Reworked spain made kentucky pistol

[Grischi]

Recently I could buy a Jukar kentucky flintlick pistol for just a few bucks. Originally they don't look great and don't have a period correct look in my eyes. I tried to change this and give her a more authentic look. Furthermore I swapped the factory lock for a L&R lock.
For a guy without a workshop or much machinery like me, this pistols or kits are an affordable way to get a gun that looks and shoots well for a reasonable price.
What do you think - Does it always need a custom gun built from a blank to feel good and have fun?

Sample pictures of factory finish:




Reworked pistol:

[Steeltrap]

The changes you did certainly make it a better looking pistol from the original "block" of wood you started with.

I'm not a carver of designs as I just don't seem to have the talent for that. My only criticism would be in your carvings. It appears your tools are not the razor sharp design they need to be (from what I've read) to get clean cuts.

Others with experience will likely post and I don't want to discount your efforts at all.

[Grischi]

The changes you did certainly make it a better looking pistol from the original "block" of wood you started with.

I'm not a carver of designs as I just don't seem to have the talent for that. My only criticism would be in your carvings. It appears your tools are not the razor sharp design they need to be (from what I've read) to get clean cuts.

Others with experience will likely post and I don't want to discount your efforts at all.

Thank you for your answer.
You're absolutely right, the carvings are not top notch.
This is one of my first attempts in carving and I hope to improve my skills with further projects. One problem with sharpening the chisels is to get the ones with the curved edges sharp, the straight ones are (or least I thought so) quite sharp.

[Rajin cajun]

Grischi, you have turned a sows ear into a silk purse. As for the carving, for your first attempt it just fine. Some of the makers back when would have given anything to do it as good as that.
Good job, just get that stock a little darker any use it like there’s no tomorrow !

Bob

[Dwshotwell]

Nice work. I have a similar pistol sitting in a drawer somewhere, built from a kit when I was in high school. I may be inspired to find it and see if some of the ugliness can be rasped away.

As for the carving, it may be that the wood from these kits is too soft for good carving, no matter how sharp the tools or the carver’s expertise.

[Grischi]

Nice work. I have a similar pistol sitting in a drawer somewhere, built from a kit when I was in high school. I may be inspired to find it and see if some of the ugliness can be rasped away.

As for the carving, it may be that the wood from these kits is too soft for good carving, no matter how sharp the tools or the carver’s expertise.

I've got so much inspiration from the community here and in several FB groups. I'm happy to give a little bit back maybe. Go for it. Reworking these 'cheap' kits can just make them look better.

[Bob Roller]

you have taken something that started at the bottom and went down from there and made it into a good thing.I like that Ketland lock with the reenforced cock.Keep it up and by the way,your command of English is very impressive if you were raised in Eastern Germany.
Viele Grusse aus America senden dir..
Bob Roller

[Grischi]

you have taken something that started at the bottom and went down from there and made it into a good thing.I like that Ketland lock with the reenforced cock.Keep it up and by the way,your command of English is very impressive if you were raised in Eastern Germany.
Viele Grusse aus America senden dir..
Bob Roller

That's so kind of you Bob.
Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland.
Christian