Gun Building DVDs

[sqrldog]

I think some of the new gun builders are missing out on some fine instructional videos. American Pioneer Video and Log Cabin Shop offer videos from some of the best builders in the American Longrifle Culture.  A recent thread on buying gravers brought to mind two dvds. The first by Jack Brooks titled "Beginning Engraving". This DVD provides a very detailed explanation of layout, graver use, sharpening and more from a really talented gunbuilder. The price from Log Cabin Shop is $24.95. The other by American Pioneer Video features Wallace Gussler and is titled "Engraving a Kentucky Rifle". It sells for $29.95. Log Cabin and AMPV both sell this video. These riflesmiths share with the viewer their methods of making some of the best rifles of the new era.
Other titles feature carving, forging, lock tuning etc. I would think that being able to go back and review how to do some of these tasks done by these builders as they demonstrate their rifle building techniques would be quite an assist to a starting gun builder.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any one in the DVD business. Tim Cosby

[Hutch]

I have a couple from American pioneer video.  They are very good videos.  They are definitely older and I really believe similar information can be found on YouTube though, just my limited experience. 

What's your thoughts on the Gunsmith of Grenville county DVDs? In getting ready to order one to try out. 

[borderdogs]

I have the many of the video's listed and have watched many several times. They may be older but older doesnt mean not as good. I like some of the video's I have seen on YouTube but I don't think they are as good as the American Pioneer video's. In particular, the video's with Herschel House on building a Kentucky rifle are very good. I have the Gunsmith of Grenville County video set and they are very good in particular the layout of a rifle blank that has had the barrel channel and ramrod already done. If you have Peter Alexander's book the video series follows it well.

I should note that some of the YouTube video's I have seen are interesting Jim Kibler has some that I like a lot. But there are some with what I would say questionable instructions. One in particular where a fellow is building a rifle from a kit with the stock inletted for the barrel, ramrod, lock and triggers. He insists that he deepen the lock mortise so the lock plate sits below the level of the wood. In my opinion this isn't good advise at least not for a beginner and can get people into trouble. Watching a master build a rifle, forge parts, engrave or whatever is instruction from experience and well worth purchasing and having for reference,
Rob

[Hutch]

I have the many of the video's listed and have watched many several times. They may be older but older doesnt mean not as good. I like some of the video's I have seen on YouTube but I don't think they are as good as the American Pioneer video's. In particular, the video's with Herschel House on building a Kentucky rifle are very good. I have the Gunsmith of Grenville County video set and they are very good in particular the layout of a rifle blank that has had the barrel channel and ramrod already done. If you have Peter Alexander's book the video series follows it well.

I should note that some of the YouTube video's I have seen are interesting Jim Kibler has some that I like a lot. But there are some with what I would say questionable instructions. One in particular where a fellow is building a rifle from a kit with the stock inletted for the barrel, ramrod, lock and triggers. He insists that he deepen the lock mortise so the lock plate sits below the level of the wood. In my opinion this isn't good advise at least not for a beginner and can get people into trouble. Watching a master build a rifle, forge parts, engrave or whatever is instruction from experience and well worth purchasing and having for reference,
Rob

I definitely don't mean older isn't better.  In most cases it is by far better.  One of the ones I have is the Herschel house videos and it is great! Just the video quality and sound isn't as good as today's cheapo smartphone is what I was getting at.  Content wise they are great.  The Kibler videos are definitely valuable, even if you doing something other than one of his rifles.  There is a lot of garbage on the YouTube too.

I just ordered the decorating the longeifle video from the Gunsmith of Grenville site.  As well as the book with my last order from track.  I'm excited to see what it has to offer! I will be ordering the stocking set before I start my next one too most likely.  I fully believe you can never have too much knowledge, even if you just learn one little trick from the DVD or book or YouTube, or in person(do people still do that?) It's worth it!

[Dwshotwell]

This may sound silly, but my hang - up with buying the DVDs is that I haven’t actually hooked a DVD player up to a TV in years and am not sure we have one that still works. I haven’t had a computer that had a built in DVD drive in over three computers at this point. No days everything is downloads direct from the internet. It feels like buying DVDs is moving backwards and I need to get over it, buy a DVD player, and get a few of these as I doubt they’ll be available in download form. I am running into the same issue with dog training videos, and I have a gun dog pup on the way next month.

Note I don’t have an issue with paying for the production or the fact that the videos are dated (does this stuff go out date?), just that I hate investing in tech that’s already outdated.

[Hutch]

This may sound silly, but my hang - up with buying the DVDs is that I haven’t actually hooked a DVD player up to a TV in years and am not sure we have one that still works. I haven’t had a computer that had a built in DVD drive in over three computers at this point. No days everything is downloads direct from the internet. It feels like buying DVDs is moving backwards and I need to get over it, buy a DVD player, and get a few of these as I doubt they’ll be available in download form. I am running into the same issue with dog training videos, and I have a gun dog pup on the way next month.

Note I don’t have an issue with paying for the production or the fact that the videos are dated (does this stuff go out date?), just that I hate investing in tech that’s already outdated.

I had the same issue.  I use our playstation 3 to do DVDs.  But I haven't even put these in there.  What I did this time was bought a $25-30 DVD drive for my laptop and then copied them over to a flash drive.  A lot easier to manage this way.  My plan was to also copy them to the SD card on my phone so I can have them with me at all times 😁.  Also keeps the disk from getting all scratched up since I'm not actually using it but once lol!

[thecapgunkid]

Ron Ehlert and Jim Turpin have pretty good videos concerning building from a kit.  You can get them out of  Jim Chambers, and they are also useful if building from various components rather than a specific kit.

With limited tools and space, I have never built from a plank and un-formed metal so these proved more relevant that Hershel  House, for example.  Heck... I watch his just for entertainment value...

[Mike Brooks]

I ought to make one of those. Name it something like "Gunmaking FOR idiots BY an idiot." Never seen a gunmaking video I could stay awake to. Kind of like a house painter watching a house painting video.

[Woodland]

This may sound silly, but my hang - up with buying the DVDs is that I haven’t actually hooked a DVD player up to a TV in years and am not sure we have one that still works. I haven’t had a computer that had a built in DVD drive in over three computers at this point. No days everything is downloads direct from the internet. It feels like buying DVDs is moving backwards and I need to get over it, buy a DVD player, and get a few of these as I doubt they’ll be available in download form. I am running into the same issue with dog training videos, and I have a gun dog pup on the way next month.

Note I don’t have an issue with paying for the production or the fact that the videos are dated (does this stuff go out date?), just that I hate investing in tech that’s already outdated.

This is my hang up exactly.  I got rid of our TV during the 2016 elections and haven't missed it one bit!  Not only would i have to buy a dvd player, but a TV too!  I wish they would sell them for download or on a thumb drive! I too don't mind paying for the content, but i certainly am not going to bring the TV back in my house!

Jon

[oldtravler61]

  First one I bought was H.House VHS tape. Laughed all the way through it. What I learned is YOU DON'T need a ton of tools.
Still use my Tennessee mountain lathe for a lot of things. Lol
 One thing he did teach is layout is very important an stick to it.
  With the Gunsmiths of Greeneville County. The book put me to sleep.  But the matching video's explained exactly what I couldn't grasp in reading the book. Dry reading to me.
But the best teacher is to have a Mentor than you can watch an learn from.   OLdtravler

[borderdogs]

Actually I loved the part where Herschel explained about his squirrel in one of his video's. I had a pet squirrel and a raccoon named Stanley his mother was hit by a car and I raised him from before his eyes were opened. They both went off to be wild critters
Rob 

[Stoner creek]

I ought to make one of those. Name it something like "Gunmaking FOR idiots BY an idiot." Never seen a gunmaking video I could stay awake to. Kind of like a house painter watching a house painting video.

Heck, you're already an Internet super star on youtube with that big doofuss from Kentucky. What the heck else can you ask for?

[Mike Brooks]

I ought to make one of those. Name it something like "Gunmaking FOR idiots BY an idiot." Never seen a gunmaking video I could stay awake to. Kind of like a house painter watching a house painting video.

Heck, you're already an Internet super star on youtube with that big doofuss from Kentucky. What the heck else can you ask for?

Yes, life is perfect!

[oldtravler61]

  Stoner maybe ya need one more. Maybe add that guy from out West. Then go by , the good, the bad, an the Ugly. Ya all can fight over who's who...  LOL
  Going to miss you guy's this weekend..!   Oldtravler

[Stoner creek]

  Stoner maybe ya need one more. Maybe add that guy from out West. Then go by , the good, the bad, an the Ugly. Ya all can fight over who's who...  LOL
  Going to miss you guy's this weekend..!   Oldtravler

Yep! You need to be here!

[T*O*F]

Not only would i have to buy a dvd player, but a TV too!

You don't need either.  You can play both CDs and DVDs on your computer if it has a DVD drive.

Likewise, you can go to Pluto.TV and watch 1000's of movies and popular series on demand for free if you have a good internet connection.

[Yazel.xring]

Maybe at the CLA this weekend we can talk Mr. Gatliff into launching a streaming service? 

[RedRiverII]

I have an older Mac and I needed to buy a DVD player accessory.  It was a smart decision.  I am definitely one of the newer builders and experience lots of good information here.  At times it seems endless receiving all the information we share.  Every time I turn around there is more and more we can do to build a terrific piece of art work as well as a functional rifle or pistol.  I'm about at the point where I'm beginning to think I'm part of the crew. 

I have two DVD sets.  My first is a 4 disc set from AmericanPioneerVideo.com about Hershel House and his techniques.  Awesome!  This guy is easily recognizable as a Master.   I can imagine sharing lunch at Hershel's place. Then mentioning missing a trigger from a Pennsylvania style rifle from 1790 and Hershel getting up promising to be back in five minutes.  On the way in he grabs a piece of a boxspring frame,  hammer,  old screwdriver,  and Dear Lord let us not forget his hacksaw.  Sure enough in five he'll have a trigger.

I have a Mark Silver dvd from the same company on Traditional Gunstocking.  The guy is smooth as a finished stock.  Terrific. 




Thank you Tim for this thread.  It helps a newcomer,  and I'm sure some of the more advanced folks.

The smaller grey box on the left is the separate DVD player.  I'm sure Microsoft and the other guys have similar attachments.

That Looney tunes dvd could get someone arrested today.  It's a bunch of WWII propaganda. 

[sqrldog]

Thanks REDRIVER. I mentioned the instructional dvds for the benefit of new builders. Most people have a television  (I think) and a cheap DVD player costs 25/30 dollars at Wally World. I don't  know much about streaming unless you're talking about floating down a creek on an inner tube. But I can stop a dvd an rewatch something to learn what the gunsmith is doing.  I can also loan my dvds to friends. Most of them still have dvd players. Heck I can still watch a vhs tape. Tim

[Yazel.xring]

To anyone looking for new DVDs, American Pioneer Video announced their next DVD last night, on sale this weekend at CLA. "The Jaeger Project" with Mike Miller. Looks to be a good one.

[Greg Pennell]

I’ve got a couple of Mike’s DVD’s, and they’re pretty good. Seems like I always pick up a tip or two from watching how others approach the different problems in gunmaking.

Greg

[RedRiverII]

I received today another DVD with Mile Miller on Building Flintlock Pistols.  My collection grows quickly.

[Rolf]

To anyone looking for new DVDs, American Pioneer Video announced their next DVD last night, on sale this weekend at CLA. "The Jaeger Project" with Mike Miller. Looks to be a good one.

I've been waiting for this video. Were can I order it? Could not find it on their website.

Best regards
Rolf

[elkhorne]

All,
Jim Chambers has a good set of Ron Ehlert building a Chambers kit rifle and it is fairly detailed. The thing different about it is that Ron makes a number of things that are bought most but these days. He just does things a little more traditional. As I have said in my Muzzle Blasts column “Schools On,” there are a number of “older” videos by some master builders that pass some of their secrets on to new builders. If you can locate them, masters like Homer Dangler, Frank House, Ron Ehlert, Jim Turpin and others each provide their own individual techniques. I have found we all pick up tips and techniques from each master and meld those into how we develop our own. It’s always fun to learn new techniques.
elkhorne

[Yazel.xring]

To anyone looking for new DVDs, American Pioneer Video announced their next DVD last night, on sale this weekend at CLA. "The Jaeger Project" with Mike Miller. Looks to be a good one.

I've been waiting for this video. Were can I order it? Could not find it on their website.

Best regards
Rolf

Hey Rolf, the video should be for sale at the muzzleloader magazine website later this week according to the owner