First Flintlock Build

[Craig Wilcox]

Not too new to black powder firearms, as I started as a teenager in Falls Church, VA - 1959.  The rifle was an original Springfield .58 cal (.577), and we went to a lot of target matches and re-enactments.  Nor a first time builder, as I have built many centerfire arms.  But - have never built a flintlock!
I am getting older, and apparently need some re-plumbing done on the old ticker in the next few weeks - and this project will help keep my thoughts away from bad things.  I always do better when I have some project going on.  Boats, race cars, airplanes.  Furniture, gun stocks, etc.
So, been doing a lot of reading lately, and studying the various styles.  Who would thunk that there are so many different styles of flintlocks?  Wow!  I currently shoot (in black powder) a Pedersoli "Kentucky" percussion rifle in .45.  And I like the sweep of the buttstock.  So, I have decided on a Herman Rupp design, and ordered some parts/pieces.  And it is in .45, like my Pedersoli.
I have been learning a lot from reading the forums, and bless the day when I discovered AmericanLongRifles!  Lots of good guys and ladies giving their considered opinions and helping out the newbys.  I will try to take a few pictures along the way, and otherwise do some progress reports.  Thanks to ALL of you for the ideas and inspirations.

[Mike Brooks]

You choose as your first gun one of the most difficult to get right......

[B.Barker]

Like Mike said that is a hard first build. It sounds like you some experience in stock work so you might do ok if you can see some original Allen Town rifles. Good luck with build and surgery.

[stubshaft]

Prayers sent for your healthy recovery.  I'm expecting to see photo's of your build.

[Craig Wilcox]

Thanks to all three of you for the comments.

Yes, it is not the easiest build, but it is the design that attracted me most.  And, never having engraved anything, I do plan to scratch some designs into the metal parts.  I do have a wee bit of experience carving in wood, but think I'll have to be on my toes with this one!

Biting off more than I can chew? Seems to have been a life-long habit with me, never trying to do the easy thing, but the thing that grabs my attention the most.

And - really appreciate the supportive words about this surgery.  Scares the bejeebers out of me - but have never been a big fan of them anyway!  Lucky having the Cleveland VA hospital in the same neighborhood as the famed Cleveland Clinic.  We shall see what designs get entered into my sketchbook whilst drugged!

Really appreciate all the depth of knowledge offered by AmericanLongRifles and the forums,

[Craig Wilcox]

Did a lot of research, and got a Herman Rupp 1793 "kit" from Muzzleloader Builders Supply.
The lock, stock, and  barrel I received this past were all good things.  Stock has the beginnings of barrel channel, ramrod hole and lock inletting - but plenty of room to move the lock around a bit if needed.  The barrel is octagon to tapered round, Ryan did a good job on the breech block.  Lots of wood left on that pretty, curly maple stock.
Got my work cut out for me for the next day or two - and a lot more days before it is ready to be called a rifle.
Much appreciation to all, and will be educating myself a lot right here on this forum.  Y'all guys/gals ROCK!

[RVAH-7]

Mr. Wilcox: I'm kinda a starting member too. Back in 2006 I had to have some surgery and knew I'd be recuperating and not released to go back to work for about 2 months. I'd been scraping together a few $$ and studying rifles, too. My .32 flint Bedford was fun on cottontails in Wyoming, but back up here in Mt. I needed a bigger flinter for deer, etc. and I didn't want to keep shooting a percussion Sharon. I sold a Lyman .50 flinter and converted that money to a Rice "C" weight .54 x 44 and bought the other pieces from a couple sources. So after they kicked me out of the hospital I started putting the pieces together, also referring to books by Shumway, Buchele, Dixon, Ehrig, Miller, and Alexander. It works on antelope, deer & mountain lion, but I'm still trying for bear & elk.  If I can do it, so can you. Those folks in the cardiac dept. will do you fine. Just hug that pillow they give you and even though it hurts, cough and cough up the secretions. Don't want pneumonia complications.  I also had a spinal surgery when the Gulf War was getting going and I remember seeing a "hospital" in some village with a single bulb hanging from the ceiling, no running water, etc.  I was tickled where I was at. I'll pray for you and best wishes.

[Iktomi]

  Good luck on your procedure, it'll be a piece of cake more'n likely. Bypass, I presume? Worst part about it is recovering from having your sternum cracked, you'll be a mite sore for a spell, that I can assure you. Earlier in my career I worked cardiac ICU as well as scrubbing for open heart procedures. 15 years ago outcomes were excellent. They are significantly better now. You will feel like a new man when your heart has circulation properly restored. Do EVERYTHING your cardiologist tells you to do, follow a real good diet and stick with the medication protocol.

 As for your Rupp rifle, I haven't the first clue. But do post up as you build, I'd be very interested in seeing your progress 

Thanks to all three of you for the comments.

Yes, it is not the easiest build, but it is the design that attracted me most.  And, never having engraved anything, I do plan to scratch some designs into the metal parts.  I do have a wee bit of experience carving in wood, but think I'll have to be on my toes with this one!

Biting off more than I can chew? Seems to have been a life-long habit with me, never trying to do the easy thing, but the thing that grabs my attention the most.

And - really appreciate the supportive words about this surgery.  Scares the bejeebers out of me - but have never been a big fan of them anyway!  Lucky having the Cleveland VA hospital in the same neighborhood as the famed Cleveland Clinic.  We shall see what designs get entered into my sketchbook whilst drugged!

Really appreciate all the depth of knowledge offered by AmericanLongRifles and the forums,

[elkhorne]

Craig,
Welcome on board! My prayers are with you in your surgery and recovery. Just put yourself in His hands and trust Him to get you through it. Regarding your choice for a rifle, a Herman Rupp style, good on you! One of my favorites. Look up Eric Von Aschwege's website which is something like "Neahkahnie Flintlocks." Eric is very knowledgable when it comes to Allentown rifles and has made several very nice rifles. His website has some great information on Allentown characteristics that set that school apart from all the rest. also if you can find anything by Ron Gabel, he is another expert and Dixon's use to have a book or article by him. Good luck and study hard before you get started. Also read a little on the Golden Mean as it may be helpful in your architecture.
elkhorne

[Elnathan]

Look up Eric Von Aschwege's website which is something like "Neahkahnie Flintlocks." Eric is very knowledgable when it comes to Allentown rifles and has made several very nice rifles. His website has some great information on Allentown characteristics that set that school apart from all the rest.

I was going to recommend Eric's blueprints as well.

Link to Eric's Rupp drawing: http://www.neahkahnieflintlocks.com/uploads/2/2/8/5/22859252/133249_orig.jpg

Drawing page: http://www.neahkahnieflintlocks.com/plans.html

Eric's notes on Lehighs: http://www.neahkahnieflintlocks.com/lehigh-valley-details.html

[Cobweb]

-----I am getting older, and apparently need some re-plumbing done on the old ticker in the next few weeks - and this project will help keep my thoughts away from bad things.-----

Nothing to worry about. They installed a new bovine valve in me a year ago last October. Follow your instructions and things will be fine.....

I have never built a flinter either but the next one will be one.

Big John

[Craig Wilcox]

Cobweb, with that bovine valve, do you ever get the urge to just "MOO"?  And most bovines like to lay down in the grass about 10:30 - 11:00 and chew their cud.  Never can resist the urge to toss in a bit of humor.

I really do appreciate all the info and good wishes.  Elkhorne gave me some good places to hunt for more rifle info, and Elnathan was kind enough to post the websites.  Will get on those PDQ.

Started doing a bit of barrel inletting, and kicking myself for getting an octagon changing to a tapered round barrel.  One or the other would be much easier, especially taking bits out where the "wedding ring" is!

[Cobweb]

Cobweb, with that bovine valve, do you ever get the urge to just "MOO"?  And most bovines like to lay down in the grass about 10:30 - 11:00 and chew their cud.  Never can resist the urge to toss in a bit of humor.

I have noticed I've been roaming around in the front yard more often! My neighbor asked the same thing. I told him I hopped it wasn't a steer valve but come from a "horny bull"!!



I really do appreciate all the info and good wishes.  Elkhorne gave me some good places to hunt for more rifle info, and Elnathan was kind enough to post the websites.  Will get on those PDQ.
Started doing a bit of barrel inletting, and kicking myself for getting an octagon changing to a tapered round barrel.  One or the other would be much easier, especially taking bits out where the "wedding ring" is!

Hang right in there. The effort you put in will be worth it when it's finished. I helped my father-in-law done one and was our first also. It turned out well.

[Mr. Bubbles]

I would also recommend getting the 2010 KRA disc vol 1 Issue 3 on Lehigh Valley rifles.  There are a couple of Rupps in there.  Check out the Julia and Rock Island past auctions too.  There are lots of subtleties to Lehigh guns that are different than most other schools.  You have picked probably the most recreated maker though, so finding pictures should be easier.  Also, check out Allen Martin's page.  He seems to specialize in Rupp and Moll guns.  They look quite similar, but they are different.

[Craig Wilcox]

Cobweb, the cardiac unit at Cleveland VA Hosp called today, and told me that they are expecting me Sunday night.  Nice thing about Ohio is the treatment given to vets.  THEY provide the transportation to and from.  And here in Logan County, the county provides drivers to take us to either Columbus or Dayton VA centers for our routine appointments.
But, the County office called today, and told me that the van normally used is down for some serious repairs, so I will be taking myself to Columbus for my 3:30 Thursday appt. for my echocardiogram - for which I have been waiting 4 weeks.  A necessity before the triple bypass stuff Monday morning.  i am OK driving around the county, and will just have to take it easy and allow sufficient time.
Amused myself today when I found some square key stock in my tool box.  Cut off a 3" piece at a 45 with my trusty hacksaw, then realized it would be faster and more accurate to have cut it with the diamond blade in my Dremel.  Lots of time with a file, then various Arkansas stones, and I can practice engraving some brass sheet stock I found.
Where might i find a "2010 KRA Disc Vol 1 Issue 3"?
And I did sharpen up my smallest chisels, 1/4" and 3/8".  And made a couple small ones from some tool steel I had - tried for 1/8" and 1/16", and came somewhere close.  The maple won't know the difference.
Thank all of you for your good wishes - muchly appreciated!

[Craig Wilcox]

'Tis a good thing I don't mind laughing at myself.

Been working today on inletting this octagon-to-round barrel on my longrifle.  Used all sorts of sharp thing, chisels, scrapers, carving knives, even the table saw.  Took great care avoiding spilling my blood.

So, hear the granddaughters out in the back yard, and went out to see what they are up to.  Luci, the 2 1/2 year old, hollers, "Grandpa!", and comes running over to hug me.  Well, she didn't stop running till I was flat on my back, in an area where we are clearing out an overgrown bramble patch.

I now sport a nice 2" gash just below my elbow.  To make matters worse, I couldn't find my usual first aid, clean out the gunk stuff.  Spied a can of lacquer thinner just sitting there.  DO NOT use lacquer thinner to cleanse your scrapes!  Lord Almighty!  It is like testing your Mapp Gas torch on your arm!  I had to look to make sure my arm was still there - thought someone had taken it for a spin around the block!

Beware of cute little, innocent-looking granddaughters!

Rifle build is coming along.  I do some of the inletting during the day, and some filing on parts in the evenings.

Craig