Kit Recommendations?

[nc_cooter]

Having been well bitten by the ML bug, I have decided to start saving for the purchase of a ML rifle kit. Being so close to Kingsmountain National Park, I have decided on an 54cal Early Lancaster rifle. Right now I am leaning towards a TVA kit.
At this stage of planning, I am completely open to input on both rifle and kit. Being a somewhat old Newbie, I need all the help I can get.
Thanks,
Mike Broach

[Leatherbelly]

  Don't overlook Jim Chambers. He sells two or three "kits" in this style. If I was going this route, I'd pick the "Smooth Rifle" and get it rifled in .54. Nice and LLLong! His part sets are second to none. Pay just a little more but get a lot more! JMHO. ...and Barbie is a sweetheat to deal with. (Jim's OK too, LOL!)

[Tommy Bruce]

Mike,
Welcome to the forum.  TVM are good folks to do business with.  I think a lot of the work is done on their kits and a good one to start with.  1 suggestion I would make is spend a little extra money and get a swamped barrel.  

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Mike,

A Chambers kit will have more inletting done for you.  Depending on your woodworking skills etc, it would be a little easier I think. If that isn't an issue the TVM is probably a little less money. I definitely agree on the swamped barrel.  I think on an early Lancaster a straight barrel would be inappropriate.

[Jeff Peters]

You can not go wrong with a Chambers kit. Great quality in part, Great people to deal with
Get a couple of Videos and books on building also
They will help get you started
Jeff

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Everyone,
I too am planning my first build from a kit in the very near future.  I have pretty much decided on a Chambers kit for obvious reasons.  The problem I am having is trying to decide which one.  I like the idea of an early rifle, and I like the look of the Virgina Kit.  However, I also love those slender lines on the York.  What to do, what to do. 

One company that I have checked out via the web is Sitting Fox Muzzleloaders.  I have never hear anyone on here mention them.  Has anyone worked with them in the past, they have some very inexpensive pistol kts that might be fun to try.

Coryjoe

[James Rogers]

You really do get what you pay for.
I think Jim suggests the York as the best kit for first-timers.

[nc_cooter]

Thanks for all the input. Looks like Chambers kits are the way to go. It's going to take a bit longer to save my pennies. I would rather have a rifle that is correct in form, fit and function, than just get close. Close is not worth the time and money to me.

[Karl Kunkel]

Don't forget Wayne Dunlap's Isaac Haines component set.

http://dunlapwoodcrafts.com/ihsets.htm

[Birddog6]

I will recommend Tip Curtis parts sets, as he has a large selection of them & I have built allot of them, always been easy to work with & a GREAT inventory.  Dunlaps kits are nice as well & I have used allot of them with success too, & especially like his Isaac Haines parts set..  If I am buying as a parts sets, these are the two I prefer over the other 3-4 popular venders I have used.
However, most of the time I like buying a blank & picking the parts myself & making it up the way I want it.  This way I don't have to work with flimsy forestocks that are over-cut down & extremely fragile, over cut inlets that are too large, etc.  Really ticks me off to have to start gluing in wood on a precarve before I even start the rifle.  Absolutely no excuse for that........   

[coutios]

  So far alot of good info.. Don't buy on looks alone.. What are you going to use the rifle for?? It needs to fit you.. No mater how good looking a rifle is it's still a wall hanger if you can't see the sights.  Be honest with yourself in regards to your skills as some "kits" require much more work than others. Tools are another issue.. Look to spend another couple hundred if you don't have anything..  Pick up one of the books out there and do reading while you save.. .. Check your local area for someone that may be putting on a class..  These are just some of my thoughts that you should think about while saving.. 

  Also start saving for that second rifle or pistol..  I bet ya can't eat just one...

  Sorry about the ramblings but I see to many "kits" that are never completed and that's sad...

  Regards
  Dave

[nc_cooter]

Thanks for the input.This weekend I met with a gentileman that has a small collection of ML guns, both antiques and reproductions. I was able to shoulder most of his guns, just to get the feel. I think my original choice of an Early Lancaster will be fine.
This gun will be a shooter, as well as a welcome decoration. I stopped hunting 20+ years ago, but I still love to shoot paper.
As to tools, I have a fairly well equipped shop and forge. If I need a special tool, I will buy or make it as needed, most likely the latter.
I am looking for a quality kit that represents the best "Bang for a Buck".  I don't mind having to save up the money. I am very patient. I will read and plan during the time I am waiting.
I really value the input from you all.
Mike Broach

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Mike,

Be sure to keep us posted on your progress.

Coryjoe

[jwh1947]

Chambers.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I concur with Wayne.  Chambers kits are#1!

[smoke]

What does TVM stand for?

[exTNer]

Tennessee Valley Muzzleloaders, Inc.

[Birddog6]

It also stands for     Tennessee Valley Manufacturing.....  They are two dif places.

If I understand it correctly,

T V Muzzleloaders  is owned by Matt Advance.

T V Manufacturing is owned by Jack Garner.

[jim klein]

  You might check out my J.P.Beck kit as a possibility . thanks Jim Klein jklongrifles.com

[brewyak]

Cabincreek also offers kits.  He also offers a 6 day gun building class in May. 

[exTNer]

Thanks Keith, now I know I'm not going crazy!  I kept wanting to type Manuf., but kept thinking I'd only seen the muzzleloader site.  I HAVE been to both, but apparently the memory fades along with the eyes! 

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

I can tell you from experience that Jim Klein's kits are absolutely top of the line. And Jim is a great help as well.

[Bill-52]

I concur with DrTim Boone's recommendation of Jim Klein's kits.  I'm building one right now.......

[Waksupi]

When you get a kit that is pre-inlet, look it over pretty well when you get it. I have bought two kits from a well known supplier, and the inletting was sloppy. I thought the first one was a fluke, but the one I am working on now, has a gap of around .025-.030 the full length of the barrel channel, oversize lock inlet plus a nasty machining gouge at the rear, and oversize entry thimble inlet. It is going to take a lot of filling to make it look good. All in all, very disappointed in this, considering the cost, but the customer said to go ahead and do the best I can with it. 
If you are not an experienced builder, if you see these problems, I advise sending it back, and getting something you can work with.

[mr. no gold]

Absolutely Chamber's! Best out there. Also, you don't live all that far from them so you can make a quick trip up to see Jim and /or Barbie to pick your wood and get Jim's advice on the best way to proceed.
Just my two coppers worth.
Dick