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Post by htownhunter on Nov 27, 2015 8:56:23 GMT -5
I'm looking to get a traditions deer hunter kit. I love to build things and this will get me a muzzle loader.
Has anyone put one together and if so what is your experience with them.
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Post by parson on Nov 27, 2015 10:59:25 GMT -5
I have 2 kit rifles, both CVA's, from back in the 70s and 80s, both turned out very well and both have taken deer over the years. One is a Mountain Rifle carbine, 50 cal.; the other is a .45 cal. Ky Long Rifle. They both shoot round balls very accurately. The kits came with the wood needing final sanding and finishing, and the barrel needing blued or browned. Not the best pics, but here they are.
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Post by htownhunter on Nov 27, 2015 12:17:52 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply parson
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Post by stevein on Nov 29, 2015 13:27:57 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with starting with one of these kits. Do they come with the holes in the wood and drilled and tapped? My only experience was to assemble a CVA pistol kit for my F.I.L. so I can't give an opinion on Traditions. You probably have most of the tools you need already. Steer clear of the ever popular Dremel tools as they just get the average guy in trouble faster. Most kits are production parts pulled from the line and put into a box. The ones I have seen you can mostly assemble checking fit, and then finish. You can add your own personal touches like inlays, browning the steel parts instead of the blueing, remove the ever present extra wood factory guns have etc. Some talented guys do a little patinazizing I.E. adding some wear to the product to make it look older. Go slow and be cautious on wood removal. Half of the difference between an amateur builder and one that makes a portion of his income is the knowledge and ability to cover up mistakes. I would use the ramrod that comes with the kit for something it is more suited to like roasting hotdogs and replace it with a REAL HICKORY rod with fittings. Also get a nice range rod to go with the rifle. Track of the Wolf, Muzzle loaders Builders Supply are two good sources for inlays and supplies. Areas that need special attention are 1.- Fit of the breech to the wood as this takes the blow of the shot and pressure of loading. Accra-Glass is your friend here. 2.- Lock panel and fit around the lock. If it is a drum and nipple set-up the lock plates needs to support the drum. The drum takes a hit every the rifle is fired. Above all have fun and step away if you get frustrated. Take your time and remember you are not the GUNSMITH OF WILLIAMSBURG. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi5EP_T5Dwo&index=7&list=PLy5BP9gPTI7xS-tPB6TOdwOY0QEVubTcT
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Post by htownhunter on Nov 29, 2015 17:35:43 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with starting with one of these kits. Do they come with the holes in the wood and drilled and tapped? My only experience was to assemble a CVA pistol kit for my F.I.L. so I can't give an opinion on Traditions. You probably have most of the tools you need already. Steer clear of the ever popular Dremel tools as they just get the average guy in trouble faster. Most kits are production parts pulled from the line and put into a box. The ones I have seen you can mostly assemble checking fit, and then finish. You can add your own personal touches like inlays, browning the steel parts instead of the blueing, remove the ever present extra wood factory guns have etc. Some talented guys do a little patinazizing I.E. adding some wear to the product to make it look older. Go slow and be cautious on wood removal. Half of the difference between an amateur builder and one that makes a portion of his income is the knowledge and ability to cover up mistakes. I would use the ramrod that comes with the kit for something it is more suited to like roasting hotdogs and replace it with a REAL HICKORY rod with fittings. Also get a nice range rod to go with the rifle. Track of the Wolf, Muzzle loaders Builders Supply are two good sources for inlays and supplies. Areas that need special attention are 1.- Fit of the breech to the wood as this takes the blow of the shot and pressure of loading. Accra-Glass is your friend here. 2.- Lock panel and fit around the lock. If it is a drum and nipple set-up the lock plates needs to support the drum. The drum takes a hit every the rifle is fired. Above all have fun and step away if you get frustrated. Take your time and remember you are not the GUNSMITH OF WILLIAMSBURG. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi5EP_T5Dwo&index=7&list=PLy5BP9gPTI7xS-tPB6TOdwOY0QEVubTcT Thanks for the response. I think they prefer assemble the rifle at the factory. I think it's kind of a first timer kit. It has a 1 n 48 twist. What kind of bullet would be good for this twist round ball or sabot.
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Post by stevein on Nov 29, 2015 20:55:17 GMT -5
It should handle either a round ball or a bore size bullet like the Maxi-ball or maybe the CVA power point. You can always try sabots. FYI a good many original rifling machines were around 1-48. Of course this was before the internet and we all became educated.
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