Lancaster - First Assembly

[jm190]

I assembled a Traditions kit but I don't think they really qualify as a "proper" long rifle.

This is an Early Lancaster package from Pecatonica River. All in all I'm very happy with the result. Nothing fancy; no carving or engraving, just the patch box and hunter star inlay. I think my biggest SNAFU was the front lock bolt coming through too high which throws off the "flow" on the left side. I should have placed the front pipe back further; maybe at least on inch or two. You might be able to pick out an inlet repair or two as well as some misguided pin repairs as well. I'm very happy with the metal and wood finish. I still have several more coats of oil to apply to the stock.

I did make my own side plate to replace the kit plate that was a little too generic. I also made the bottom patch box plate to replace the short one in the kit. Thanks to all the members who provided comments of fixing my patch box issue.

I welcome any comments that would improve my next assembly or build.

John

[Mike Lyons]

What’s the finish? 

[jm190]

The stock is Laurel Mtn. Forge Lancaster Maple under Track of the Wolf Antique Formula Original Oil Finish. The lock and barrel were rust blued with Laurel Mtn. Forge Barrel Brown.

John

[webradbury]

I would not have noticed the lock bolt if you had not mentioned it. Very nice rifle. What caliber?

[Eric Krewson]

Your first is much better than my first.

Your side plate is OK but you left a bulge of extra wood between the front trigger guard extension and the barrel which makes a slope to the ramrod entry pipe. This extra wood makes the forearm slab sided in front of the sideplate panel.

I have made similar mistakes on my first build, I look at it and think " someday I am going to straighten all my mistakes out on that gun". It looks a little rough but had kept the freezer full of deer meat so it is unlikely that I will ever "straighten" it out. Everytime I look at it I think about what I woulda', coulda', shoulda' done on that rifle.   

[jm190]

I would not have noticed the lock bolt if you had not mentioned it. Very nice rifle. What caliber?

It's .50 cal.

[jm190]

Your first is much better than my first.

Your side plate is OK but you left a bulge of extra wood between the front trigger guard extension and the barrel which makes a slope to the ramrod entry pipe. This extra wood makes the forearm slab sided in front of the sideplate panel.

Thanks for that observation; I see what you're talking about. I've added this to my list of "Things to Do Better Next Time".

[hanshi]

Looks pretty good to my old eyes.  I have one with that same stock color.

[Mike Brooks]

I welcome any comments that would improve my next assembly or build.

Get some originals in hand before next time. Lock moldings aren't quite right.

[jm190]

I welcome any comments that would improve my next assembly or build.

Get some originals in hand before next time. Lock moldings aren't quite right.

Hi Mike,
   Thanks for the suggestion to handle originals. Unfortunately that's unlikely due to lack of availability where I live here in New Hampshire. Please could you comment on what isn't quite right. I will be able to compare your comments to my lock and locks in my RCA books and make noted for next time. The lock is a large Siler if that would help you to point out issues.

Thanks!
John

[Ky-Flinter]

Hi John,

I wrote this as you were replying, but I will post anyway.  Hopefully Mike will reply also.

Good job on your first rifle.  Inletting looks well done.  To echo Mike, the lock panels aren't bad, but could be better.  I would suggest not following the lock outline so closely around the nose and tail of the lock.  Stretch those out a bit, 1/2" or even a little more, and blending them into the narrow upper and lower edges will look more graceful.

What are you think of for your next build?

-Ron

[Mike Lyons]

http://americanlongrifles.org/PDF/tutorial.pdf

Page 57 for lock panels.