusil ; is just about the best handling gun I have ever had in my hands. It has become my go to upland game gun. If you haven't built one before, spend a bit more and get the video/DVD they have re building their kits.  You can buy it in anticipation of getting a kit and be further ahead when you're ready to start.

[rogerpjr]

If you are leaning toward a NW trade gun don't get it from TOW. A much better product can be had from North Star West.

[The Rambling Historian]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I know well enough not to go cheap, but I just don't want to spend so much that I could buy a lightly used and nicely finished gun for the same price. I'll add Northwest Star to my list. I've looked at their page and Sitting Fox a few different times. Northwest seems to have kits around the $800 mark and I have seen ready to go trade guns for that price on the classifieds here in the past. Sitting Fox seems to be a lot less expensive, but given you guys aren't recommending them, I bet there is a good reason.

[EC121]

A reputable seller will give you a non-firing inspection and return period on mail orders.  3-5 days is usual.    www.claysmithguns.com has fowlers and/or kits for sale.

[bob in the woods]

The main reason some of the kits are able to sell for less money is in the barrel. A swamped or tapered barrel simply costs more than a parallel sided barrel. This will make all the difference in the end product, and once you handle them , you'll appreciate the difference.

[Frank]

Got one of these last month. Haven't started it yet, but it will be an easy one.

http://www.claysmithguns.com/Kit_1740.htm

[Chris Treichel]

I really like my Fusil de Chasse built from the Track of the Wolf kit with the 44 inch Colerain barrel in 20ga. It was the first long gun I built about eight years ago but this past fall decided to do it justice and removed all the excess wood. Shaved about a 1/2 lb of wood off and I still like it. She shoots nice too.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/GunKitDetail.aspx/601/1/FRENCH-TULLE-FUSIL-DE-CHASSE-44-PARTS-LIST/FUSIL-2-44-OCTAGON-TO-ROUND
Looks like it comes with a different lock these days.

[James Rogers]

The main reason some of the kits are able to sell for less money is in the barrel

True, as well as the lock, the way the ramrod hole is done in the lower forestock , and the amount of web between barrel channel and ramrod groove the hardware quality,  the way the barrel tang is secured, etc.
When all this is considered, the kits that run a bit higher seem a better value to me.

[Chris Treichel]

I think looking back... I don't know if I would recommend a complete pre carve. Especially the lock inlet. Lots of frustrations if the inletting for the parts is not right. I now prefer just the outline precarved and inlet everything else myself.

[tiswell]

 Consider an "in the white" gun for a first project. It will be complete less final stain and finish. It will get you shooting in a couple weeks instead of several months. If you go the kit route, be prepared to spend several hundred additional dollars on decent carving tools for inletting, drills, files, rasps, torch, solder, etc. Tip Curtis usually has an inventory of "in the white" guns, just google Tip Curtis flintlock and you should be able to get his phone number. I am sure that their are others that stock them as well. Good luck with your project.

[Mike Brooks]

You might consider contacting some gunmaker that lives less than 30 miles from you for help....

[The Rambling Historian]

Thanks Mike!