A dreaded copy!

[Ben I. Voss]

Just goes to show that when you think you know just how they did it in the old days - you don't!!!

[Acer Saccharum]

Jim, I think your fears of copies are unfounded. At least on this site. Quite a stunning piece. You have such an eye for form.

[The other DWS]

VERY nice looking rifle.  I'm not familiar with the "original" so I can't comment on that but I like what I see a whole lot.

I have a question or two about that way of doing the PB cavity.  How common was that alternative to a planed dovetail?   How the heck did you do it?  bore from the end with Forstner bits with a block clamped to the surface to remove bulk and set the curved sides?

[Don Getz]

Jim......I love the architecture of this gun, looks really  great.    Do you mind if I try to copy yours?......just joking, not up to
it.    You're also right about Mitch, he's been doing some great stuff lately.    One thing that I keep mentioning about your work is your artistic ability.....some people have it, most don't.........Don

[Ken G]

Jim,
Outstanding job.  You are a true artisit which to me means I could pick your work out on a table with 50 rifles.  Very few builders will ever rise to that level. 
Thanks for posting the pics.
Ken

[Jim Kibler]

Mitch:  Thanks for the picture.  That really helps.  The other DWS:  This method of creating a box cavity and dovetail was not all too common.  I know this rifle and one other share this feature.  There may be a few others as well.  The standard squared bottom / sides with cut out dovetail is much more common.  It is a bit of a pain to cut.  I don't remember exactly how I did it, but I think I or course roughed it out with gouges and chisels and then worked the undercuts with a bent gouge and a rounded scraper.  I takes some time, but it looks harder than it is.  Tom:  No need to worry about me having fears of copies.  Guess I'm maybe just stiring the pot a little  .  Actually the next two guns after the one I'm currently working on are going to be pretty close copies.  Don: With  Thanks again for all the kind words and encouragement .  Like I've said before, if you have any questions or think I may be able to help, don't be afraid ask.