A Big Rethink

[LURCHWV@BJS]

After being at Dixon's,  and getting to see what the style of the gun I'm bulding looks like I really need to rethink what I'm building.   It seems I don't have enough wood in the mortice area to make it look PC or HC.  So I believe my first build is a Mongral.   It's only influence is what the size of the wood will allow.

   I did pick it back up though.  I started inletting the thimbles yesterday.  I got a book on carving at Dixon's  Sharpened my tools, and went to work.  With a new vigor and Vim.  I started looking more closely at what I was doing when I relized I WILL encounter a few future problems.  I already have a plan to remedy this.   So I ask in advance Please dom't be too critical when I post my first build.


                Rich

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Rich, no matter what you accomplish, posting pictures here takes guts, and every effort should be applauded.  So already you desire much credit for considering this. 
It will do you much more harm than good for experienced builders to tell you your rifle is great, when in fact it might not be.  There will be some things about your rifle that are well done, but there may be room for improvement too.  So, be prepared to get the truth or at least critique that may make your next one better.  It's always good to post pictures of the build in progress, so that if there are places that might be changed to make architecture better, you will receive advice during the process.

[Tom Currie]

Rich, When I started out and was learning on the fly, it often became apparent to me what I would do different next time half way through a build, do not be discouraged by this thought. I suspect many of us have walked this same path before, you are in good company.   

[Acer Saccharum]

We may all be at different places on the path, but each and every one of us had to start in the beginning.

Maybe you didn't buy much at Dixon's, but it looks like you picked up some inspiration while you were there. Good for you. I look forward to pictures of your progress.

Tom

[Robby]

Rich, There are many here that live by their mothers old saw "I you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all", and there are some that can be rather curt in their critique, but without exception, I have never seen any criticism done with mean spiritedness. All criticism that I have read here has been given as advise, for one purpose, so the individual can end up with a well designed and executed gun. You can safely take it in that spirit, and have no fear. Post away!
Robby

[b bogart]

Rich I am nearly ready to post my first build from the blank. I hope that I get alot of constructive critisims. I will never get better with a pat on the back and a little smile when I'm not looking. I don't care if they are brutal as long as its constructive. Just remember its about getting better.

[northmn]

One thing about critizisma on this site.  There are those that are qualified to make them.  My own feelings are that if you show a completed rifle it is too late for advice, except for final finish.  You are far better off asking for advice while in progress.  I do not make a lot of comments on finished rifles because of that. Also, reading comments from those whose opinions I respect has taught this old dog a few new tricks.
Another thing is that I have learned that pictures are an art in themselves which I need to work on.  Good example, I thought a couch would make a nice backgroud, the butt sagged in the couch and made it look perchbellied.  The polical correctness is that I am photographically challenged, to be blunt I am down right lousy at it.  But like building guns I think practice will help.  Building takes experience, and the first one is part of that experience.  After a lay off I started again and lost the feel, which I now feel I am getting back.  hard to explain but after building a couple things start to flow.  This is one of the more enjoyable hobbies I have.

DP

[whitebear]

Rich I will tell you like my mentor told me when I started my first build. 

"Go for it, do your best, listen to everyone and reject what doesn't sound right, and no matter what the end result looks like be proud of the fact that you tried instead of letting someone else do it for you.  Anyone can lay down a stack of money for a rifle but it takes guts to pick up a chisel the first time."

I listened to him learned a lot had a ball and came out with a good shooting rifle.  It looked worse than the south end of a north bound mule but it was MINE.

[Jim Cook]

Whitebear,
That is a fantastic comment!
It is so true for about anything we do.
Thank you for posting.

[Long John]

Rich,

No of us were boen knowing how to do this! We all had to learn and most of us have had some set-backs along the way.  But it is the journey worth traveling.

When you get to a point where you want advice there are a lot of very experienced builders that are hear for the very purpose of helping.   We all will try our best to help you.

I know - I have been the beneficiary of a lot of help from members here.  Three years ago Daryl complimented me on my barrel tang carving of an unfinished rifle while we were together at Acer's tent at Dixon's.  Then he added "Too bad there is an 1/8th of an inch of wood under it that really doesn't belong there."  When I got that rifle home I took a deep breath, grabbed my rasp and worked the surface down to where it really should have been - loosing all that nice carving in the process.  But the rifle turned out far better for it!  And I remain grateful to all the members here who are so generaous with their time and insight.  It has made me a far better gun maker as it will you.

I reeped the rewards of all that help last week.

Best Regards,

JMC