Got the building bug!

[Hanshi]

You've done a heck of a fine job so far on that rifle.  I'd sure love to have those skills.

[Watauga]

Wow!  Cherrybow1 Does Awesome Work 

[Cherrybow1]

Thanks guys. I've sure made a few mistakes learning on this first one. Still having some issues with the trigger, I have to set the trigger in order to cock it.  I will definitely do better drawing out the next one. Humbled by y'all!
   The dowel jig is what I have used to turn my own arrow shafts in the past...it's a lot faster than hand planing.

[hotfxr]

I was able to get the toe plate, wedge key plates and cap box installed this weekend...cap box was a tough one!
Looking for opinions....should I brown or blue it? Or do that combination of plumb brown with cold blue over it?

In my opinion, and only my opinion, you can't beat the plumb brown/cold blue method. You get a deep, dark black/brown finish that rivals factory bluing in durability. I have yet to treat a barrel this way that comes out with a perfectly even finish, which (again) in my opinion is more appropriate for a muzzleloader. I polished the first few barrels I worked on but for the last several years I only use a matte finish. In my opinion (yet again,) I feel it is more appropriate and it seems to make for a tougher finish. Hit the barrel with a wire wheel, a trip through the bead blaster, apply brown/bluing, then several coats of hot oil. Well, not hot oil but torch the barrel and apply oil, several times. It seems to set the bluing deeper, and it makes me feel better. (One more time, just my opinion)

You have done a bang up (pun intended) job on this one and I love your doweling jig. Extra kudos for maintaining our "On the Cheap" credo.    

[Cherrybow1]

I do appreciate your opinion 👍🏻. I haven't heard about this method until I read the browning thread. I may just give it a try since this whole build is kind of an experiment to me. The darker brown may look pretty nice with the silver furniture.
This is definitely on the "cheap". I have right at 200.00 invested in this one. For the next build, I'm thinking of having more of a Leman trade half stock feel to it. I picked up a Leman LR percussion lock for the cherry stock. It will also have a CVA 54 hawken barrel though. #3 will be the maple half stock with a LR Manton percussion that I picked up at a great price and a CVA 54 barrel. #4 is the one I'm hoping to make really nice. I got a maple full stock from Mongrel to re-stock a CVA flintlock Kentucky 45 cal. I'm planning on spending a bit more on the lock by going with Mongrels advice and getting the LR Manton flintlock............ ...I think I'm in trouble..

[hotfxr]

Once you have been sucked into the cult of the Black Powder Dark Arts, there is no escape. Just start saving your money and continue down the well worn path! 

[Cherrybow1]

Finally working on my project some more. I'm on coat number 5 of tru oil on the stock. Got the barrel prepped and the first round of browning on it

[pilgrim]

   not sure if this will help concerning the set trigger, can't hurt to read;

     http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/triggerterm.html

     http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/index.html

     Check this first
     http://muzzleloadermag.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/20610091/m/1324083828

[topbreak]

Nice work Cherrybow. I've put together a few kits but nothing that ambitious I lack the patience to do a real build. I have a tendency to rush through projects and that usually leads to a substandard end product.

Don

[Cherrybow1]

Thanks, Pilgram. That is a good read 👍🏻. I believe I have my issue figured out. I had my trigger too deep,  partly because it is such a slim stock. I had already filed down the triggers as much as I dare and still had the issue until I put a shim in to lower trigger plate as capshee suggested. It works as it should now.

[Red Badger]

Looking very nice!  now that you are almost finished it is time to remind you of what HotFXR said in the very beginning... All firearms constructed and viewed on this page must be sent to the Chief Factor for a safety inspection - WE would not want it to fail on you!  If you look under Chief Factor you will find me - do not be deceived by imposters from California...    I will take care of it as if it were my own and will get it back to  you in 5 or 6 years :)....

Please notice it is only our deeply felt jealousy and all of us wish you a long and happy relationship with the rifle...

RED BADGER - Chief factor (otherwise known as Jim)

[Cherrybow1]

Red Badger, know you have me confused...HotFXR told me to send it to the Booshways? .

[Cherrybow1]

Red Badger, now you have me confused...HotFXR told me to send it to the Booshways? .

[Hanshi]

Note to all: LISTEN TO HOTFXR, NOT THE TOOTHY BURROWER. 

[pilgrim]

Note to all: LISTEN TO HOTFXR, NOT THE TOOTHY BURROWER. 

     I would be careful what you say Hanshi.  Remember that the Badger and Wolverine are in the same family.  Although Wolverines are much larger.  I have seen a picture of the Red Badger and he could be part wolverine, because his picture shows him to be a bit fat........lets say stout and BIG