Traditional Muzzleloading Association

The Center of Camp => The Campfire => Topic started by: Butler Ford 40 on December 16, 2020, 03:56:42 PM

Title: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 16, 2020, 03:56:42 PM
I recently purchased a new rifle. Sounds pretty simple... or until I started to outfit it.
Gotta make a new pouch, new horn ( ya may have to dehorn a cow or buff to get the needed supplies), new horn strap, new ball bag (need to kill a deer or elk to have a hide to tan). Have to make a new set of flinter tools, touch hole pick, turn screw, knapping tools and a pair of pliers and ya just gotta have a patch knife (make sure that the deer or elk you killed was antlered so you can have a handle for the knife and tip for the pick). Of course, it needs a sheath ( or you can use the tanned hide later), while you are soaking the hide, you can start on the sinew for sewing everything).
The bag has to have a few basics:  Patching material, patch lube and container, a simple fire making kit (you know, a good container for making char, steel, find a good flint, make the char, maybe even throw in a bit of tow to help out on cold wet days.
Need a wallet for some extra flints (see deer/elk).
The bag needs a small repair kit (you can make a decent needle out of the shin bone and save some of the extra sinew).
Need to sew up a new frock (the one from the Seven Years War looks out of place in the Rockies).
Need new britches, the linen ones from the southeast gonna be a mite' thin in the higher elevations! ( hope you got at least two deer or a big elk!)
OH! While you have the forge going, might aughta make a few fishhooks, those rivers out west have some mighty nice trout!

Mmmm, it ain't been delivered yet but anyone wanna buy my new rifle?
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Ohio Joe on December 16, 2020, 05:25:41 PM
Yes sir, lot more to it than just the rifle, that's for sure.  Don't forget to set one of them there antler tips a'side for a powder charger... :shake
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 16, 2020, 05:50:31 PM
Yes sir, lot more to it than just the rifle, that's for sure.  Don't forget to set one of them there antler tips a'side for a powder charger... :shake

Oh my, I did forget that one!! Thanks for the reminder!  Wonder what else I have forgotten!? Yep! hope that bambi has a few points on it, need another tip to cobble together an awl for all the hide stitching!

Oh My! I left out a maintence/cleaning kit!, gotta' make a tow worm and come up with an oil bottle! 

The shooting pouch is starting to get a little crowded, guess I need to sew up a haversack of some kind.
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Ohio Joe on December 16, 2020, 06:48:23 PM
I'm glad you made this post, Bill...

I need to make a few bags myself which I should be using this Winter to get it done.

I freely admit that I slacked off and opted to have a couple rifles share the same bag, (which I really thought was a good idea at the time having them set up for both flint and cap), but that just adds more "clutter" in the bag when you go fishing for something for a certain lock or purpose... I've seen the error of my ways and have realized that, "yes" - each rifle needs its own bag...  :shake

 :Doh! Almost forgot already, that's going to mean a couple new horns as well!!! :Doh!
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 16, 2020, 07:46:12 PM
I guess the fun part of this sport (besides meeting some really awesome people) is that it is never ending if you want it to be or just stop with powder, measure, patch, lube and ball.
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Ohio Joe on December 16, 2020, 07:51:04 PM
I guess the fun part of this sport (besides meeting some really awesome people) is that it is never ending if you want it to be or just stop with powder, measure, patch, lube and ball.

Amen to that!  :shake

I do think we tend to "over indulge" with our shootin' bag in todays times,,, but,,, sure as shootin' as soon as I get to the Range there's gonna be that "one" thing I need that I didn't bring...  :laffing
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Uncle Russ on December 16, 2020, 08:32:22 PM
I guess the fun part of this sport (besides meeting some really awesome people) is that it is never ending if you want it to be or just stop with powder, measure, patch, lube and ball.

Yep, Bill, You can make yourself a big part of that last one.
Both your wisdom and insight have been sorely missed, glad ya found yer way back home.
Still yet, we must never forget, that.... "All who wander are not necessarily lost".
I see in your travels ya picked up a whole bunch of wisdom in regards to that new riflegun, and the accruements required to make one tick, if fact, you've done plumb talked me outta the idea of getting a new/different one. I'm perfectly happy with what I've got, but there's always just the thought of a new one.....nice, but no dice.
I'm going to "run what I brung" and feel fortunate I've got it.

 :yessir:


Russ...


Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: BEAVERMAN on December 16, 2020, 09:33:44 PM
Dang Bill, you made me tired just reading about it!!!!!!!!!!!! :luff: reminds me I have to make 2 more horns for my setups! and I do have 1 more gun  to build, a Track early English trade gun kit that I picked up at a voo a couple of 7 years ago for a song that's been labeled with a round to it on the box! and then of course the kit to go with it, now I need a nap thinking about  that! :toast
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 16, 2020, 10:15:46 PM
Never enough time to do all the things ya wanna do!  I've got a Fowler 62 cal that needs finishing!
LOL, so far, the only thing I've accomplished for the undelivered is to mak a knapping tool out an old cut nail salvaged out of an old barn dismantle, and tape some printer paper together to draw out a pouch on.

IIt's just too much fun not to get back into the sport.  Sometimes life just gets in the way.
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: RobD on December 17, 2020, 07:06:27 AM
Don't forget a loaded ball board, for fast reloads whilst in hostile country, or a faster follow up shot on that elk!

A coupla small corked and pegged brass tubes with preloaded powder charge to go along with the ball board, as well ... ?

And how 'bout a ball worm for those times we sorta scramble "powder, patch, ball" into "patch, ball, uh oh!" ... ?

Maybe add in a patch worm, too?

Also, perhaps a muzzle protector so's the crown don't git worn from all that ball ramming?

A flannel rag for cleaning up the lock, too.

Heck, go on and add in a few extra ramrods, while yer at it!

 :bigsmile:
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 17, 2020, 07:57:58 AM
Don't forget a loaded ball board, for fast reloads whilst in hostile country, or a faster follow up shot on that elk!

A coupla small corked and pegged brass tubes with preloaded powder charge to go along with the ball board, as well ... ?

And how 'bout a ball worm for those times we sorta scramble "powder, patch, ball" into "patch, ball, uh oh!" ... ?

Maybe add in a patch worm, too?

Also, perhaps a muzzle protector so's the crown don't git worn from all that ball ramming?

A flannel rag for cleaning up the lock, too.

Heck, go on and add in a few extra ramrods, while yer at it!

 :bigsmile:

Maybe I should cut down that hickory tree in the yard, trim it up, split into staves, maybe trade staves (bow length and ramrod lengths) for trading material so's maybe I can get somebody else to make some of this stuff for me!

 :hairy
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: RobD on December 17, 2020, 08:00:35 AM
Don't forget a loaded ball board, for fast reloads whilst in hostile country, or a faster follow up shot on that elk!

A coupla small corked and pegged brass tubes with preloaded powder charge to go along with the ball board, as well ... ?

And how 'bout a ball worm for those times we sorta scramble "powder, patch, ball" into "patch, ball, uh oh!" ... ?

Maybe add in a patch worm, too?

Also, perhaps a muzzle protector so's the crown don't git worn from all that ball ramming?

A flannel rag for cleaning up the lock, too.

Heck, go on and add in a few extra ramrods, while yer at it!

 :bigsmile:

Maybe I should cut down that hickory tree in the yard, trim it up, split into staves, maybe trade staves (bow length and ramrod lengths) for trading material so's maybe I can get somebody else to make some of this stuff for me!

 :hairy

I like yer thinkin'!!!  :bl th up    :shake
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: KDubs on December 17, 2020, 09:12:45 AM
 all right, you guys gotta stop.
 my head is swimming with all the ideas and thoughts of the things i can make.
 and dammit i still want a fowler....
kevin
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 17, 2020, 09:22:21 AM
There ya go Kevin!  fowlers are a lot of fun!  I had to slap all the pieces together on mine and shoot it a few times before I ever started proper fitting and finishing! 
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: RobD on December 17, 2020, 09:52:01 AM
If ya really want to at least attempt to experience the 18th century, ya need a smoothbore, preferably a fowler (.62 is nice) or a smooth rifle (.50 or so). 

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

(https://i.imgur.com/u8rP0bi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Z4plBzW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/alUOMsx.jpg)

 [ Invalid Attachment ]
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: rollingb on December 17, 2020, 11:19:25 AM
If ya really want to at least attempt to experience the 18th century, ya need a smoothbore, preferably a fowler (.62 is nice) or a smooth rifle (.50 or so). 





Ya got that right,.... up until last week I had 5 smoothbore .62's hangin' on my wall, I gave my son one of my Northwest Trade Guns when he came up from Texas to hunt deer.  :bl th up

I still have 3 Northwest Trade Guns, and a French Tulle in the rack,.... so life is good.  :laffing  :applaud
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: RobD on December 17, 2020, 11:30:40 AM
If ya really want to at least attempt to experience the 18th century, ya need a smoothbore, preferably a fowler (.62 is nice) or a smooth rifle (.50 or so). 





Ya got that right,.... up until last week I had 5 smoothbore .62's hangin' on my wall, I gave my son one of my Northwest Trade Guns when he came up from Texas to hunt deer.  :bl th up

I still have 3 Northwest Trade Guns, and a French Tulle in the rack,.... so life is good.  :laffing  :applaud

Rondo, you be LIVIN' !  :hairy  :hairy
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 17, 2020, 04:26:40 PM
Rob, that is one good lookin' smoothie!!!  :bow
Rondo, You have done much to remove the feeling of guilt for having purchased yet another rifle! HAHAHA!  Thank'ya Brother!   :hairy

Of course the first thing I did when I got up this "mornin" after feedin' the cat and starting the coffee was to check to see if the Xman had come.  Not yet  ;banghead;  Probably just as well, if he had, would have made it hard to go to work tonight.
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 17, 2020, 04:35:53 PM
all right, you guys gotta stop.
 my head is swimming with all the ideas and thoughts of the things i can make.
 and dammit i still want a fowler....
kevin

Kevin, have ya noticed that there are absolutely NO enablers to be found on TMA?
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: RobD on December 17, 2020, 06:54:02 PM
all right, you guys gotta stop.
 my head is swimming with all the ideas and thoughts of the things i can make.
 and dammit i still want a fowler....
kevin

Kevin, have ya noticed that there are absolutely NO enablers to be found on TMA?

 :scared:  :luff:  :yessir:
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: KDubs on December 17, 2020, 10:20:10 PM
all right, you guys gotta stop.
 my head is swimming with all the ideas and thoughts of the things i can make.
 and dammit i still want a fowler....
kevin

Kevin, have ya noticed that there are absolutely NO enablers to be found on TMA?

No.. no I haven't noticed.   :laughing
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Uncle Russ on December 18, 2020, 06:38:16 AM
Kevin, now THAT's funny!

   :hairy
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Ohio Joe on December 18, 2020, 07:55:10 AM
To quote our friend, Butler Ford 40;

Quote
"It's just too much fun not to get back into the sport."

I agree completely! There's just something soothing about all this that we do.  :hairy
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on December 18, 2020, 09:31:29 AM
Ya know, a lot of it has to do with the company we keep.  I have truly missed you folks!
Title: Re: Why NOT to buy/build a new rifle!
Post by: Ohio Joe on December 19, 2020, 12:22:09 PM
Ya know, a lot of it has to do with the company we keep.  I have truly missed you folks!

That's a fact for sure, Bill! And we've sure missed you my friend!  :shake :hairy