Early Plains Flintlock Rifle build

[Gordon]

Did my first barrel dovetail by hand today. Tolerances are measured by thousands of an inch so I was a little nervous because if I messed this step up it could trash the barrel. But it worked great. Next up is installing the rear sight.

[BowEd]

First off.Nice work on a nice gun.Ought to be a beautiful dependable gun for yourself.I replaced my front sight blade with that thin silver blade too on a barrel opposed to the wide coarse thick front blade.I think it's more accurate to be pin pointing your shot.

I shoot a .54 too.A capper though and traditional.A Johnathon Browning Hawken.Rather boring walnut stock on it but still a deer slayer for sure.I put a 35" barrel on it though opposed to the 30" that came with it and glad I did.I think it's more accurate yet myself.Pretty sure it was a badger barrel from out of Montana.Could be wrong though.I've had the gun for close to 40 years.....lol.Seems you get a good shooting barrel you better hang on to it....lol.
Those 225 grain .52 call rounds are plenty to put em down.Thanks for sharing yours.

[Parnell]

That's a beautiful rifle and kit, Gordon.  I had done the equivalent Lyman kit...but it's nothing like that. 

There is a track of the wolf kit in my future...

Beautiful work.

[Eric Krewson]

Your dovetail is pretty deep, no problem if you have a thick barrel which you have. Most dovetails are .050 and less. One thing to remember; after you cut your dovetail always file on your sight or lug to make it fit, never widen your dovetail as you can get it too wide in a heartbeat. I always keep spare sight and underlugs just in case I file one to a loose fit.

[Gordon]

Eric, in retrospect I agree that the dovetail is pretty deep. This sight came with the kit so I didn't think about that when I started cutting. When folks on another forum starting pointing out the same thing I went back and did some measurements and I think I'm okay as this is a rather thick walled barrel. I could have reduced the thickness of the sight base with a file, or separately ordered a sight with a thinner base but that is the kind of thing that can happen when you don't know better. I think your suggestion of filing the sight base to fit is a good one. I did not think of that but I went really slow and got it to fit nice and snug the first time - beginners luck I think, but I'll take it.

[Hawkdancer]

That is looking very good!  A fine rifle,  Congratulations!  When you get to he range, remember it may take quite a few shots to settle in and find it's groove!  Keep yer powder dry and yer flints sharp!

Mike,
I think you would like the .58 in a flintlock.  It packs a wallop with a round ball on top of 120 gr 2F!  It is also fun with a 30-35 gr target load, it does use a lot of lead, though !
Hawkdancer

[JW_Halverson]

I did not think of that but I went really slow and got it to fit nice and snug the first time - beginners luck I think, but I'll take it.

Considering the meticulous craftsmanship you have exhibited for years, I am less than convinced this was luck.

[Gordon]

Cut the dovetail and installed the rear sight. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

[Gordon]

I finished the rifle. Tomorrow I will shoot it for the first time and begin the process of sighting it in. I hope you enjoy the photos.

[Pat B]

Very nice Gordon. Looking forward to the hero shot with your quarry. 

[Gordon]

Thank you Pat!

[chamookman]

Well done Sir  ! Bob

[Eric Krewson]

Nice, very good inletting especially the butt plate, butt plates give me fits.

[PaulN/KS]

Nice job. 
That turned out very well, can't wait to see how well it shoots.

[Gordon]

Eric I agree, inletting the butt plate is a b*tch. The first gun I did it on I ended up with a mess. This time I took it slow and easy and was pretty happy with the end result.

I took the gun to the range this morning for it's inauguration and... it shoots! Ignition is fast and sure, and the rifle groups nicely at various powder charges. Next up I will sight the rifle in.