pistol vs rifle kit for the beginner

[saltland]

 For the 1st time kit builder would either one be significantly more difficult given proper research,proper tools where needed and just plain taking your time?As far as kits I'm talking about the best kits out there such as Chris Altland,Jim Chambers,Jim Kibler to name a few.
 Thanks,
    Scott Altland

[n stephenson]

Scott, I like building both, however for a beginner I personally would suggest a long gun because a pistol is a little harder to hold and getting the shaping right on a pistol takes a little more shaping skill. I already know as usual somebody will chime in and disagree but, that`s what I think about it.  Thanks Nathan

[Hungry Horse]

I agree that a pistol is harder to shape because it's harder to secure while working the wood.

  Hungry Horse

[Ky-Flinter]

I agree, a beginner should start with a rifle kit.  I'm working on my first pistol now.  I haven't had any problems with holding the stock in my vice, but I started with a squared up block of wood not a kit.  I can see where trying to clamp down on a pre-shaped pistol kit stock would be a challenge.

For me the big challenge is getting the various areas of the stock to flow together in such a small area.  Nose cap to butt in the span of 12 inches.  There's a lot going on.

-Ron

[wmrike]

I think the lines on a long gun are easier to grapple with.  Shapes on a pistol change in such a small distance.  So many of the old hand guns are lumpy and odd looking.  I have to think that some of the smiths back then were having problems transferring the grace of their long guns to the hand guns.

[bob in the woods]

Pistols have all of the architecture nuances of a long rifle crammed into the space of a pistol. I found building a pistol from a blank to be much more difficult than a long gun. That said, a kit will make the process easier, but I'd start with a rifle.

[Nate McKenzie]

Kibler kits are the easiest I have put together.

[saltland]

 That makes it easy...I was leaning towards a rifle anyways.Plus there's so much more research material available.Thanks for everybody's input.Much appreciated.
 Scott

[L. Akers]

I have never built from a kit, but I have built 30+ long guns and 7 pistols.  Pistols are harder for the reasons noted and the grip gets in the way.  I made some "uniquely" shaped chisels to work around the grip.

[Rolf]

I find pistols easier because both sides symetrial. I've made 9 pistol, and I'm working on my two first rifles. Everything from the muzzel to the end of the sideplate/Lock is the same as a pistol .
But from there and to the butt plate, left and rightside differ. And then theres cast off to consider. It's a challenge to make this part look balanced/symetricaL.


Best regards
Rolf