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    Druthers ...

    I can tell you I really like my Jim Chambers Christians Spring in .58. It's not as graceful as the later American longrifles and fowlers, but the beefy stock soaks up the recoil, and the 37" barrel makes for easy handling in the woods. Of course, it's historically correct, as the original...
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    Pennsylvania Fowler

    Built one several years ago, my second Chambers kit. The thin round barrel means soldering the lugs and front sight, and you're aligning them on a round surface, not a nice barrel flat. As others advise, go slow. The gun is great to carry - light and well balanced. I don't shoot a ball well yet...
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    Fire Damaged Barrel-Dangerous?

    When I made an honest living, I was a metallurgist (Carnegie Tech in the Steel City). Longknife, there are 2 things you don't know: the temperature reached and the cooling rate. At high temperature, you may have grain growth, and the larger the grains, the softer the steel. So you could very...
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    First project suggestions

    My first project was Jim Chambers' Marshall kit. It worked out well, but there were some nail-biting moments! Like drilling a big hole in that expensive Getz barrel. Get a drill press. The advice to start with an inexpensive kit, particularly a pistol, is good. But whatever you get,take your...
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    advise needed....Please....

    As I have been reminded on this Forum, the "Golden Age" describes a long time period. While I understand that late flintlocks tended to straight sided barrels, most people would say that swamped barrels were the norm for most of that time. Plus--you want a swamped barrel! There are many vendors...
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    Charge amount, etc...

    Assuming the rifle is in good shape, and it's a real good idea not to assume that, old "rules of thumb" are a quarter the weight of the ball or grains equal to the caliber. That would start you at 45-50 grains of 2F. Do not use the 4F to charge the gun, and while you're at it, make sure the...
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    Buttstock Width

    What is a typical width of a "Golden Age" rifle at the buttplate? My Chambers pre-Revolution fowler is 2". Are later rifles similar or narrower? Building my first one from scratch.
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    Dunlap Woodcrafts Isaac Haines?

    If you change your mind on the Haines, I can definitely recommend the Chambers Howard Marshall. I hunt Butler County with mine, and it handles very nicely.
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    Ash Stock

    I am getting started on a new rifle generally designed after Martin Shell. A friend cut some timber on his place and has offered me a nice ash plank left over from the lumber. It's thick enough, has some nice grain, and the price is right. I have read ash was used for Pennsylvania rifles, but I...
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    Greetings

    I'm new to the forum. After completing 2 Jim Chambers kits, I am embarking on my first "do it yourself" rifle, and I will definitely be seeking advice!
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