First build

[webradbury]

This is my first build.  It is .45 caliber with a swamped B weight 44" Colerain barrel, Chambers Golden Age lock and Red Maple stock.  The stock is from a blank.  The stain is vinegar and iron filings and finished with linseed oil.  I didn't get the stock quite as dark as I wanted but it will do.  It's nothing fancy, just a build to learn with.  I didn't make any mistakes.....just a bunch of "happy little accidents" as Bob Ross would say .  Truthfully, the rifles name should be  "the verge of disaster" because that is where I found myself so many times while building it. Each time I was able to get it back away from the edge with little compromises. I can't begin to tell how much I learned from this project.  I havent shot it yet but will update with results when I do.  Hopefully next week.  Thanks to all who helped guide me through the process.  This site is a wealth of knowledge. I'm already planning my next one!  Will

[Mike Brooks]

That's a great first rifle. There is a little room for improvement on the next...just little stuff though. All in all a great effort.
 BTW, all of my work is always on the edge of disaster too, running right along the edge.

[smylee grouch]

I agree with mike on a good looking first gun. You did a lot of things right. A little more wood off the forearm might have made it look a little more slender but maybe the photo is throwing me off.

[Mike Brooks]

Actually, the only real problem with it is that the barrel is buried too deep. Having exposed at least 1/2 way or a bit more would slim the whole front end up. But, that's why you build a first rifle, to figure that sort of stuff out.
Helluva lot better than my first....or second...or third....etc....

[pushboater]

Nice looking first effort. Now that you're hooked, what's next?

Capt. David

[webradbury]

I kind of want to build a fowler, I don't know. Thanks for the comments guys, it means a lot. I had planned on working on taking that wood down on the barrel channel a little but maybe later. If I can get it sighted in this week, it's going to put a hole in a deer in about two weeks!

[mossyhorn]

I really like that chevron pewter muzzle cap and really want to pour one on my first build but am very apprehensive to undertake it.
Did you have any trouble and was that your first try? Great looking rifle by the way and good shooting!
Mossy

[webradbury]

I really like that chevron pewter muzzle cap and really want to pour one on my first build but am very apprehensive to undertake it.
Did you have any trouble and was that your first try? Great looking rifle by the way and good shooting!
Mossy

 It was the first one I've ever done  and it wasn't too difficult.  I had a couple of very small spots that did not fill and had to use a soldering iron and some scrap pewter to fill them in but it worked out.  Take your time laying out the design I rushed a little bit on it and it shows .

[BOB HILL]

Great job. Keep up the good work.
Bob

[Willbarq]

Looks nice. Will. I have to ask, looks like you are from my parts in Ohio... Will

[webradbury]

No, not Ohio. I'm in eastern North Carolina, about 10 miles from Bath, former capital of the NC colony and home to Mr. Blackbeard the Pirate!

[Tennessee.45]

Actually, the only real problem with it is that the barrel is buried too deep. Having exposed at least 1/2 way or a bit more would slim the whole front end up. But, that's why you build a first rifle, to figure that sort of stuff out.
Helluva lot better than my first....or second...or third....etc....

While I'm far from being even mediocre on building, I followed the advice on exposing more barrel and it really makes the rifle look better.