I
really enjoyed building this Fusil de Chasse by Pecatonica River Long Rifle Supply. The Maple stock has lovely curl even though I purchased a plane Maple one. The parts are high quality, the L&R lock throws a shower of sparks and it has a very nice pull, one of the nicest single triggers I have ever used. They also soldered on the front sight and the barrel lugs for me for a reasonable fee.
I decided to stain the stock a dark chocolate brown. The metal I browned and rubbed back just to give it a warm, aged look.
There were some new challenges for me, primarily with careful lining up, measuring and drilling/tapping. The trigger assemble was the scariest one (I posted about that one earlier) but it turned out better than I expected.
If there was a criticism, it would be that the barrel seems heavy in comparison to the one from the Mold and Gun shop for their Fusil kit. The gun is still quite light, coming in at under seven pounds.
Also, I would have liked the toe of the butt stock to be angled forward a bit more, though what they sent me is still great.
The one challenge that I couldn't resolve was the side plate and the spacing between the pre-drilled bolt holes (exactly 3" center-to-center). On the lock, this would have put the bolt holes precariously close the front of the lock plate and at the very, very end of the bolster. I decided not to try it and instead got another French Fusil style plate for a different style fusil, (actually for a Fusil Fin according to Track) bit I think I can live with that switch.
A special thanks again to Dave Person who I have learned so much from through his amazing tutorials. What was super helpful for me is how he taught about in-letting the trigger guard, starting from the front and working your way back. It came out perfectly I think.
So, this Fusil is done for now. I will let the poly finish it will cure for the rest of the week before I take it out to shoot it. I might wax the stock in a few months or mor, but I am not committed about that yet.
I don't know if I am exactly in love with this Fusil de Chasse, but it's certainly close.
Good work, Pecatonica
