Grinsdale KF 4 (Haga Fowler)

[Robert Wolfe]

I am toying with the idea of trying to do something like the Haga attributed fowler (KF 4) in Grinsdale's book. Does anyone know of a stock carver that has a pattern similar to that? Tiger Hunt lists a "Reading/Berks County Wolfgang Haga (severe Roman nose)" but gives no picture on his web site. I emailed him but have not gotten a response yet. Not looking for an exact match, just something similar.

I know, some of you would have me get out the chainsaw, slab up a tree and go to work but I am not ready to tackle a blank yet. I still need something that gives me a head start.

[LynnC]

I promise, If you ever make one from a blank, you'll never go back!  You might get your bbl inlet and your RR hole drilled but working from a blank ain't bad.  Total freedom IMHO.

I don't know how anyone builds from a pre-carve.  Only had one and holding onto it was more work than building it.  Your milage may vary    Maybe cause I started on blanks (planks) I'm predudiced  

[Blacksmoke]

Robert:  Take Lynn's advice and start from scratch you will be further ahead then to put up with some one else's mistakes!  let alone trying to fix them!  Laying out a stock profile is really no big deal. If you want more help you can give me a call. I am in the shop most days.   I am with Lynn Cook,     Hugh Toenjes

[Lucky R A]

    Bob,  I can't speak with authority, but Fred Miller has several hundred stock profiles that he can duplicate.  Give Fred a call (570-922-1861) and explain what you want to do.  I would not be surprised that Fred has something that would work for you.   I would agree with Lynn & Hugh that once you work from a blank you will experience a freedom and control that you did not previously have with a pre-carve.   If you own or have access to a good bandsaw it is even so much easier. 

[Robert Wolfe]

A blank some day but not this time.

Lucky - I'll give Fred a call. Thanks for the lead.

[Nate McKenzie]

If that doesn't work, Dave  Keck has a very close pattern. knobmountainmuzzleloading.com

[LynnC]

Looked at KF4 last night - A fine little 50 cal and at 5.25 lbs it ought to be an easy carry.

I'd love to see your finished gun pics.

BTW - I didn't mean to knock anybody using a precarve, when I started just didn't know precarves were available

Keep us posted........Lynn

[eagle24]

BTW - I didn't mean to knock anybody using a precarve, when I started just didn't know precarves were available

Lynn, IMO your advice on precarves is good advice.  Most of the problems I had with the rifle I am building were related to the precarve I used.  You just can't take wood away, but you can't put it where it never was.

[LynnC]

I find it so much esier to fit all the basic parts while the stock is in the square

Just clamp it in the vise anywhere along the stock

Great for drilling all your holes perpendicular and actually hitting those tiny little barrel lugs

[LynnC]

Working from a blank also gives one the oportunity to make the biggest, heavy duty fat stocks you can imagine.......Just like the first guns I built :-O