Finally finished Chambers kit

[RHoyle]

Well actually its been finished for a couple months now.  I've been shooting it and enjoying the heck out of it.  It's a Chambers Issac Haines kit with .54 cal Rice barrel.  Since this was my first build, and I've never touched chisel to wood before this, I browsed RCA #1 and felt that Dickerts carving seemed more attainable to me than Haines.  So the carving is a mix of what I felt like to could do and still make it looks nice and stay with what one might see on a lancaster rifle. 

The build wasn't without mistakes, I made plenty, but am relatively please with the outcome.  There are things I would do different, such as slimming down the patch box and lock panels more.  It just so hard to talk myself into it, especially whereas, I have never seen a lancaster rifle in person, just photos.

The gun is finished with Aqua Fortis stain from TOW, and Chambers Oil with a little candle suit mixed in to try and give it a patina and highlight the carving.  I admire those of you who do that well, it's a art all in its own.  The barrel, lock, and brass are finished with brass darkening solution.  If you have any comments for questions please ask.  I am still learning all I can before I jump into another one 
Roger

[Bennypapa]

Great job!!

[J.Cundiff]

Really nice job! Would love to see more pics.

[smylee grouch]

Nice job Hoyle. For a first I would say you did great. Whats next?

[Jim Kibler]

Nice Work.!  I especially like your carving behind the cheek piece.

Jim

[pushboater]

For a first effort you should be justly proud of your accomplishment. I'm with Smylee, What's next?

[Jim Kibler]

A suggestion...  I'm not sure if it's just the angle of photograph or not, but the box lid seems pretty big and thick.  Other views might help.  Most orginal wood box lids are much thinner than one would initially expect.   

Jim

[Shreckmeister]

Well it looks to me like a fantastic job on your first build.  Especially for never having held an
original.  I'm not going to critique anything. You should be pleased with it.  Now take it out
and use it because getting your first whitetail with it will feel great.  Congrats.  Would like to see
straight on from patchbox to lock to get a better feel for what you accomplished.  Cheekside
looks great.

[Oliver]

Ah...a very nice job indeed.  That being a first build, color me inspired.

I have an early York on order, so I am always happy to see finished Chambers rifles. 

[wattlebuster]

If this is your first I cant wait to see your 10th. Ya did big

[RHoyle]

Here are a few additional photos. 
Thanks for the comments everyone, it does help in the learning process.  Thanks for the suggestion on the patch box Jim, I do agree that it does look thicker than most, after having payed closer attention to other photo's.  I don't know that I will change this one however at the moment, maybe in the future, but I having fun shooting this one for now. 
As for what maybe on the horizon, I am kind of thinking a fowler, or smooth rifle.  Until that projects get underway I am also gonna try my hand at learning some engraving. 
Thanks again for having a look.
Roger

[Scout]

I think you did an excellent job ! I'm also working on my first "real" build and hope it comes out half as good as yours. I like the patina on the brass parts.
You definitely have some skills I'd bet you didn't even realize you had.

[JohnTyg]

I really like what you have done and appreciate even more the early efforts of persons new to the "sport" compared to those of whom we expect excellence.  Nice job!  BTW is that rear site backwards?  (Not too late to turn it around).  Actually like your carving much more than my first efforts.  Think I need to get going on my next rifle.

John

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Definitely a "Keeper"!!!  Very nice work!

[PPatch]

My compliments on a good looking rifle and a fine accomplishment for a first attempt. You did a good job with your relief carving, I like that cheek piece a lot. I will be interested in what you do with your next, the Fowler. Thank you for posting the rifle. You have skill and I encourage you to keep at it.

dave

[Curtis]

Roger,

I would say you did an admirable job with the carving and in-letting.  Congratulations on  a job well done!  Take what you have learned here and from your experiences and have fun building the next one.


Curtis

[J. Talbert]

Roger, you've obviously been paying attention.  That shows from your first rifle, and your own critique.

Way to go!

Jeff

[dogcreek]

Excellent work! It looks like you even put some cast off in the stock, which can be challenging for a first build. Congratulations on a job well done.

[draken]

You've built yourself a fine looking rifle.   I wish the carving on my first build (or 2nd or 3rd for that matter ) had turned out half as well.  Congratulationson a job well done!

[Topknot]

Extremely well done,especially for your first build. Im waiting to see your next rifle after see and holding some originals. Great job!

                                                       topknot