Tips on what to do first?

[magyar]

Good evening all,

A quick question on which you think i should do first....

I now have everything inlet: Barrel & tang, lock, sideplate and triggers. Nothing is attached though. My question is what should i tackle first: installing underlug pins in the forearm, drilling and tapping the tang bolt/trigger plate, or drill and tap the sideplate & lock?

Sorry for the baby-step type of questions but i would rather proceed slowly than get myself into a jam. I am not sure if there is a correct procedure here or not.

Thanks in advance. Everything from you all so far has been a great help.

[rallen]

The barrel is the sturdiest and most stable part of a rifle or fowler.  Every other architectural or component takes its relationship from it.
I install the lugs and pin the barrel first.
Then I locate and install the trigger plate next and drill and tap for the tang bolt.  Once the barrel is secured in the wood, you are ready for the rest of the gun.
Ryan

[Mark Elliott]

Once you have everything inlet, it doesn't matter when you put in the screws and pins.     I generally drill for the lock nails, once the lock plate is in the wood and before I inlet the side plate so that I can use the nails to drive out the lock as I inlet it deeper.   Also,   I use the actual position of the lock nails to make the sideplate.   Otherwise,  it is really hard to get everything to line up.  I make all my mounts and work from a blank so I have a slightly different procedure than someone who uses a kit or purchased parts.

I generally install the tang screw as soon as I can.   When the design uses a wood screw, that is immediately after the tang is inlet.   When using a machine screw, it is after the trigger is installed. 

I generally wait on the barrel pins until I install the thimbles so that I can do them all at the same time since I setup the drill press especially for this operation.   You really should install the pins in the forearm before you take the flat out of the sides of the forearm.   There are a number of good reasons this which I learned the hard way.   

I pin or screw the guard and butt piece as soon as I inlet them.   The same goes for the toe plate and patchbox.

I have a build order list in the Tutorials.   It is just mine though.    Once the barrel is in, the order can vary depending on your experience level, external factors, and mood.

[Acer Saccharum]

I like to pin the barrel as soon as its practical. I use brass pins for the build, as it doesn't hurt a rasp to hit them.

Lock goes in next, as from the sear location, I can determine trigger location and depth of wood under the lock. Then the trigger plate goes in. I juggle the undercurve of the stock and the trigger plate, and guard shape all at the same time.

Like Mark, I put the tang bolt in once the trigger plate is in.

[Dphariss]

Once the barrel is in I put in the and keys/pins. Then I saw the bottom line of the stock to dimension. 
Once the lock is in place I put in the screws. When the trigger is in the tang screw(s) goes in.
Dan

[Jim Kibler]

About all I can say is that the barrel ought to go in first and the finish is put on last.   Once you know what you are trying to accomplish there becomes a huge amount of lattitude in order.  Lots of ways to get things done.  For example, barrel pins...   At times they've been the last thing I've put in before finishing the gun.  Why, because pin holes, can interfere with a scraper used for forming forestock moldings.  No trouble to put them in at the end either. 

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

If you install the tang screw before installing the keys/pins through the underlugs, make certain the barrel is firmly clamped into it's channel.  Otherwise the barrel can move forward a little when drilling for the tang screw, and leave a gap at the breech.

[WV_Mountaineer]

There is an outline of the steps to follow on this site.  If you click on the AmericanLongrifles.com picture at the top left of the screen, and then choose the 'Gun Building' link, you will have access to an outline "Longrifle Construction Outline" of the steps to follow.  You may find this reference helpful, in addition to, all of the other good replies.  Good Luck on your build!