Clay Smith's French Trade Gun kit

[PathfinderNC]

While I just started working on another French gun (Pecatonica Fusil de Chasse) this French Trade Gun kit arrived from Clay Smith in Williamsburg, VA. It looks like it will be a lovely 20 gauge. The barrel is cool- 42" Octagon-to-round .62 Caliber (and quite light) and comes from the Mould and Gun shop, as does the lock.
That butt plate looks maddening to inlet, though the pre-carved Black Walnut stock has some inletting done.
Fun times ahead

 

[FishDFly]

He is a Master.

 

[PathfinderNC]

He is a Master.

I like his videos a lot. He is really easy to follow along with.
I have talked with him a few times on the phone and is really helpful with any questions. A very good guy.

 

[Zutt-man]

From his photos on his website, it seems a lot of the inletting is done. Is the ramrod channel cut?

 

[PathfinderNC]

From his photos on his website, it seems a lot of the inletting is done. Is the ramrod channel cut?

Yes, the stock has the RR holee drilled. This stock seems pretty much inlet. Clay said it's the only style he doesnt pre-carve in-house but orders them.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Clay also soldered on the barrel lugs and front sight for me at a good price.

 

[Brokennock]

Great stuff.
What are your comparison thoughts of the two right out of the box?
Can you maybe post the photos of both "kits" together in the same post please?

I'm sure I'll be happy with either of them so will let you choose which one to send me when you're done,

 

[PathfinderNC]

Great stuff.
What are your comparison thoughts of the two right out of the box?
Can you maybe post the photos of both "kits" together in the same post please?

I'm sure I'll be happy with either of them so will let you choose which one to send me when you're done,

Both seem pretty similar in quality (high quality). My first thought was that Pecatonica's parts seem to come from Track of the Wolf, and Clay's come from The Riffle Shoppe (not saying either is true, mind you). I like Clay's barrel more-- it's lighter and has flutes cut between the flats as it transitions at the wedding band, plus it's thinner/lighter.
I may lay out both sets for a picture tomorrow. Good idea.

 

[Brokennock]

may lay out both sets for a picture tomorrow. Good idea.

Thanks.
I was just thinking you could post the pics you have posted, of both guns, in the same post. Buy, fresh pics of the kits laid out next to eachother would be great if possible and not too much hassle.

 

[rich pierce]

The barrel profile makes all the difference in how a trade gun or fowling gun handles. If I was ever contemplating a kit, that would decide it for me.

 

[zerosprk]

Watching both of these builds will no doubt be fun!