Chambers Lancaster Build- New Pics

[digger]

So, this is my first build, and after about 18 hrs over the last five days, this is what I have accomplished. It has been a real blast, and is going together pretty well I think. I am doing it on my own, if you count Jim Turpin's video, Gunsmith of Grenville, Building the Pennsylvania Longrifle, Recreating the American Longrifle, and the help of Steve Skillman just a phone call away "alone". It is a .58 caliber, which I'm excited about as well. It isn't listed as an option on their website, but Barbie got a few of the Rice 44" barrels in .58, so I'm trying one. I will post lots of pics, and welcome any comments.



Kit contents, and the last time the bench will look that clean.



Tang after inletting



Me and my work area



Finished inletting lock plate



Setup for drilling lock bolts



Trigger, trigger guard and assembled lock, trigger pull is great.



Here's a pic with the bench in its more natural state.......



Finished the buttplate fitting and installed patchbox lid today.

[cheyenne]

Looking good......keep pic's coming!

[Old Ford2]

For a "Newbie" you're well on your way. Congradulations!
Old Ford

[Roger Fisher]

Not being picky But couldn't you mount more lights over your bench??

Just a thought for whatever its worth!

[smallpatch]

Chamber's Lancaster "kit" is one of the best designed, most complete, most forgiving "kits" out there.   I've probably built a dozen.

If you continue the way you're going, you can have a very nice rifle to call your own, with great architecture in the Lancaster style.  It just doesn't get better than this.  Take your time, measure twice, cut once, don't try to get to fancy on the first one, and you'll have a gun to be proud of.

Remember, a plain rifle build, well executed is a thing of beauty.  BUT, it doesn't take too much deviation, (i.e. out of place and style, carving, engraving, etc.) to turn that $1000 "kit" into a $500 rifle.

Good luck, from the looks of things so far, you'll be just fine.

IMHO, next time, pin the rear of the triggerguard, instead of a screw.

[horseman]

 Thanks for the pictures.  It's on the way to being a darn good looking rifle.  Looking forward to the next set of pics.

[digger]

Not being picky But couldn't you mount more lights over your bench??

Just a thought for whatever its worth!

Thanks Roger, already took care of that yesterday with a new fixture right over the bench, got did of the duct tape/escrima stick/ flex light ensemble

[digger]

IMHO, next time, pin the rear of the triggerguard, instead of a screw.

I will next time, got the screw idea from the Turpin DVD, so I did it, but it probably would have looked cleaner with a pin.

[David Rase]

Digger,  My only comment is that the patchbox lid could use some refinement.  The lid should be thickest at the buttplate and taper to the front.  The picture makes the patchbox lid appear fairly flat.  Also, I would work on contouring the edges of the patchbox and get them thinner.  The lids current shape makes it look like it was stuck on the side of the butt stock vs. growing out of it.  The box lid should be part of the rifle and compliment the existing lines.  Other then that you are off to a good start.
DMR

[Karl Kunkel]

Digger,

My compliments.  I started with the same reference sources you listed.  I've had my second component set for a year, to many other demands on my time.  Your twice as far as I am.  You've motivated me to get back to work.

[digger]

Digger,  My only comment is that the patchbox lid could use some refinement.  The lid should be thickest at the buttplate and taper to the front.  The picture makes the patchbox lid appear fairly flat.  Also, I would work on contouring the edges of the patchbox and get them thinner.  The lids current shape makes it look like it was stuck on the side of the butt stock vs. growing out of it.  The box lid should be part of the rifle and compliment the existing lines.  Other then that you are off to a good start.
DMR

Thanks Dave, I went ahead and slimmed it down quite a bit. Left the back close to the same, and trimmed the sides and tapered it all to the front. I was debating the same thing as I looked at it, glad you reinforced what I was thinking. I have seen some that are very thin, but with my big digits, I want a little more to latch onto. I will post more pics soon.

[skillman]

Tod

I have received a number of messages from builders who really don't like the screw in the trigger guard. It can be easily changed and I\we all think this would be a good move.
Steve

Stay in touch. I'm eager to see the gun!

[digger]

I think I would do it differently after seeing it as well. That is not the screw I intend to leave in it. It is only temporary. It is too big and a phillips. I have a smaller slotted to put in its place when the time comes.

I guess my concern is, why does the Turpin video show this method on this gun if it is so improper in so many people's eyes? That is the DVD that was recommended with the kit, and it seems to me to be very well put together. Turpin certainly turned out a beautiful gun in the video in my opinion. I haven't had a chance to go through my RCA volumes yet to see if there were many screws in trigger guards. I certainly welcome more discussion on this matter.

[cheyenne]

I guess my concern is, why does the Turpin video show this method on this gun if it is so improper in so many people's eyes?

While I haven't studied my RCA's for this particular feature, it seems that pins were more common during the 18th century, and that would make sense as a pin is easier to make than a screw......Ye Olde Home depot just wasn't there.....screws look more contemporary, and is easier than properly locating a pin in that area.......It seems to be common among contemporary builders, and is OK, I mean Hershal uses them, so they can't be that bad?

But what do I know, still a great looking rifle.....any progress?

[Ky-Flinter]

Hi ya Digger,

That's going to be a fine piece.  And you're making much quicker progress that I.

As Cheyenne said, pins were certainly more common but that doesn't mean screws were never used, just less common.  When you install the smaller, slotted screw I think it will look fine, esp. if you brown or gray the head.  A small detail that won't detract from a great gun, IMHO.

BTW, here's a shot of the trigger guard on my last.  And I did go back and darken the screw head.


Keep having fun.
-Ron

[DrRed]

Here are some pictures I took of a rifle in Jim Chambers shop during his class this spring, showing the patchbox lid on a rifle he was finishing. I hope this helps.





Keep up the good work.

Bob

[digger]

Wow! That's a really nice fit for sure. Mine is a little closer to that shape now, I'll post more pics this weekend.

[digger]

Here's some more pics. A little more shaping and I'm ready for final sanding and finish on stock, barrel and lock. I slimmed down the patchbox and added some really simple carving, I like it so far. Comments welcome.







So, that little bit of sooty looking stuff is cause I couldn't resist one shot, IT WORKS GREAT! HEHE

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Looking good!!  That shot was sweetm eh??/  Don't forget to round out the buttstock in front of the partchbox where it is a litlle flat right now?  Its gonna be a gun to really be proud of!!

[Scott Bumpus]

couple of shots while in the white is a long standing tradition.  nice looking gun.

[double hunter]

I'm a newbie myself but that looks good