First flinter, first build. Thanks Captchee.

[dbo1966]

I want to share this story. If it needs to be moved, please do.

Around January 2013 I decided to build my first rifle. I decided on a Bedford shape.  I wanted a NC style butt plate,  iron furniture, 2 RD pipes, no entry thimble, very limited carvings.  2 feathers on check piece side and a Lilly on lock side.  Had to have a buckhorn rear.  I had a great mentor, I bought a good piece of curly maple, Rayle bbl .40, Bedford Lock....anyways I ordered all my parts, bought lots of files and chisels and scrapers.  I was doing this build at my mentors shop.

Under my mentors watchful eye, I started my build.  Draw filed the barrel, fitted touch hole liner, installed and shaped tang and breech plug.  Shaped stock, inletted barrel, drilled ramrod channel, inletted buttplate,  inletted tang, shaped and inletted toe plate, shaped and inletted lock plate, reshaped lock, inlet lock and inletted tang. Got rough shape and carved feathers, drew a Lilly on lock side.

Then the worst thing happened.  My mentor and dear friend passed after a short illness.  My rifle and parts and tools were now tied up in an estate war.  I called, begged and pleaded.  Luckily I got my rifle and most small parts back.  

But the worst was losing my friend. I also lost all the will to finish this build, so it sat.  I just couldn't find the will to finish it.  I decided I couldn't finish it.  I didn't know how, and didn't want to rebuy tools and more books and more parts.

So as I sat grieving and moping, I surfed this site.  I've been a member for years but didn't really contribute much.  On a whim and chance, I PMd Captchee.  Explained my situation and sent him my mess.

Today I received my first finished flintlock.  It's sadly the most beautiful gift I've ever recieved.  Captchee finished my project.  I thank him from the bottom of my heart.  Seeing it finished and talking with him, I think I'll build one for Bill.  I feel inspired again.  I can hardly wait to shoot it and take it to the deer woods.

Thanks Mr. Starks, you are a great builder and human.

[Two Steps]

[greyhunter]

[snake eyes]

dbo,
      Very Nice!!!! [/color]

[4-Liberty]

[Hanshi]

Very nice build.

[1Poet]

That's why TMA is the best! :happy

[Riley/MN]

[Roaddog]

[dbo1966]

I'll get my daughter to take some good pictures and get em posted.  It's such a beautiful rifle.   Just place an order with track, then I'll let ya know how she shoots.

[hawkthrower]

DBO1966 -

[attachment=0:1ce2md40][/attachment]Thumbup.png[/attachment:1ce2md40] for your continuing the tradition in memory of your friend and mentor!

And

 
[attachment=0:1ce2md40][/attachment]Thumbup.png[/attachment:1ce2md40]
Capt! as always --

Hawkthrower

JEA

[Captchee]

Your more then welcome dbo
  As I said on the phone .  Your not alone . Just post the question and to folks here will give you a good honest answer .
Also feel free to call me any time

[Stormrider51]

[Captchee]

here are some photos i took during the build . not the best but  will give you an idea

[Bigsmoke]

How far down the barrel is the rear sight?  Looks like a person would need binoculars to see it.
Else, looks like a mighty fine long gun.  A job well done, sir.
John