Barrel Suggestions

[HardBall]

I'll be getting one of TVM's kits for their "Early Virginia" with a straight, 42" barrel.  This will be my first build so I'm not super concerned about being PC, I just want to try my hand a building. 

While I'm really not too concerned with being PC for my first build, I don't want to be blatantly liberal with my barrel/caliber selection either.  My understanding is that these earlier guns had thicker barrels around 15/16 to 1" and were of larger caliber, say .50 to .54.  Is this correct?

[b bogart]

Ask yourself what am I going to shoot with this gun? Paper doesn't take much lead or powder to kill. 7/8" isn't much smaller than 15/16 unless it's got a 40 caliber hole in it. HC/PC adherence doesn't seem to be your goal, so make a good comfortable to shoot gun, and get some experience.
My .02$ worth, and no refunds!

[Elnathan]

I'll be getting one of TVM's kits for their "Early Virginia" with a straight, 42" barrel.  This will be my first build so I'm not super concerned about being PC, I just want to try my hand a building. 

While I'm really not too concerned with being PC for my first build, I don't want to be blatantly liberal with my barrel/caliber selection either.  My understanding is that these earlier guns had thicker barrels around 15/16 to 1" and were of larger caliber, say .50 to .54.  Is this correct?

Early Virginias had swamped barrels of 1" to 1 and 3/16" at the breech, with calibers ranging from about .45 up to .60 or so.

[HardBall]

I've got a TVM Tennessee rifle with a straight, 42", 7/8 in .45 that I really like the weight of, and I've pondered using the same barrel dimensions for this EV rifle since I like the weight/feel of it so much... but, then again, I do have five or six hundred .490 balls that need a purpose in life.

I wonder if a 15/16" in .50 would be a beast to handle in a straight 42" length?

[HardBall]

Ask yourself what am I going to shoot with this gun? Paper doesn't take much lead or powder to kill.

Mostly paper but I would want to use it for deer hunting as well, if for no other reason than to try a take a deer with a flintlock- this will be my first build as well as my first flinter.

[Joe Schell]

If this is a gun your going to keep id get a swamped barrel, i think you will be alot happier with it.

[DB]

Might I suggest a a .50 cal. B wt swamped?

[Acer Saccharum]

Definitely a swamped barrel. You can get a hefty breech and nicely balanced gun. The swamp also makes for better breech design, in that the lock panels flare out, following the flare of the barrel.

[Elnathan]

Might I suggest a a .50 cal. B wt swamped?

My rifle has one of those, 44", and is a bit light for a target rifle. If you are building a rifle that is going to be used primarily for target use, I'd suggest something a bit heavier.

[Acer Saccharum]

I like the C wt, or even a D.

I just had Burton make me an F weight. 

[HardBall]

Thanks for the suggestions on a swamped barrel, that confirms my decision on a swamped for my next build.  The kit from TVM, however, is their "summer builder's special" and priced at $499 but it's for a straight barrel.  It will be iron mounted which I intend to smooth and polish and leave in the white letting it naturally patina.

I'm very interested in building an Isaac Haines kit next, from either Jim Champers or from TOW which is now offering a stock pre-inlet for the swamped profile you choose.  I'd like that rifle to have a Rice, swamped barrel and a higher grade of maple.  I'm hesitant to spend upwards of $1,000 for my first kit though- mostly because I think a more expensive stock and barrel would just make me nervous while I'm learning.

I'm not opposed to going with a 36" straight profile though.  It will have a Siler lock, which I think is a bit modern for the "Early Virginia" anyway, so who cares if the barrel is a bit short, too?   ...Might make a nice hunting rifle once the metal looses it's shine.

One other thing this lower priced kit "offers" is a chance to put to use the James Turpin DVD's that I've been watching.  He shows how to completely inlet for the lock, trigger, buttplate, etc.  This TVM kit has only the barrel inlet and ramrod channel drilled.

[b bogart]

I have a 50 cal, 15/16" 42" Rice barrel and it does not seem too heavy to me. Stout yes, but not too muzzle heavy. Rings a gong well (when I hit it), will harvest a deer, and is fun to shoot.

[Elnathan]

I like the C wt, or even a D.

I just had Burton make me an F weight. 

Tell us more! What is the breech measurement for that - 1&1/4"?

[Habu]

I was guessing 1 3/8"! 

I'll second the call for details on the measurements, please.

Jim

[Don Getz]

As for Acer's "F" weight barrel, it only exists in his "feeble" mind...............Don

[DB]

Ukulkuk hajaha that's funny
..

[HardBall]

As of this morning, I'm leaning towards a 15/16 x 36" straight profile in .50cal.  If it turns out nice I can call it a nice hunting rifle, if it doesn't, I can call it a mere hunting rifle.

A 36" barrel would make it a little more compatible with what I plan to use as my workbench, an old kitchen counter top / island. ...It's even a marbled avocado green.

[b bogart]

Just remember, next step is a swamped barrel. Maybe even oneof those F weights

[Mike H]

Hardball,
           In my experience, i think the 15/16th barrel in 36in length will be too heavy to suit you. I would
           go with the 7/8th if you are going with a straight barrel.
                                                                                              Just my take on it. Regards,
                                                                                                              MikeH

[hanshi]

HardBall, I had a TVM EV much as you described.  It had a straight .50 x 42" x 7/8" barrel.  This rifle made me look like an ace when shooting off hand.  Just muzzle heavy enough that those sights locked on target like a laser and didn't move until I started trembling 8 or 10 seconds later.  I killed deer with it, too.  I had to sell that fine rifle when my hands became too painful to handle it's weight.  If I wanted a hunting rifle that would be a fine target rifle I'd go swamped.  But if I wanted the supreme, super accurate target rifle I'd take the 7/8" x 42" straight barrel any day.

[HardBall]

Hanshi,

My TVM Tennessee is a straight 7/8 x 42 in .45 cal and I love the weight of it.  I suppose it would feel heavy to someone who likes light rifles but after getting used to the feel and balance of it I think it's fine.

I have, however, changed my mind on my first kit... again. 

After re-reading a thread I saw where someone mentioned Jim Chambers kits.  I cruised over to Jim's sight and noticed their "Little Feller's Rifle", a kit I had not seen before.  I had been thinking about, one day, building a rifle that was more youth sized for my growing brood- JC's Little Feller seems a perfect fit even though it's more than I wanted to spend on my first kit I couldn't resist it.  So, I just finished placing my order for a Jim Chambers Little Feller's Rifle kit in .45cal

[bob in the woods]

That is a decision you will not regret!  And....with careful work, you will end up with a rifle that will be a joy to own /shoot for years to come.