I don't think anyone at Jacobsburg will mind me giving the readership a summary of our first class at the newly revised gunbuilding program. Now the boys are running a new curriculum and I am most happy with the new presentation. Most students are on gun #1. I've done a few dozen, and I learned as much as anyone else in the class. Point is, ask a question, you will get not one, but 3 answers, sometime concurrent, sometimes not, but always relevant.
This time around, everybody gets a nice lock, stock and barrel, with instruction forthcoming to make basic furniture and assemble all correctly. The direction will be toward building a simple rifle consistent with pattern made on the property 160 years ago. All students will have a vise and be working under supervision of the 3 masters--Hujsa, Correll and Sherck. Coffee, food and happy learning abound. No one is made to look stupid, only uplifted. Present classes on Saturday afternoons.
In class one, we considered theory, how to breech a barrel correctly, how to shoot, and how to select proper tools, importance of sharpening tools correctly, common building errors, and shop safety. Much concern was directed at breeching. Also devotion was given to the finished product that we would be aiming for--a useful, safe, efficient, light, accurate rifle. Both originals and high-grade contemporaries were there for hands-on examination, and certain features were emphasized.
The new guys walked out knowing that if they didn't exit in 8 more weeks with their own hand-made deer rifle, that they had no one to blame but themselves. The more experienced learners realized that no minute spent there would be a waste of time.
Inspirational gun program. Within driving distance of NYC, Phila., etc. If you ever get the chance, I doubt that you would have any regrets. The teachers have plenty of experience, are encouraging, and make learning fun. Wayne
