Finished My FDC

There it is, warts and all. I see all the places where I could have done it better. I see a few places where I could go back and touch up. But it's functional.

This is my second gun building project. I took it on as an exercise. And I have learned some valuable lessons along the way; like how handy a drill press really is, and how convenient a belt sander can be. And I could have saved myself some aggravation by getting a set of gunsmith screw driver bits, like the Chapman 9600 set.

The Particulars:
Model: Track of the Wolf Fusil de Chasse de Tulle
Stock: Black walnut (Juglans nigra) It came pretty closely inlet for the butt plate. Everything from the lock pannels rearward was also closely shaped. Forestock was left square.
Barrel: Coleraine 44" 20 ga
Lock: Track of the Wolf Tulle (Chambers internals, so I'm told)

So, there you have it. Can't wait to start saving up for the New & Improved model!

Can't wait to start saving up for the New & Improved model!

Where can you make possible improvements?
Dave

1950DAVE said:

Can't wait to start saving up for the New & Improved model!

Where can you make possible improvements?
Dave

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All of the pin holes were drilled by hand. I wouldn't do that again. That's the biggest improvement I think I could make.

The second improvement I think I could make would be to glass bed the breech before applying finish to the stock. And I could be a little more sparing with the epoxy application.

Nicely done. Please let us know how she shoots.

Nice job.

Choot it.

Very nice! I like it. Thanks for showing it to us.

How heavy is it?

Maybe I’ll see it first hand soon.

Nice! Is there any choke or just open? Small game I assume.

toytruck said:

Nice! Is there any choke or just open? Small game I assume.

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A .600 ball is quite adequate for a bit more than "small game."

I was thinking shot since it's a 20 ga. .600 ball will do too.

toytruck said:

I was thinking shot since it's a 20 ga. .600 ball will do too.

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'Tis the beauty of the smoothbore muzzleloader. Shot or ball for all things great or small, or a mix of both when yer back's up against a wall....

bud in pa said:

How heavy is it?

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Weighs about 7 pounds according to my bathroom scale.

toytruck said:

Nice! Is there any choke or just open? Small game I assume

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Cylinder bore .615

There are several load combinations I'm interested in. One is one I picked up from Spence; powder charge, thick card wad, lubed ½" fiber wad, patched ball. I have three ball sizes on hand; .580, ,600 (cast by yours truly), and .610. I also have plenty of 7½ shot.

Kansas Kid said:

Maybe I’ll see it first hand soon.

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Weather permitting, I'll be out at the range on Saturday (12/14) and the monthly shoot on Sunday.