|
|
|
THE FUTURE OF THIS SPORT
|
Often I hear folks talk about the new gun they are building for themselves,but rarely do I hear anyone mention building one for a kid.As the average age of NMLRA members goes up ,it is paramount that we bring the kids into the sport.If you don't have any children of your own or they are already grown,find one who is interested.He/she does not have to be your own to be your student.
If you are like me,you don't need an excuse to build another gun,so build one for the kids.The one the little girl is holding is a prime example of what you can do for very little money.She sure looks happy with her new gun doesn't she?
Below I will give you a few ideas on kid's guns.By the way,the little girl in the picture is Crystal,my daughter.Today she is a college graduate,married,and has a little girl of her own.And now I have at least one more little gun to build.
|
|
|
|
|
KID'S LONGRIFLE .32 Cal. Flintlock
|
This gun uses a 13/16 .32cal Montana barrel,CVA flintlock,and all handmade furniture.The parts are easy to make with sheet brass,and I used a small brass pistol triggerguard to which I soldered a rear mounting tang.Wood was obtained from a cherry 2x6.When I built it I doubt that I had $50 in it.Although prices have gone up the last 16 years,you should still be able to build one for under $120 if you shop around.
I sold this gun when my girls outgrew it to Jim Calentine for his grandson,and the gun later appeared in Muzzle Blasts with the little feller shooting it off X sticks.
|
|
|
|
|
2/3 SCALE NORTHWEST TRADE GUN
|
I built this Trade Gun from plans in the "North West Trade Gun Sketch Book" by Hanson.Photo-copy the plans out of the book and glue the templates right to the metal of your choice.Makes it real easy to saw and file them to the proper shape and size.Again I used a CVA flintlock and the barrel I obtained from Dixie.It is a 32gauge(.50cal)smoothbore.Every thing else is handmade.The stock is from that same 2x6 cherry I used on the rifle.I paid $6 for the barrel and $10 for the lock.Everything else was scrounged and free.
After the girls outgrew it ,I sold it to Art Ressel of the old Hawken Shoppe for his grandson.With about 30grs powder and 1/2 oz shot it was hard on starlings.
Hey! Go build a kid a gun.You won't be sorry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
