New to kit guns

More Cowbell · 12-15-2007, 06:56 PM

well my Grandfather was telling me about kit guns (he has a Pennsylvania Dutch percussion kit hes going to be making soon) and i came across this particular revolver Dixie Gun Works muzzleloading, blackpowder and rare antique gun supplies.
and i was wondering if it was worth the price for a kit revolver.

andrew cochran · 12-17-2007, 10:50 AM

If you like to put guns together. But on many of these you must blue the metal parts. That can be a pain, I'll stick to the asembled ones.

.22guy · 12-17-2007, 12:11 PM

Try to help your gramps and see if it's something you would want to do.

nathangdad · 12-17-2007, 03:04 PM

Kit guns can be a source of great enjoyment for those who like to work with metal and wood. Like any process you will find it is a learning curve. If this is your first one expect to spend time with bluing or browning, finishing the wood, learning about torque on screws, etc. Don't expect your first one to come out matching what a factory produces. If you value this project by matching the cost of a new gun versus what you think your time per hour is worth financially then it is not worth it.

Idaho Dave · 12-17-2007, 05:09 PM

I have built a rifle and a pistol. The rifle is the one my wife is holding in my avitar. I will post a pic of the pistol. The pistol was easy to do, far easier the the rifle. It came pretty much ready to finish and assemble. it is true that you may have to blue your own metal and in the case of the rifle I did. I used chemical blueing and was pretty pleased with the results. New metal takes the bluing really well. just make sure you follow the directions and watch what you drip it on (did mine in the yard). As far as the price that is about what they sell for. But keep in mind that a 36 caliber cap and ball isnt a super powerful gun. The directions will probably suggest using under 25 grains of powder (more like 15 or 20) which isnt that much. They dont generate enough energy to be legal to hunt with where I live. Accept I load some birdshot loads and shoot grouse with them. But they are a whole lot of fun to shoot. Some times in the summer when I am bored I will take my 44 cap and ball and 50 cal muzzle loader pistols and sit in the back yard shooting them for hours, trying different amounts of powder and types of loads. anyway in short heck yes get one and have fun putting it together they are really a blast to shoot. oh and if you can get one without the brass frame do it. the brass looks good but it is a soft, weaker metal that scratches wears easier then steel. Plus it stains with powder residue and cleaning agents (in this case soap and hot water work best)

12-15-2007, 06:56 PM	#1
More Cowbell Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 7	New to kit guns well my Grandfather was telling me about kit guns (he has a Pennsylvania Dutch percussion kit hes going to be making soon) and i came across this particular revolver Dixie Gun Works muzzleloading, blackpowder and rare antique gun supplies. and i was wondering if it was worth the price for a kit revolver.

12-17-2007, 10:50 AM	#2
andrew cochran Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Little town in ARKANSAW! Posts: 2,133	If you like to put guns together. But on many of these you must blue the metal parts. That can be a pain, I'll stick to the asembled ones. __________________ If you don't have anything good to say... Don't say it!

12-17-2007, 12:11 PM	#3
.22guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4,137	Try to help your gramps and see if it's something you would want to do. __________________ Guns: they are like baseball cards except they are cool and you can kill things with em. -Billy

12-17-2007, 03:04 PM	#4
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,434	Yes, if you enjoy this type work Kit guns can be a source of great enjoyment for those who like to work with metal and wood. Like any process you will find it is a learning curve. If this is your first one expect to spend time with bluing or browning, finishing the wood, learning about torque on screws, etc. Don't expect your first one to come out matching what a factory produces. If you value this project by matching the cost of a new gun versus what you think your time per hour is worth financially then it is not worth it.

12-17-2007, 05:09 PM	#5
Idaho Dave Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 530	I have built a rifle and a pistol. The rifle is the one my wife is holding in my avitar. I will post a pic of the pistol. The pistol was easy to do, far easier the the rifle. It came pretty much ready to finish and assemble. it is true that you may have to blue your own metal and in the case of the rifle I did. I used chemical blueing and was pretty pleased with the results. New metal takes the bluing really well. just make sure you follow the directions and watch what you drip it on (did mine in the yard). As far as the price that is about what they sell for. But keep in mind that a 36 caliber cap and ball isnt a super powerful gun. The directions will probably suggest using under 25 grains of powder (more like 15 or 20) which isnt that much. They dont generate enough energy to be legal to hunt with where I live. Accept I load some birdshot loads and shoot grouse with them. But they are a whole lot of fun to shoot. Some times in the summer when I am bored I will take my 44 cap and ball and 50 cal muzzle loader pistols and sit in the back yard shooting them for hours, trying different amounts of powder and types of loads. anyway in short heck yes get one and have fun putting it together they are really a blast to shoot. oh and if you can get one without the brass frame do it. the brass looks good but it is a soft, weaker metal that scratches wears easier then steel. Plus it stains with powder residue and cleaning agents (in this case soap and hot water work best) __________________ Living the life Last edited by Idaho Dave; 12-17-2007 at 05:13 PM.