Guatemala Build

[CavSoldier3ACR]

Gentlemen,

I believe I have mentioned before that I am a military officer on TDY to the US Embassy in Guatemala working with the host nation military on a counter terror, counter narcotics, and counter human trafficking mission.  I finally had some time on my off time to build a rifle for my 11 year old boy.  I was informed by the Regional Security Officer at the embassy that I was not allowed to build a rifle, even a flintlock, because privately owned firearms were not allowed here.  They did concede that I could carve the stock, but could not put a barrel on it.  I have reached the point I cannot build any more on it and my orders are almost up.  I will put a barrel on it when I return to Texas and it will be complete.  My son loves donkeys, so I made an inlay out of sheet brass.  I also included a photo of my self on patrol.  The following photos are of my build:

[Gun_Nut_73]

Nice job on the stock.  Thank you, and stay safe.  I am sure your son will think it is the coolest thing int he world, besides having his Dad back.

[TMerkley]

Job well done Sir!
I just returned from the only american navy base in a communist country about 8 weeks ago and am trying to finish a few projects that were started before I left.  I too had the same issue with wanting to build.  In the end, I did blacksmithing and worked on some locks I had sent there.  It's a shame regarding the policies and "antiques"... Welcome home!


Major Merkley

[thimble rig]

Thank you for youre service.Thats a god job you've done on the rifle.Youre son will love it.God bless and keep up the good work.

[Ray Settanta]

Nice work! That wire inlay looks very good.

[pjmcdonald]

Cav,

I admire your craftsmanship, carving, and inlays, the donkey in particular. I expect that creating the image of an animal in brass is more difficult than traditional sun or moon motifs. Yours is very readable and realistic. And it makes me smile!

It appears from your second photo you have inlet a barrel and tang. Perhaps a decorative iron pipe slipped into your household goods? Hope it all makes it home safe and you can soon give us a range report. IWQ with your son and this rifle will be a memorable experience!

Were you able to source tools and materials locally or did you have to have those shipped from the States? You manage to figure out a way to get that lovely table/work bench shipped home?

I appreciate your service and sharing your work with us.

Thanks,

Paul

[yip]

  beautiful just beautiful!!!!!!!!

[Long John]

CavSoldier,

First off, thank you for your service to our country and the cause of freedom in the world.

Second,  Neat rifle!  There isn't a sane 11-year old who wouldn't love it! 

One thing - you want to have a tiny gap at the back end of the tang between the tang and the wood, maybe .010 to ,020".  When the gun is fired it is not uncommon for the wood supporting the breech to compress slightly from recoil.  the relief at the back of the tang will allow for some compression without causing the stock to split or chip out at the tang.

Stay safe and welcome back home.

Best Regards,

JMC
John Cholin

[n stephenson]

 Sir! Congrats on a good build!! Your son will cherish this for a long time. Your decoration is different in a cool way ! Nice Job!!  Keep us posted.  Thanks    Nate