Jaeger Kit

Shawrco · Mar 20, 2023

Greetings,
Fairly new here but have been researching and reading the various threads on building. A constant throughout is the recommendation to go with Kibler as first attempt. Although I've never built a ML, I do have some experience building a certain semi-unmentionable (it does shoot BP!)

So far I have two ML rifles, both percussion - a T/C Hawken and a fine Lyman GPR that I got from @frankie from the forum here (thanks @frankie !! great rifle and spare barrel). But being the tinkerer/do things with hands kind of person, I can see why everyone (well, most everyone) sooner or later wants to dive in and make one on their own.
I may be somewhat a heretic for not being overly fond of the long rifles, hence my attraction to the Jaeger style guns. And, I haven't totally decided to go with the flintlock ignition as yet.
So, I hope this isn't the typical "first build" post since I'm really kinda' narrow-focused.
I've basically found 3 "kit" sources for a Jaeger - TOW has a kit, as does R. E. Davis Co and Pecatonica (Jaeger and Transitional Kentucky), all with various options for caliber and barrel shapes and lengths <40 inches. Also, Jim Chambers has the Edward Martin that could be a player. Since Mr. Kibler doesn't offer a Jaeger, I won't be able to take advantage of the refinements in parts and simplification of the assembly process afforded by his reputable kits.
Now the questions/comments (I'll be calling all these vendors myself, but I always look to others who have first hand experience):

Anyone know where TOW gets the Jaeger stocks? They list Rice and Colerain barrels as options and the Rice website shows a 31" Jaeger (TOW) and 32" (Chambers, although I don't see a Jaeger on Chambers page. Maybe they offered one in the past.)
The Pecatonica website shows shortest Green Mountain swamped oct at 38" but also lists Colerain swamped Jaeger at 31". I saw where Mr. Chambers has also brought up Buckeye Barrels LLC to source that part of the kit from the major barrel makers separately.
I have emailed (at least a week ago) some of these question to a couple of the vendors mentioned, but they haven't responded.
Comments on level of difficulty between the vendors mentioned?

I've looked at all the specifications and measurements on the respective websites and gathered the info, but beyond that it's just a bunch of numbers. So, if anyone would care to offer your experience with any of these vendors or comment on the rifles you've built using their kits I'd like to hear what you have to say. I've watched Jim K's videos and it sure would be nice to start that way, but... I do have some good chisels and basic tools and materials, but I'm sure there are some jigs and tricks that would be nice to pick up. I've probably left something out, but thanks in advance.

v/r, Joe B

martin9 · Mar 20, 2023

I don't have experience with all the vendors mentioned.....I've stocked around 30 guns from a blank and built 2 guns out of precarves. One a Pecatonica Jaeger matter of fact and the other from Knob Mountain. Knob Mountain has a lot of different Jaeger styles so may be another place to look. I inlet the locks myself....I would advise to order a kit without the lock inlet cut.....that's where folks seem to have the most trouble.

From what I gather they're all pretty equal and will require the same amount of skill/work. I've heard Pecatonica supplies the stocks to Track. I believe The "chambers" profile barrel is made for his English Gentlemans rifle which is another short 31" barreled gun you may want to check out.

Shawrco · Mar 20, 2023

Thanks Martin9, I'll check out Knob Mountain... too bad not all suppliers come up on an internet search!
I did see the Chambers English Gentlemans, and it could be a player too.
Other threads also recommend go with no lock inletting. I'll have to make that operation a priority point of study.
The Track website is difficult to navigate (to me). "Jaeger" in the search window doesn't return the "kit" parts list, not sure how I found it in the first place

, but it doesn't show a stock on the list, so that will be a question for them.

Shawrco · Mar 20, 2023

I forgot to mention in initial post - one of the threads I researched spoke of finding an "Uncle", someone who could mentor a novice builder... are there any such "Uncles" in the middle Georgia area?

Jaeger · Mar 20, 2023

I am working on a TOW Jaeger kit right now. I have built a Pennsylvania Longrifle from one of their kits. TOW has good kits and components, but the kits require quite a bit of work to complete, even though the stock is "pre-inlet", which helps a lot. If you don't have experience building a gun from one of these kits, you are in for a learning experience and a lot of work finishing the metal parts, inletting and wood shaping and finishing. If I had to do over, I would pay to have the butt plate installed. Building a muzzleloader from a kit is not a job for the impatient!

Comfortably_Numb · Mar 20, 2023

I don't believe there are any real jeager kits out there. All the places you mentioned all get their jeager stocks from peckertonica. This Peckertonica kit looks like a jeager if you squint really hard and look out the side of your eye. Knob mountain may have something you could work with.

Shawrco · Mar 20, 2023

Jaeger said:
I am working on a TOW Jaeger kit right now. I have built a Pennsylvania Longrifle from one of their kits. TOW has good kits and components, but the kits require quite a bit of work to complete, even though the stock is "pre-inlet", which helps a lot. If you don't have experience building a gun from one of these kits, you are in for a learning experience and a lot of work finishing the metal parts, inletting and wood shaping and finishing. If I had to do over, I would pay to have the butt plate installed. Building a muzzleloader from a kit is not a job for the impatient!

PathfinderNC was recently thinking about building a Jaeger and I saw your comments to him re: level of effort... From what I've seen on the various building threads here the work required is significant, but expected. Can't say I've actually built a ML from parts, but I've worked with wood and metal on other firearms and hope the skillset will transfer and improve! Thanks for the feedback.

Shawrco · Mar 20, 2023

Comfortably_Numb said:
This Peckertonica kit looks like a jeager if you squint really hard and look out the side of your eye.

, I'm thinking your spelling is an intended pun!!?? Too funny.
I'm going to check out Knob Mountain.

billraby · Mar 21, 2023

With a kit your options are limited to what is available as a kit. Build from a blank and you can build anything you want. Building from a blank is actually easier than from a kit. But it takes longer. If you know how to work with tools you can build a gun. Read books and watch videos about gun building. Learning is the important part.

Mas Casa · Mar 21, 2023

Dunlap Woodcrafts offers a Jaeger and it is essentially what you'd get from TOTW.

frankie · Mar 21, 2023

Shawrco said:
Greetings,
Fairly new here but have been researching and reading the various threads on building. A constant throughout is the recommendation to go with Kibler as first attempt. Although I've never built a ML, I do have some experience building a certain semi-unmentionable (it does shoot BP!)
So far I have two ML rifles, both percussion - a T/C Hawken and a fine Lyman GPR that I got from @frankie from the forum here (thanks @frankie !! great rifle and spare barrel). But being the tinkerer/do things with hands kind of person, I can see why everyone (well, most everyone) sooner or later wants to dive in and make one on their own.
I may be somewhat a heretic for not being overly fond of the long rifles, hence my attraction to the Jaeger style guns. And, I haven't totally decided to go with the flintlock ignition as yet.
So, I hope this isn't the typical "first build" post since I'm really kinda' narrow-focused.
I've basically found 3 "kit" sources for a Jaeger - TOW has a kit, as does R. E. Davis Co and Pecatonica (Jaeger and Transitional Kentucky), all with various options for caliber and barrel shapes and lengths <40 inches. Also, Jim Chambers has the Edward Martin that could be a player. Since Mr. Kibler doesn't offer a Jaeger, I won't be able to take advantage of the refinements in parts and simplification of the assembly process afforded by his reputable kits.
Now the questions/comments (I'll be calling all these vendors myself, but I always look to others who have first hand experience):

Anyone know where TOW gets the Jaeger stocks? They list Rice and Colerain barrels as options and the Rice website shows a 31" Jaeger (TOW) and 32" (Chambers, although I don't see a Jaeger on Chambers page. Maybe they offered one in the past.)

The Pecatonica website shows shortest Green Mountain swamped oct at 38" but also lists Colerain swamped Jaeger at 31". I saw where Mr. Chambers has also brought up Buckeye Barrels LLC to source that part of the kit from the major barrel makers separately.

I have emailed (at least a week ago) some of these question to a couple of the vendors mentioned, but they haven't responded.

Comments on level of difficulty between the vendors mentioned?

I've looked at all the specifications and measurements on the respective websites and gathered the info, but beyond that it's just a bunch of numbers. So, if anyone would care to offer your experience with any of these vendors or comment on the rifles you've built using their kits I'd like to hear what you have to say. I've watched Jim K's videos and it sure would be nice to start that way, but... I do have some good chisels and basic tools and materials, but I'm sure there are some jigs and tricks that would be nice to pick up. I've probably left something out, but thanks in advance.

v/r, Joe B

Thank you shawrco.

Shawrco · Mar 22, 2023

Jaeger said:
If you don't have experience building a gun from one of these kits, you are in for a learning experience and a lot of work finishing the metal parts, inletting and wood shaping and finishing.

The semi-unmentionable I posted above photo was made from castings so the metal finishing will be a familiar task, it’s the wood work where the steepest learning curve will be. I know what you’re saying about the butt plates!

Shawrco · Mar 22, 2023

Mas Casa said:
Dunlap Woodcrafts offers a Jaeger and it is essentially what you'd get from TOTW.

Checked their website, they have nice stuff. Sent them email but haven't heard back.

Shawrco · Mar 22, 2023

Update - TOW has the Jaeger "kit" option disabled right now. Also checked with R. E. Davis Co (Log Cabin Shop is who answered the phone) and they have no Jaeger stocks or barrels and can't say when they will have any.

flntlokr · Mar 22, 2023

Shawrco said:
Greetings,
Fairly new here but have been researching and reading the various threads on building. A constant throughout is the recommendation to go with Kibler as first attempt. Although I've never built a ML, I do have some experience building a certain semi-unmentionable (it does shoot BP!)
So far I have two ML rifles, both percussion - a T/C Hawken and a fine Lyman GPR that I got from @frankie from the forum here (thanks @frankie !! great rifle and spare barrel). But being the tinkerer/do things with hands kind of person, I can see why everyone (well, most everyone) sooner or later wants to dive in and make one on their own.
I may be somewhat a heretic for not being overly fond of the long rifles, hence my attraction to the Jaeger style guns. And, I haven't totally decided to go with the flintlock ignition as yet.
So, I hope this isn't the typical "first build" post since I'm really kinda' narrow-focused.
I've basically found 3 "kit" sources for a Jaeger - TOW has a kit, as does R. E. Davis Co and Pecatonica (Jaeger and Transitional Kentucky), all with various options for caliber and barrel shapes and lengths <40 inches. Also, Jim Chambers has the Edward Martin that could be a player. Since Mr. Kibler doesn't offer a Jaeger, I won't be able to take advantage of the refinements in parts and simplification of the assembly process afforded by his reputable kits.
Now the questions/comments (I'll be calling all these vendors myself, but I always look to others who have first hand experience):

Anyone know where TOW gets the Jaeger stocks? They list Rice and Colerain barrels as options and the Rice website shows a 31" Jaeger (TOW) and 32" (Chambers, although I don't see a Jaeger on Chambers page. Maybe they offered one in the past.)

The Pecatonica website shows shortest Green Mountain swamped oct at 38" but also lists Colerain swamped Jaeger at 31". I saw where Mr. Chambers has also brought up Buckeye Barrels LLC to source that part of the kit from the major barrel makers separately.

I have emailed (at least a week ago) some of these question to a couple of the vendors mentioned, but they haven't responded.

Comments on level of difficulty between the vendors mentioned?

I've looked at all the specifications and measurements on the respective websites and gathered the info, but beyond that it's just a bunch of numbers. So, if anyone would care to offer your experience with any of these vendors or comment on the rifles you've built using their kits I'd like to hear what you have to say. I've watched Jim K's videos and it sure would be nice to start that way, but... I do have some good chisels and basic tools and materials, but I'm sure there are some jigs and tricks that would be nice to pick up. I've probably left something out, but thanks in advance.

v/r, Joe B

I built a .58 Jaeger from Pecatonica parts (I don't call them kits unless they come with instructions) I order ed partially inletted; i.e. 90% of the wood work done, but 90% of the fitting etc. left for me. I have built several rifles from their components, and have never been disappointed.

Shawrco · Mar 27, 2023

flntlokr said:
I built a .58 Jaeger from Pecatonica parts (I don't call them kits unless they come with instructions) I order ed partially inletted; i.e. 90% of the wood work done, but 90% of the fitting etc. left for me. I have built several rifles from their components, and have never been disappointed.

Very nice work... looks like you used walnut. I'm finding that the Jaeger sets are a little harder to come by since there seems to be less demand for that style rifle. I'm not a carver, so mine will be a straight forward, unadorned "working gun.

flntlokr · Mar 27, 2023

Shawrco said:
Very nice work... looks like you used walnut. I'm finding that the Jaeger sets are a little harder to come by since there seems to be less demand for that style rifle. I'm not a carver, so mine will be a straight forward, unadorned "working gun.

That one Is actually one I made for a friend; it's a .54, and unadroned. This is a shot of my .58; a bit fancier, also walnut stocked and from Pecatonica. I have made seveal guns from their parts, and never been disappointed with what was supplied. You ncan order whatever level of inletting you want; mine are usually '90%' inlet; all the major holes are in the right places; but you have to do the final fitting yourself (90% of the work), because nothing will drop into the factory inletting. You also get to do the final shaping to fit your personal taste.I could probably start with a 2x6 and make stocks from scratch, but the risk of screwing up a $200 piece of wood and taking all that time isn't worth the small amount of added satisfaction. Have fun; the secret is to take your time, and only work on it when you want to; not because you have some imaginary timetablt to meet. Some of my builds have taken 2 weeks, others 6 months.

Shawrco · Mar 28, 2023

flntlokr said:
That one Is actually one I made for a friend; it's a .54, and unadroned. This is a shot of my .58; a bit fancier, also walnut stocked and from Pecatonica. I have made seveal guns from their parts, and never been disappointed with what was supplied. You ncan order whatever level of inletting you want; mine are usually '90%' inlet; all the major holes are in the right places; but you have to do the final fitting yourself (90% of the work), because nothing will drop into the factory inletting. You also get to do the final shaping to fit your personal taste.I could probably start with a 2x6 and make stocks from scratch, but the risk of screwing up a $200 piece of wood and taking all that time isn't worth the small amount of added satisfaction. Have fun; the secret is to take your time, and only work on it when you want to; not because you have some imaginary timetablt to meet. Some of my builds have taken 2 weeks, others 6 months.

I asked them about another trigger guard and Doug said we could swap another to it. Trying to decide between Jaeger, Edward Marshall, or Transitional. Did you install the wood patch box on the .58?

Kman303 · Mar 28, 2023

Following this thread intently... I have a walnut pecatonica Jäger stock sitting on the bench, and I'm looking for more inspiration

flntlokr · Mar 28, 2023

Shawrco said:
I asked them about another trigger guard and Doug said we could swap another to it. Trying to decide between Jaeger, Edward Marshall, or Transitional. Did you install the wood patch box on the .58?

No, but I left room in the carving/inlay to do so if I ever feel like doing it. The .58 is fun to shoot, and sure stirs up the gongs. Loads up to 180grFF, and it's still resonably comfortable to shot; the benefit of a relatively heavy gun. I also opted for a swamped (Kirby??) barrel so it balances beautifully. (that's the rifle in my profile photo btw.) I managed to hit a life-size Mountain goat target at 300 yds with it after taking a few 'ranging' shots that were spotted for me. (couldn't do it twice in a row though, so probably as much luck as skill). After doing a number of custom rifles, I have decided it is worth the extra$$ to go for the absolute best options you can afford in wood, barrel, and hardware. Have fun with it! I'm glad you have had a good experience with Pecatonica; they seem to be great people, and I never feel shy about reccommending them.

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