Author Topic: First build-a Fusil (Read 11284 times)

obsidian · « **on:** May 02, 2015, 09:20:43 AM »

Greetings,
Well, it's been a long journey but very enjoyable and two years later here is my first build. Previous to this I reworked a Lyman GPR. I got the barrel (and inspiration) from Larry Horrigan at Friendship. The walnut blank is from a tree in my front yard that sat in my corn crib for 10 years. Iron parts came from Larry Zornes @ Mold & Gun Shop. It has been a blast from start to finish!! There are several blunders but overall I am satisfied. Front sight is a pre 1964 quarter. Next thing is take her out and run some lead through her and eventually take a deer and turkey......and as you guys can guess I already have a barrel for my next project in the basement! Thanks for looking and feel free to critique.
Rich
(Pictures modified 5-14-15. Some of you builders encouraged me to revamp the comb which I did-good council indeed. Therefore, some of the comments are not pertinent to what you see).

B.Habermehl · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2015, 01:18:40 PM »

Good looking gun. I am not studied in the architecture of French guns so take my comments with a BIG grain of salt. The comb line of the top of the but stock appears to be a bit dished. I would expect it to be a bit convex or straight. If it's perfectly straight it will appear dished. Mike Brooks would be welcome to chime in as he is more studied and correct me. Your work is really nice. BJH

FALout · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2015, 01:35:15 PM »

Your inletting looks nice and tight. That is a rifle anyone would be proud to own. How long is that barrel?

gwill · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2015, 01:38:33 PM »

That's a terrific first build. Thanks for sharing it! What's next?

Keb · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2015, 02:19:29 PM »

Nice looking gun.

old george · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2015, 03:01:15 PM »

I like it

what will be your second build?

geo

wattlebuster · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2015, 03:54:27 PM »

WOW

I cant wait to see your 10th build. Darn good work

conquerordie · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2015, 08:32:12 PM »

The inletting looks nice and tight and the forearm looks nice and thin. You should be proud of that gun! My first build looks like I did it blindfolded in the dark during and eclipse. Now get started on the next.

old george · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2015, 03:25:42 AM »

I think you should be very proud of that rifle. Well done

geo

sweed · « **Reply #9 on:** May 04, 2015, 04:53:32 AM »

Love that black/chrome look!!!

Sweet! Nice work!

obsidian · « **Reply #10 on:** May 04, 2015, 06:06:24 AM »

Thanks for all of the comments. The barrel is 49 1/2" length. The gun is patterned after a Saint-Etienne left handed Fusil de Traite c. 1730's from The French Trade Gun in North America by Kevin Gladysz. I really goofed up the comb....what can I say. My heart sank after I saw just how deep I had inlet the butt plate finial. As far as a signature characteristic, I fumbled up arguably the most important detail!! All you can do is move on and mark it up as a learning experience.
Next gun is going to be a 32 cal. squirrel gun. First thought it would be a Reedy style but now am leaning toward a iron mounted southern style. Kinda fun to be playing around with all the options.
This forum is the best!! Thanks to all.
Rich

Billy52 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 04, 2015, 06:35:52 AM »

Awesome job!! Hope my first build is half this good!!

alex e. · « **Reply #12 on:** May 04, 2015, 07:31:17 AM »

You could still straighten that comb out. Just lower the comb a little bit where it transitions into the wrist. It doesn't need that much taken off. You'll be more happy with it in the end.

Mike Brooks · « **Reply #13 on:** May 05, 2015, 01:08:17 AM »

I don't know how you'll take this but the French gun In Gladys's book is a restock. So, I guess anything goes in this case.

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #14 on:** May 05, 2015, 01:23:59 AM »

Congratulations are in order! You've had a great success with your first gun.

When I lay a straight edge (a piece of paper) along the comb, I can see that if you were to take away about half of the wood from the valley of the dip to the rounding over of the comb at the wrist, you'd completely straighten out that comb. Of course, you would blend the rest of the butt stock too. The result would be a more pleasing comb line, and it would improve the shooting/handling too.

obsidian · « **Reply #15 on:** May 05, 2015, 07:44:02 AM »

The more I look at the comb, I suppose it would be best to knock it down a little at the wrist so that's what I will do-good suggestion Alex and Taylor. And Mike yes, I guess you are exactly right, who knows how close it is to the French original. I appreciate it guys.
Rich

Mike Brooks · « **Reply #16 on:** May 06, 2015, 02:40:42 AM »

Quote from: obsidian on May 05, 2015, 07:44:02 AM

The more I look at the comb, I suppose it would be best to knock it down a little at the wrist so that's what I will do-good suggestion Alex and Taylor. And Mike yes, I guess you are exactly right, who knows how close it is to the French original. I appreciate it guys.
Rich

The original stock probably had some curve on the comb and the lower buttstock, how much depends on how early/late the original stock dated. I can't believe the gun was used in a book and represented as an unmolested gun....oh well, happens all the time.
You have great building skills, tight inletting and a good sense of archetecture. keep at it.

obsidian · « **Reply #17 on:** May 15, 2015, 10:24:55 PM »

I put in some new pictures.
I worked down the front of the comb as some of you suggested-good idea. Still disappointed I don't have an arched comb but mark it down as "learnin the hard way". You guys have inspired me with what I see on here-thanks for all the kind words to a rookie and thanks again for your helpful critiques.

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #18 on:** May 15, 2015, 10:49:03 PM »

I just re-read this entire post, and could not for the life of me see how we could have been critical fof the comb line...it looks superlative. Then I read the end where you explained having re-worked it...great job, and again, congrats on a fine fowler.

obsidian · « **Reply #19 on:** May 16, 2015, 05:58:53 AM »

Sorry Taylor-the post was quite confusing. I just went in and added a comment on the original post to clarify. And thanks for the encouragement. It's rewarding when accomplished builders like you who have created modern day masterpieces give a thumbs up. I am always anxious to see what is next on the workbench for you, Mike and many more.

B Shipman · « **Reply #20 on:** May 16, 2015, 07:03:27 AM »

I agree with all the above. Great start and a piece you will enjoy even when you've gotten bettter

jerrywh · « **Reply #21 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:11:10 AM »

That's fantastic for a first build. Even for an accomplished builder it is very good.

FALout · « **Reply #22 on:** May 16, 2015, 12:49:14 PM »

I wouldn't worry about that comb, look at pics of originals, they are far from perfect. You move on to the next one, and you strive to do even better and from the looks of it, your next one better be great! As I and others have said, you did a lot of things right on your first build. I can't wait to see whats next.

B.Habermehl · « **Reply #23 on:** May 16, 2015, 03:42:09 PM »

I have to add I wish my first build looked nearly as good. It had many more flaws to critique. Looking foreword to see your next work. BJH

Daryl · « **Reply #24 on:** May 16, 2015, 06:37:05 PM »

obsidian - it looks just GREAT to me.

News:

Author Topic: First build-a Fusil (Read 11284 times)

obsidian

sweed

obsidian

Billy52

obsidian

obsidian

obsidian