tenn rifle in progress

[billm]

I am in the process of building a tenn. rifle.here are some pics.got alot of work to do and alot of wood to take off ,its a 40 cal barrel and late ketland lock.really having a good time with this project,my first from a blank.

[WadePatton]

Further along than me.  Looking fine! 

hey, how do you keep your bench so neat and tidy?  mine is about to get me on the hoarders show...

[Tom Currie]

Bill, Lookin good so far. You'll find completing a build from a blank provides a extra level of satisfaction when completed.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Bill, you're going great so far.  If I may, take a straight edge and lay it on top of the butt plate return and the comb.  I think you'll see that the comb at the wrist is about 1/4" higher than it should be.  That's good, because if you can increase the drop at the comb by another 1/3" - 3/8" you'll find it doesn't crack your cheek near as badly.  Even a .40 will thump you if the stock isn't right.

[Ken G]

Hi Bill.  You got a good start going.  I like the looks of the buttplate.  Is it forged or cast?  If it's cast, I like that you removed the rounded edge where the comb and buttplate meet.  There's a lot of work building a rifle from a blank.  It really helps a person understand architecture. Good work.
It ooks like you still have a good bit of wood to remove but to add a little to what Taylor said.   If you draw a line down the top of the comb the line should be slightly above the breech for a E. TN rifle.   
Ken 

[billm]

Thanks for the replies and pm's .I will post pics as I go along and would appreciate suggestions.The butt plate is cast and I attacked those edges with a file to make them look more like a forged plate.Did some work on bottom line and started triggers tonight...Thanks    Bill

[Ken G]

Good job on the buttplate.  It really makes a visual difference.
Ken

P.S.  Hey my 5,000th post.  Firework went up and everything. 

[billm]

I inletted my set triggers and  but after reading the post on tenn.triggers I wish I would have made them.I used davis double lever set triggers.If pulled out the trigger blades and made it into a double set single lever  would that work ?Thanks Bill

[Bob Roller]

If the blade (release bar)of the front trigger is ground off
carefully and the area that creates the "latch"or lock up
between the rear and front trigger is not damaged in the
removal process,there is no reason why these triggers can't be
used as a "must be set before firing trigger"system.

Bob Roller

[Dphariss]

Changing the trigger is easy, but why bother?
There are more important things to concern yourself with in  a build.

But if you think it needs doing go for it.

Dan

[JDK]

I wish I would have made them.I used davis double lever set triggers.If pulled out the trigger blades and made it into a double set single lever  would that work ?

I agree with Dan.  I would add, I would worry more about external appearance than whether or not it is single lever or double lever.

Once installed the difference is not obvious and one is certainly more versatile than the other.  If you are planning to hunt with this gun the double lever is much preferred by most.

Enjoy, J.D.

[billm]

I dont like  the shape of the triggers,thats why i am wanting to change them. The shape isnt close to the origionals.I like the looks of the ones ken g made to and thought making single lever would be easier than the double lever like I have.also I have some time since I lost the fly and frizzen spring screw...lol....Is the geometry of the plate the same for double vs single lever on a davis plate???thanks  bill

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I think the answer to your question may be to use the trigger plate from the Davis set, and just make new front and rear triggers in the shape and style you want.  That's a lot easier than making an entire set of triggers including plate and springs.

[billm]

Thats what I was thinking of doing Taylor,thanks..My problem is that I overthink things.. no reason the plate from the davis set cant be used with more appropriate blades..   Bill

[WadePatton]

Hey Bill, how's progress?
 

or did i miss the unveiling?

[gunmaker]

Hello,  Remove the tgrs from the plate use a torch & baby hammer to shape them your way, curl 'em, deep hooks whatever then re-heat treat 'em....Tom