How to handle an enthusiastic newbie?

[rich pierce]

Good news is that a good friend of mine has the muzzleloading bug.  He started by getting a cap and ball pistol and now wants a Hawken.  Since we're in St. Louis, makes sense.  He immediately identified the Track of the Wolf Bridger Hawken kit as something he wants to tackle.  I'm trying to get him to consider assembling a Lyman GPR as his first effort, but he wants to go whole hog, though he has no tools or experience, no books, has done no research, really knows nothing of Hawken rifles or any other ML rifles, and has minimal experience with hand tools.  Has never been to a museum, etc.  Folks nowadays seem to think they can go online and learn how to do stuff really well, really fast.  That has not been my experience though.

My plan is to lend him my restocked Sharon Trade Rifle from 1977, let him use that for the summer, and see if he still has the bug in the fall. Plus lend him my books etc.   I've always felt a simple kit is the best first step and helps people figure out if they have aptitude and desire.

Any advice?  I don't want to dampen his enthusiasm but also don't want to get stuck building a Track Bridger Hawken for him especially if he cobs it up.

[Birddog6]

My advice is let him buy a GPR kit, build it, shoot it & keep your rifle at home.  THEN if he is more into it, then help him build the Hawken rifle.
You can loan allot of things, but you should never loan out your wife, chainsaw or ML !!   

[Mike R]

I started right out building a rifle "from scratch" [parts, but no kit, no precarve] and do not regret it at all--BUT, I had a mentor to guide me through the steps.  I ended up with a rifle to be proud of--still my best shooter [by luck I guess]--and no second rate gun to get rid of. Is there a builder near him willing to show him the ropes? Surely a Chambers kit [or even the TOW or other if he wants a Hawken] is easier to put together than what I started with.  Aren't there some "semi-custom" Hawken kits out there?  He might be persuaded to do a Chambers short rifle. 

[T*O*F]

My advice is let him buy a GPR kit, build it, shoot it & keep your rifle at home.

I concur with one exception.  Have him buy an Investarms Hawken kit.  It's the exact same gun except it has brass mountings and is way cheaper cause you aren't paying for the Lyman name. (Investarms makes the GPR for them)

ps.  I straightened the rear of the trigger guard from the typical circle to add a bit of English flair to it.

[rich pierce]

I started right out building a rifle "from scratch" [parts, but no kit, no precarve] and do not regret it at all--BUT, I had a mentor to guide me through the steps.  I ended up with a rifle to be proud of--still my best shooter [by luck I guess]--and no second rate gun to get rid of. Is there a builder near him willing to show him the ropes? Surely a Chambers kit [or even the TOW or other if he wants a Hawken] is easier to put together than what I started with.  Aren't there some "semi-custom" Hawken kits out there?  He might be persuaded to do a Chambers short rifle.  

Good thoughts, Mike; we probably started out about the same.  I helped a friend fix a couple cobbed-up CVA kits, did a Sharon kit, then went to scratch building when I started out.  I think any Hawken is quite a bit to chew.  This guy has no knowledge or tools- but lots of enthusiasm to "have the best" by making things himself.  In contrast I had read everything available and had been muzzleloading a few years and so knew this was THE hobby for me.  I've seen plenty of guys who got the itch, even bought custom rifles, then were out of the hobby and into something else in 5 years.  I'm happy to help but not if it's a passing fancy.

TOF, I agree, a simpler and cheaper kit is a great idea.  I often find that folks with little to no woodworking experience or shop background see the word "kit" and think the average newbie can turn out a gun like the picture that will be worth 3x what the kit cost, in a couple weekends.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Another strategy: Have him sign up to take a kit building course from Jim Chambers, or someone else who offers a week long course.  He will get a good gun and learn a lot as well as get some straight feedback that will help him decide on what he wants to invest in in the future.

[Kermit]

DrTim's right.

[HIB]

I would suggest you ask your friend a few questions about his professional and collecting starts and finishes. If he has demonstrated a past of coming full circle with issues related to various hobbies and business interests you can probably determine where this interest is going.  A fall short history will help you figure out what to do. Should the man provide you with a history of full cycle interest than by all means put together a plan that will introduce him to our passion gently but with steps that include: the firing range, building replicas and then the pursuit of the real thing. A investment grade collection.

First and foremost, once you are convinced of the man's genuine interest, get him to museums and collections near your port of call.  And remember the role of the mentor is simply a pay back to those you have helped us in the past.  Plus it is fun !!!   HIB