Thanks for the comments so far. Pretty much agree with all the above, as well as the wedges being too thick. In regards to the patchbox, to my eye it has always appeared that the design of the finial was drawn within the boundaries of a rectangle (it was) and this should have been tapered somewhat.
As far as being too critical of myself, that's just me. Just to put this into perspective, although I dislike patting myself on the back, I am relatively pleased with what I have accomplished with the help of this forum. I do think it is a pretty good effort and is the best I could have done at my level of experience. At the same time I really think critical evaluation is important and still have lots to learn, the "critical" evaluation of ones work is to me the fun part. I'd like to build a better rifle next time. If one thinks he knows it all, then he probably doesn't know enough to realize what it is he doesn't know.
For example the transition from wrist to under the lock panel could be improved. Here's my rifle along with an original? that I admire, and would like to emulate this part of the architecture.
(the nice convex surface of the wrist breaks down and hollows-out as it meet the panel)
Here's another that I think is brillant. I apologise for posting someones else's work without permission or giving credit but it is so well done! Without critical self assessment You don't improve.
(if inappropriate to post an uncredited image would ask moderator to remove this image)
So compliments and sincere critiques equally welcome and all appreciated.
John
"good clinical judgement comes from experience,......and experience comes from bad clinical judgement" I think that applies to many different fields of endeavor.
