i really like the fact that the stock is completely inlet including the trigger assembly and trigger guard, the butt plate, lock, and tang or at least that is what they advertise. im really considering an early lancaster from tvm just for that reason, however they do not offer the rifle school i would really like to focus on. if they did offer it i would order from them without hesitation.
getting accurate opinions of dealers and the quality of their products is a difficult task and a fellow forum member and i have come to the conclusion that it is really a manure shoot. based on what ive read and heard around the grape vine here on the muzzleloading forum is Jim Chambers makes the best kit, pecatonica river comes in a close second, Dunlap Woodcrafts is up there, and tvm is respectable. thats just my take on what ive read up on but im sure someone will disagree with me.
i was having a hard time choosing where to get my first kit and based on a few recommendations im going with pecatonica river even if i have to do more work myself.
if i change my mind and decide to build a lancaster i will buy from tvm.
as far as it being a bad question to ask the public i disagree. its probably the most important question a first time builder can ask and if people on this forum are tired of answering it then they should just move onto a different topic and not respond. however, it would be a good idea to email tvm and ask them directly about shipping etc...
i guess a good suggestion would be to find someone here on the forum that you really admire his work and use him as a blocker. follow him and the choices of dealers he uses and you can attempt to mimic his work. that being said, some of the work ive seen on this forum is unbelievable and would take decades if ever to come close to achieving.
best of luck with your build and we look forward to seeing some really good pics!
ryz