The dawning of a new flinter project

[hushnel]

I went into Tip Curtis' tent at the Alafia River Rendezvous with purpose. I walked out with all the parts I need to make a Isaac Haines style Lancaster flinter. Colerain .50 cal. swamped barrel, Siler Left handed flint lock, nice curly maple stock and all the assorted bolts, screws and hardware to make this up in browned iron.

I've been wanting to do this for near 10 years. Then the day after a buddy who lives near me told me about his father in law that died two years back and never finished his left handed flinter, he told me I could have it, it needs a lock, which I have previously built from a kit. His father in law was a well known local rifle builder, guys have taken many trophies shooting his flinters.

It's going to be a busy year for me, when it rains it pours

 

[messerist]

Can't wait to see some photos of the work-in-progress and when she's done!

 

[hushnel]

I plan on taking plenty of pictures, maybe even a little video along the way. I'll probably have my gunsmith put in the dovetails and bore sight it but other than that all the drilling a tapping I'll do myself. I've got a good bit of carving to do to but at least I don't have to drill for the ramrod and swamped barrel, that can be pain with out the proper jigs.

 

[Oldnamvet]

You are going to love the way that swamped barrel feels. I have a colerain .40 cal swamped barrel rifle and it is amazing how that balances and holds on target. Good luck with it. Maybe have it ready by spring/summer?

 

[hushnel]

Maybe by summer, I tend to take my time on stuff like this, I do a lot of thinking before I take knife or file to wood or metal. I'm re-reading my Journal of Historical Arms Making. I've cleaned off my leather working bench to set up for this project but I do have a couple of leather projects I need to finish up.

I've got family, by the end of this week I may be in a second, working band and I still have the odd weekend when my buddy and I go hunting.

I'm also thinking it might be a good idea to see what the other kit looks like, it may be closer to finishing. I love how that swamped barrel feels, it easily points and holds on target, by the time I'm finished a good amount of wood will be removed and the iron hardware should balance it out quite a bit.