Author Topic: Build a muzzleloader from... parts? (Read 2341 times)

59f100292 · « **on:** April 24, 2009, 07:15:56 AM »

Well Ive got this idea. Id like to make a Sidelock/percussion gun. The plan is to buy a lock from someone, don't care what it comes off of or belongs on, get a GM barrel and the associated hardware, a trigger and assemble it on a custom hand carved stock. Any one ever done this? Am I completely out of my mind? Suggestions welcome

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2009, 07:23:40 AM »

Post a want to buy ad in the muzzleloader classifieds for the lock, buying/selling/trading isn't allowed in discussion forums.

Tim

Trapper-Jack · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2009, 08:33:18 AM »

A few years ago I built a LH flint from scratch. The only comercially made parts were the barrel and lock, the rest I made myself. I would suggest that you consider a quality lock and not just any lock. You will be much happier with it in the long run. Go slowly, do your research and homework and you can end up with very rewarding and satisfying experience.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #3 on:** April 24, 2009, 08:39:50 AM »

+1 on what Trapper Jack said!

As far as I'm concerned it's the only way to build a BP sporting rifle! TJ's words deserve repeating:

Quote from: Trapper-Jack on April 24, 2009, 08:33:18 AM

a quality lock... Go slowly, do your research and homework

59f100292 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2009, 11:32:01 AM »

haha I wasn't looking to buy/sell/trade - was hoping for more or recieving a donation. ha

If i do end up breaking down and buying a lock, what brands names should I look for?

Any one done this? at this point my biggest concern is doing the internal wood work to get the trigger, lock, and barrel to all line up and function properly. Any one have and experience or tips on lining everything up?

Davemuzz · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2009, 12:39:34 PM »

A few years ago I put a Green Mt. 1-70 twist 50 cal. barrel on my T\C flintlock. It was the best thing I ever did to the T\C. The GM barrel is accurate as all get out....I mean 2" at 100 yards and prolly could be MOA if I cleaned in between shots.....but i am 53 and just too lazy to clean it that often!!!

Yeah....Iffin I were to do it over, Id get a long Hawken stock, black furniture for it....do away with that stupid patch box on the side of the stock, and make it look darn good!!

Go for it.

Dave

flintlock · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2009, 03:45:25 PM »

[imghttp://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/nchawkeye/Im000146.jpgimg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/nchawkeye/Im000146.jpg

I built this one in the 80s from parts that I bought for the build...
Previous to the American Revolution rifle barrels and locks were shipped over here and gunsmiths made the stock from local wood, cast the furniture and put together...That's were the term "Lock, stock and barrel" came from...

sixgun_symphony · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2009, 03:55:06 PM »

You should get a subscription to MUZZLELOADER magazine, they always have articles on building rifles and muskets.

Also check out the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA), the membership magazine is called MUZZLE BLASTS and they have some informative articles too.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2009, 04:03:04 PM »

Quote from: 59f100292 on April 24, 2009, 11:32:01 AM

If i do end up breaking down and buying a lock, what brands names should I look for?

If you got to ask that you really need to start readin up on the subject there slick!

There's a wealth of information available but you got to look for it. Books, many books, have been written on the subject...

But I tell ya, it's great fun building your own. And personally rewarding also! Go to the Track of the Wolf website and look around.

BTW, I like L&R locks and Colerain barrels...

flintman · « **Reply #9 on:** April 24, 2009, 06:19:49 PM »

Are you looking for higher quality parts,what method of ignition(flintlock is the CORRECT answer!

)
If you want to build a caplock I may have a CVA lock that I can "sell" you for a site donation?

coyotejoe · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2009, 05:33:20 AM »

At a recent gunshow I picked up all the parts for a Japanese percussion rifle, minus the barrel, for $5.00. It is the two piece stock version complete with all hardware and I happened to have a .45 caliber barrel I had removed from a customer's rifle when I replaced it with a Green Mountain barrel for him. So it is essentially a five dollar rifle. No prize winner except that you can't beat the price!

Davemuzz · « **Reply #11 on:** April 25, 2009, 06:05:06 AM »

I'll give ya $10 plus shipping! Hey....you've doubled your money!!! Way better than the stock market has done!!

Trapper-Jack · « **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2009, 03:14:18 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on April 24, 2009, 04:03:04 PM

BTW, I like L&R locks and Colerain barrels...

I used an Ashmore - London lock by L&R. I can't say anything but good about it. It will give me 40-50 relyable shots before I have to sharpen the flint.

beaverman · « **Reply #13 on:** April 25, 2009, 03:54:31 PM »

Quote from: 59f100292 on April 24, 2009, 11:32:01 AM

haha I wasn't looking to buy/sell/trade - was hoping for more or recieving a donation. ha

If i do end up breaking down and buying a lock, what brands names should I look for?

Any one done this? at this point my biggest concern is doing the internal wood work to get the trigger, lock, and barrel to all line up and function properly. Any one have and experience or tips on lining everything up?

Do yourself a Huge favor and go to track of the wolf and buy the book " The Gunsmith of Greeneville County" by Alexander, has everything, and i mean everything you need to build a ML from scratch, description, pictures, line drawings and easy to read and follow instructions, then start with a good lock and barrel, Lock makers that are quality are, L&R, Davis and Chambers, barrels from green mountain (if you can find one in the caliber you want, their working on some govt contracts and stock has dwindled) Ed Rayle, rice, Long Hammock or oregon barrel co, all quality.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #14 on:** April 25, 2009, 03:55:31 PM »

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(i22bplqzy0sysrb5xcpywxnk))/categories/catList.aspx?catID=4

Trapper-Jack · « **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2009, 06:49:22 AM »

Here are a couple of links to a very good tutorial. They are both the same stuff except one is html format and the other is a PDF file. This may or may not be more advanced than you want to be but they have some really good points on how to build from scratch.

http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/tutorials/brooks/Brooks1.html

http://www.homegunsmith.com/cgi-bin/ib3/iB_html/uploads/post-101-33138-muzzle_loader_build.pdf

Davemuzz · « **Reply #16 on:** April 26, 2009, 08:34:04 AM »

Trapper-Jack

Great post!!!

Trapper-Jack · « **Reply #17 on:** April 27, 2009, 07:22:55 AM »

Thanks. I've learned lots from several posters on here and other sites and am happy when I can contrubute something positive.

longcaribiner · « **Reply #18 on:** May 11, 2009, 03:44:07 AM »

The three parts that contribute most to accuracy are the barrel, lock and triggers. If you want some very fine target accuracy, you will want set triggers. You can make a rifle out of scrounged cheap parts. But that is what it will shoot like. In fact some times a smooth bore is more accurate than a cheap rifle barrel. There are lots of books out there. I reccommend Chuck Dixon's Book.

Buy the best lock and barrel you can afford. Take your time. Don't be too anxious to use power tools or short cuts. I've made a couple of guns from scrounged parts, particularly when I first started out. Once you start taking the time to do it right, you may as well use the best parts.

Keep in mind that even with the best, there are things you can do to ruin accuracy or delay ignition. Lousy sights, improper lock and touch hole line up, improper touch hole liner. etc.

59f100292 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 11, 2009, 07:11:15 AM »

I had plans for a green mountain barrel.. comments? what are some good names to look for in a quality accurate lock and trigger?

beaverman · « **Reply #20 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:37:35 AM »

For a lock, L&R, Chambers or Davis, triggers, cant beat what Davis makes, again check out Track of the wolf, Chambers flintlocks, Log cabin shop, the gun works, all have sites, prices are within a couple bucks of each other

flintman · « **Reply #21 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:31:36 PM »

Quote from: 59f100292 on May 11, 2009, 07:11:15 AM

I had plans for a green mountain barrel.. comments? what are some good names to look for in a quality accurate lock and trigger?

Absolutely NOTHING wrong with a Green mountain barel,they shoot great!
Jeff

Buckskins & Black Powder · « **Reply #22 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:38:23 PM »

with the GM barrels there are some recalls to watch out for. 1: Helicoiled repaired nipple holes on a new barrel and #2 metric nipples installed into American thread drum ( i call it a drum, theres plenty of names)

These recalls are on their website so if you check it out you will get an idea.