Building a Fusil-de-Chasse

[Bill Raby]

I recently finished building a fusil-de-chasse from a Track of the Wolf kit. I turned out great. I made a series of videos of the build, explaining what I was doing every step along the way. That was kind of fun. I have been putting two of them up on You Tube every week. I have about half of them up there now with more to come. I just thought some of you might be interested in it. I would love to hear what you think of it and any suggestions for the next one. Here is what I have posted so far:

Part 1 -

Part 2 -

Part 3 -

Part 4 -

Part 5 -

Part 6 - https://youtu.be/UfQBZryj1qk

Part 7 - https://youtu.be/ImCdpzgJt1w

Part 8 - https://youtu.be/Q3jbWf7M-MI

Part 9 - https://youtu.be/hekKMRdrk7I

Part 10 - https://youtu.be/U6rqAUHK0R8

 

[labnoti]

thank you... this is a project I'm planning to be ready for the 2019 upland bird season. I haven't decided between a Fusil-de-Chasse or a flintlock fowler, but they're pretty similar and I'm sure I'll gain some valuable understanding from your videos. I have some other projects to finish before I get started, but I'm looking forward to one like yours.

 

[Bill Raby]

The build would be about the same either way. Only real difference is going to be in how it looks.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I built one from Track about 15 years ago and it turned out very nice. I really prefer a trade gun look over the fusil. I built that one for a customer then built a chiefs grade trade gun from Northstar West. It's a keeper.

 

[Robert]

I've been looking hard at a Hawkin kit from Track. Thanks for the very informative videos!

 

[Bill Raby]

These videos might help with some of the basics, but Hawkins are built quite a bit differently than fusils.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 11. This is getting into the metalwork.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 12. Finishing up the metal work.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 13. Installing buttplate and a bit on sharpening chisels.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 14. Taking some wood off the fore end and starting the entry pipe.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is part 15. See just how ridiculously easy it is to inlet the entry pipe.

 

[JeffG]

Good job! I love my kit guns! If your build along videos encourage one black powder builder, that would be great!

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 16. Shaping the lock panel.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 17. Shaping the side panel and fore end.

 

[Jim Watson]

When I first got to handle a fusil, I realized that would have been my choice of a firearm of the day. I can't see well enough without spectacles to get the advantages of a rifle, so why hump around the traditional Pensylvania/Kentucky crowbar?

 

[Bill Raby]

When I first got to handle a fusil, I realized that would have been my choice of a firearm of the day. I can't see well enough without spectacles to get the advantages of a rifle, so why hump around the traditional Pensylvania/Kentucky crowbar?

Finished gun only weighs 6 1/2 pounds and the balance is perfect. I love it!

 

[Jim Watson]

The one (two, actually) I so admired was in that weight range. 24 or 28 bore.

The reason there were two was that there was a pre-revolutionary original in antique excellent condition, quite shootable. Shootable except that it did not fit the 6'4" owner well enough for "shooting flying", so he had a copy made with stock dimensions to suit his physique.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 18. Carving the stock.

 

[mdauben]

I just love the lines of those guns. Beautiful!

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 19

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 20. Trigger guard and some carving.

 

[paul harm]

Jim, good reason to shoot a tradegun, or one with no rear sight. Most my shots in Michigan are in the woods. I can't remember shooting a deer over 60 yards, so my last ones were all shot with a smooth bore flintlock [ or matchlock ], no rear sight. I always felt a little more proud of my kills with a TG.
Bill, that's one nice looking gun. You can be proud of it.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 21

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 22. Finishing up a bunch of the small details. Almost finished.

 

[Bill Raby]

Here is Part 23. This is the last one. The gun is finished.