Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

Hallo!

Depending upon a lad's "Learning Modalities," that can be an most excellent suggestion.

There are a number of "how to" books and videos that can be borrowed, purchased, or maybe low cost Inter-Library-Loaned such as those by Peter Alexander, Hershel House, James Turpin, etc.
While they do not build CW muskets, much of the "basic" skills or techniques do cross over such as the principles of inletting whether a breech plug and tang, a buttplate, a lockplate, or a trigger assembly- drilling holes, etc., etc.

Curt

[JimKindred]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

Back in my rifle and musket building days I found this book to be indispensable - Recreating the American Longrifle. As Curt says, these are not Civil War muskets but the basic principals of building are the same.

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/partDetail.aspx?catId=4&subId=38&styleId=137&partNum=BOOK-RAL

During the 90s I was heavily involved in the 18th century trekking scene. During that time it occurred to me as quite interesting that Civil War reenactors cried about having to spend at that time $450-550 on a musket when the trekking crowd thought nothing about spending $1500-2000 on a proper 18th century longrifle.

[fytn5th]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

John, you can always buy a kit and put together just to get the feel and flow of it (with intent to sell, or keep if you like it that much). Another avenue for "practice" is to purchase an original cut gun, or parts gun and try to restore that. They are still sometimes easy and inexpensive to find. I've purchased a number of parts/cut rifles and have restored them using Dunlap full and part stocks. You get part of the original stock for reference, and it's fun to see it go together. With patience, you end up with a really nice piece. Again, these first few would be for practice, but would get you to your final destination of that '61 you want to build.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

A li'l update:
I am planning to take a crack at this, using a model 61. I have most of the parts sourced at this point. I won't be able to start building for a while... there's just too much other stuff going on right now.

However, I'll keep folks updated. This might make for some good blog posts as to my progress. We'll see!

Thanks for all of the great advice in AND outside of this thread. I really appreciate it!!

[prestontoprail]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

Hey John, would you mind posting a list of the parts you are going to use (i.e. original parts/ repro parts)? And perhaps where your preferred sources are located? I'm curious as to which hardware parts you use will be original or repro. And I assume you will be using an original barrel with a Dunlap stock? Good luck buddy, this is all inspiring me to take even more leaps with my "defarbed" repro muskets.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

Sure, no problem. I'll post some pics, as well as notes when they all get in.

I will say this: I'm going to use a repro barrel, not original (and NOT Italian) with a Dunlap stock.

[FloridaConscript]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

A li'l update:
I am planning to take a crack at this, using a model 61. I have most of the parts sourced at this point. I won't be able to start building for a while... there's just too much other stuff going on right now.

However, I'll keep folks updated. This might make for some good blog posts as to my progress. We'll see!

Thanks for all of the great advice in AND outside of this thread. I really appreciate it!!

brother wickett,
a blog or notebook that one may use as a how to: build a '61 may be useful to some folks down the road.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

brother wickett,
a blog or notebook that one may use as a how to: build a '61 may be useful to some folks down the road.

...or, perhaps it might be useful for a "Here's what you DON'T want to do".
:wink_smil :cry_smile

[Blair]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

I, for one, encourage you to do this.
Getting all the correct parts you will need, in good enough condition (if you plan on using original parts) will be the first thing I would suggest.
Are you starting with a pre carved stock like Dunlap Woodcrafters has?
If you are, I would suggest inletting the Lock first. It is least forgiving in how much you can move or position it for/aft or up/down in relationship to what inletting you have to start with. The position of everything else will then be based off of the position of the lock in the stock. Inlet the barrel next to fit the bolster into alignment with the lock. Barrel should be at least one half its dia. in depth the full length of the stock.
If you are starting off with a square block of stock wood... I recommend inletting the barrel first. Then inlet the lock to fit the bolster of the barrel.
These are just some suggestions on getting started

[benjaminmcgee]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

Hello.

I would inlet the buttplate first. I learned the hard way that it is easy to chip off chunks of wood from the endgrain while shiftin the stock around. Next, I would install the trigger assembly as this is another delicate area of wood. Dissasemble the lock and inlet the plate first. Installing the plate will be easier if you pre-drill the lock screws and use long temporary screws to help guide it in, and make sure you use a drill press. Next, tackle the barrel as the lock plate will help guide it in. Hope this helps.

Benjamin McGee

[Blair]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

If you inlet the butt plate first, how do you go about adjusting the length of pull?
This is base of of the distance between the trigger and the flat of the butt plate, 13 inches to 14.375 inches depending on the type and model of firearm.
Or, the drop of the stock which is based off of the top of the barrel and a the top of the tang or the butt plate. 1.75" on a Long stock P-1853 to 2.50" on a Springfield type firearm.
You may just be creating a lot of extra work for yourself if the wood is not to the proper dimensions from the start for the weapon you intend to have when finished.
As I stated earlier, "These are just some suggestions on getting started". There is a reason for this suggestion.
You may, of course, start your work anywhere you wish.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

Hallo!

While lads may have their own ways about them, as Herr Blair has shared, there are reasons for certain things.

IMHO, a Dunlap "precarved" stock is more a matter of inletting and fitting than it is about design and lay-out. But, IMHO, getting a beginner through the "maze" some of the steps are best done before others as it will be almost impossible to end up with functioning rifle (moreso when starting out with a stock plank than a precarve):

In brief and to over-generalize:

1. Inlet the barrel WITHOUT the breech plug
2. Inlet stock for the barrel tang
3. Inlet the lock and drill stock for the lock screws
4. Inlet the trigger assembly
5. Install the buttplate
6. Install trigger screws and tang screw
7. Shape lock area, panels, and wrist
8. Shape butt stock
9. Shape forestock and install nosecap
10. Install bands
11. Inlet band springs
12. Install lock screw escutchons
13. Complete shaping of the entire stock
14. Finish stock wood
15. Disassemble, and oil wood
16. While wood is drying, polish metal furniture
17. Reassemble
18. Enjoy the gun

Others' gun-building, and mileage will vary...

Herr John, I will also send you measurements from the original and how to measure to recreate them.

Curt
Who will be sending Herr John a "collection" of the necessary
reproduction-original M1861 parts

[benjaminmcgee]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

Hey guys,

I forgot to mention that my suggestions were based on using a Dunlap stock where trigger pull is already established. I didnt mean to ruffle any feathers:confused_

Benjamin McGee

[GPM]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

As Curt stated, the first attempt at a custom build is seldom put on display. I would strongly advise trying to keep costs to a minimum on the first build. You are going to make mistakes, and learn from them.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Makin' Muskets: How to get started?

Thanks, Curt! Very much appreciated!!

Re: Stock - Yep, 'tis a Dunlap!

I have a vision of revisiting this thread often for tips and to establish a reading list of books, tips, etc.

Take Care, Gents!