what to get

[KDubs]

  Got the approval from the War dept. to purchase another ML. ( my father used to call my mother that)  not more than 1000$
 Im interested in the versatility of flintlock buck n ball so a smooth bore is what i need??  yes thats a question.
 What bore , thinking .62 ( 20ga)
 
 I'd like a kit, i see kibler is recommended as a true kit, easier to assemble. rather than a set of raw parts to finish and fit. although I'm not above that.   Thoughts ?? no bashing please. 

 would it be wiser to buy an existing original firearm and restore it or buy someones kit they assembled and retro fit ?? 

 where is the best place to look for older ML. what should i look for when buying an used ML.

open to any and all responses.

kevin

[Butler Ford 40]

Kevin, I've never heard anything but good about Kibler kits.  I've never even seed one, much less have first hand information.  The only long gun kit that I've ever done was from Tennessee Valley that I bought at a gun show.  It is a .62 smooth bore.  I still have it and no complaints.  https://www.tvmnatchez.com/

[BEAVERMAN]

Bill I was just going to mention taking a look at TVM, Matt Avance does a wonderful job with his builds and kits, you may also want to look at Tracks English fowling guns or the Northwest trade gun, seeing how you have a 100 Track Gift Card coming your way, win win!

[KDubs]

Believe me I've been looking at TOTW. 
 Swamped barrel would be nice,  seems like tracks kits require a bit of smithing more so than kiblers. Or am I wrong.
 I've watched a few TOTW build videos . nothing outside my capabilities for the most part.
Really like the fowlers from TOTW .
 Kevin
 
 

[KDubs]

well those TVM kits are certainly nice.   
kevin

[Ohio Joe]

Kevin, my guess is that what ever you get, you're gonna love it! 

[KDubs]

Just got off the TOTW site. Looked at fowlers and trade guns.
 Sadly quite a few parts are out of stock on these kits.
 Not sure if I should order and wait or look for a kit that's ready to go without having to wait on parts .
 Anxious to start.
 Kevin

[ridjrunr]

Ive seen before what is backordered at TOW may be available elseware. May pay to look around alot more.

[KDubs]

 i will be doing my research for sure.
 went to a mandatory family xmas eve dinner.  ran my phone battery down reading about bridled frizzens and such things while i kept my distance sitting in the corner
 looked at a lot of sites,  jim chambers, kibler, tvm, dixie on so on.
 one site of interested is jedediah starr trading company.  I'll learn about them some more before i plunk done any $$$
 kevin
 

[KDubs]

Well finally pulled the trigger and bought a sitting fox K57 Virginia Fowler kit.
  Steel furniture, 20ga 42" barrel.
 Now we wait.....
 Kevin

[rollingb]

Well finally pulled the trigger and bought a sitting fox K57 Virginia Fowler kit.
  Steel furniture, 20ga 42" barrel.
 Now we wait.....
 Kevin

We'll need pictures and a report once you have it in hand.     

[ridjrunr]

Well finally pulled the trigger and bought a sitting fox K57 Virginia Fowler kit.
  Steel furniture, 20ga 42" barrel.
 Now we wait.....
 Kevin

Kevin, what wood did you go with? I love iron furniture👍Look forward to seeing it.

[KDubs]

Went plain maple, simple .
 Think I will try some faux curly lines when I do the finish.
 Having them do the lock and lugs since this is my first kit.
 But I'm sure not my last.
 Kevin

[Butler Ford 40]

Looking forward to seeing this progress!

 

[KDubs]

Anxiously awaiting .
 While I wait I decided to cruise that TOW website and use my winnings to pick up a few items.
 Couple English flints and leather pad, brush/pick, main spring vise, inlet black and the building the long gun book.
  I have all the tools I need for this build.
 What accoutrements would I need to round things out.
 .610 ball ? ,  shot bag ?  Wads ?
 New to the Fowler , I have Ffg . would  3f be better as prime and main charge
 Thoughts?
 Kevin