Finally makin' some smoke!

I've finally completed my .40 caliber Virginia build and fired the first three shots just before dark tonight. I've got the trigger pretty light and the first shot surprised me. I started this build the first week of May and probably have over 200 hours in it. The rifle finished at 9 lbs 8 oz.
There is a build thread here. Slow progress on my .40 build.

That is a fine looking firearm. I wish I had the skill, patience, and “where with all” to be able to build as fine a firearm.

1BadDart said:

I've finally completed my .40 caliber Virginia build and fired the first three shots just before dark tonight. I've got the trigger pretty light and the first shot surprised me. I started this build the first week of May and probably have over 200 hours in it. The rifle finished at 9 lbs 8 oz.
There is a build thread here. Slow progress on my .40 build.

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Very nice lefty! I'm a lefty but can shoot either way due to playing with all kinds of toy guns when a kid. Your rifle is real good looking.

Rock Home Isle said:

That is a fine looking firearm. I wish I had the skill, patience, and “where with all” to be able to build as fine a firearm.

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I don't have patience to build, either; always appreciate guys who do.

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Great looking rifle you built. Looks good and I like it.

Awesome looking work you did very well.

The two patches I could find.

The lock is on the wrong side!

ord sgt said:

The lock is on the wrong side!

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Depends on how you hold it.

My wife is a lefty. That's why I say things in jest.

nice looking rifle!

I see no signs of wear from the lands or circular cuts from a sharp crown. The frayed edges are normal.

Now these are shredded patches. I used too thin of a patch and undersized ball to see the effects of using a very easy to load ball and patch combination.



Things were much better with a larger ball and thicker cotton drill cloth patching.


You can see some wear marks from the lands, but no holes.

When I retire Iwill build one. I ordered a Kibler kit and started thinking about my packrat garage and fact I would need a bunch or tools and I traded back by extra fancy maple for standard maple and "in the white" Figure I may be able to sand n stain. Asked a member here if they was interested in a finish job with no reply So what I end up with is gonna be just dandy. Now bout that purchase.....Damn its a been a while. Last time I checked was 3-4 weeks out. That was a week or two ago. Cant wait!! Mine is a .40 as well.

Thanks guys. I have some .400" balls to try too, just had to shoot it the other night after i finished it. It seems like it's been a long road and at times frustrating. When I started getting frustrated, I'd just step back for a while and re-evaluate things, then go at it again. Like the old saying, "patience is a virtue", it has come hard for me.

That is a beauty for sure. Even better it has the lock on the “proper” side instead of the “right” side.

That's something to be proud of! Love it!