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Author Topic: Early 1800s New England Flintlock from a Traditions Kentucky Rifle kit  (Read 3622 times)

Offline JB67

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Having built a Kentucky Rifle kit in percussion, I decided to build a flinter. I emulared (not copied) the style common to rifles from Massachusetts gunsmiths in the early 1800s. Key details are faceted ramrod pipes, facets and reeding on the buttplate return, the lock bolt washers, a hidden patch box release, and silver wire inlay. This is the results of my efforts, an I hope it inspires others to think outside of the (kit) box.

This was my first attempt at wire inlay (I could have done better...) and a spring release patch box cover. I didn't engrave anything as I don't have that skillset yet and this was not the time to botch something up!

Stain is leather dye, sealed with Watco Danish Oil. Since these pics were taken, it has had a wax job to add a bit of sheen.

Some more details will be provided in additional comments, including examples of originals I used for inspiration.
All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.

Offline JB67

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Some of the pictures of period details I gleaned off of the internet in my research.
All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.

Offline JB67

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I really wanted to incorporate a cheek rest. They are a standard feature on flinters. As seen above, some weren't very pronounced. Luckily, I saw if I narrowed the buttplate and shifted it as far right as possible, I could gain just enough extra stock width to accomplish one.

Needless to say, this also required extensive work with a rasp and files to shape everything, but was so worth it.
All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.

Offline JB67

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The patch box cover was a blank from Track of the Wolf.  It was just 2 rectangles on a hinge. I had to cut it out to my own pattern and make the catch pin. It is held closed by a small spring made from a hacksaw blade. The release button is a 1/8" steel wire press fit in a button made from a brass rod. The button has a flange so it stays in the toe plate, while the wire is just long enough to reach the spring. The entire patch box was hollowed out with hobby knives and gouges.

All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.

Offline JB67

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I hope others may find inspiration and think outside the box in making an off-the-shelf item truly their own.
All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.

Offline Ohio Joe

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Looks good!  :hairy

How's it shoot?  :shake
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Offline Winter Hawk

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That is plumb lovely!  :hairy
 I have a CVA kit tucked away in the garage, I may have to build it and try something like this.  What did you use instead of the brass spacer between the two pieces of the stock?

~Kees~
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Offline JB67

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That is plumb lovely!  :hairy
 I have a CVA kit tucked away in the garage, I may have to build it and try something like this.  What did you use instead of the brass spacer between the two pieces of the stock?

~Kees~
Thanks! The 2 pcs are epoxied, using dowels in place of the pins and a brass hose coupling in the ramrod channel (though a piece of copper tubing would have worked if I had some...)
All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.

Offline JB67

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Looks good!  :hairy

How's it shoot?  :shake

Thank you!

I only put 3 balls through paper yesterday at 25 yards, all a few inches apart. I'm not sure if it is me flinching, or the patches, which were shredding a big hole in the middle. Odd, since the same ball & patch is fine in my other Kentucky, but using real black vs 777 in the percussion might be a factor. Bit ignition does not seem to be an issue.
All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.

Offline Ohio Joe

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Looks good!  :hairy

How's it shoot?  :shake

Thank you!

I only put 3 balls through paper yesterday at 25 yards, all a few inches apart. I'm not sure if it is me flinching, or the patches, which were shredding a big hole in the middle. Odd, since the same ball & patch is fine in my other Kentucky, but using real black vs 777 in the percussion might be a factor. Bit ignition does not seem to be an issue.

Could be a combination of both with the bore needing to be (what I call "shot in" )... You'll get'er worked out.  :bl th up
Chadron Fur Trade Days Rendezvous / "Ol' Candle Snuffer"
"Museum of the Fur Trade" Chadron, Nebraska

Online BEAVERMAN

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Nice adaptation of a kit gun, like that you did not use that damn brass plate at the joint!  :yessir:
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Online rollingb

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I always enjoy seeing "kit" guns spiffed up from their original presentation right out of the box.  :applaud

You did a pretty nice job on that one!  :toast  :bl th up
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Offline PetahW

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IMO, you NAILED it ! !   :applaud

That's DEFINITELY the nicest CVA I've ever laid eyes on, fer sure !  :bow  :bow

Congrats !  :toast

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Offline JB67

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Nice adaptation of a kit gun, like that you did not use that damn brass plate at the joint!  :yessir:

Thanks. Ironically, it was the ONE piece missing from the kit!
All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.

Offline JB67

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I always enjoy seeing "kit" guns spiffed up from their original presentation right out of the box.  :applaud

You did a pretty nice job on that one!  :toast  :bl th up

Thank you!
All men have fears. The brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death but always to victory.