To kit, or not to kit

[julius27]

I've decided that I want to buy an actual Queen Anne flintlock, but am undecided as to whether I should get it outright, or buy a kit and put it together myself. I own dozens of bladed weapons, but not a single firearm, so I've no idea what the pros and cons would be.

[Francois]

Ive decided to start making my own guns. The reason is for cost. If a kit has good quality parts go for it. Check out these sites. Ive also included some early match locks, and a sit of minitures.

Francois

tennessee valley manufacturing

technical video rental

the rifle shoppe

track of the wolf

matchlock

craftsman ship museum.

[Captain Jim]

Those guys that build miniatures drive me nuts. How can anyone make something so desirable, so exquisite and so utterly useless? Don't get me wrong, I admire craftsmanship when I see it, and building a working miniature anything is a great accomplishment, but when you’re done all you have is the craftsmanship itself to display (and brag about.) One can't go out and use it. So why do I want one of those miniature flinters so badly? That’s what truly drives me nuts.

[julius27]

Completely understood, mate.

[callenish gunner]

that frenchman's work is friggin' incredible as was the original

.....i had to wipe up the drool

[Cap'n Pete Straw]

I got a Queen Anne kit from Dixie Gunworks. First gun I ever built from a kit, and it was a fantastic (yet frightening) experience.

If you have the tools and patience, I say go for the kit. It will be rewarding -- even if you make mistakes... but that's what experience is made of.

If you never built anything before (especially out of wood), then I'd suggest you take a pass on the kit.

I am saving up for another kit, just to do it again.