UPS delivered my Jim Chambers kit today. It was ordered from Jim during the National Match at Friendship, IN. Some money was saved when I supplied the blank for the stock (bought it from a wood dealer at Friendship for $25). Since I can make my own wood (or brass) patchbox lid, money was saved there too.
The kit is an Issac Haines southpaw rifle with a Getz 38" swamped barrel. While it costs more than kits from other manufacturers, the quality of the parts are commendable and you do pay for what you get. The brass castings are all very clean and while there is some sprue to cut off, polishing shouldn't take much time. Even the sideplate for this left hand gun is a genuine left handed sideplate. I tried placing the barrel in the channel and but for the breech in, the barrel practically falls right into it! Talk about good stock making.
There's a slight cast off on the stock and Jim explained that he puts it in all his kits. My first experience with cast-off was from examination of Hershel House's personal Southern Mountain Rifle. It shouldered quicker and less effort was required to gain the sights. It's definitely a plus for the kit.
So far 3 1/2 hours spent today inletting the breech & tang and it's almost done. About another 1/2 hour should be more than enough. The lock goes in next.
The kit is an Issac Haines southpaw rifle with a Getz 38" swamped barrel. While it costs more than kits from other manufacturers, the quality of the parts are commendable and you do pay for what you get. The brass castings are all very clean and while there is some sprue to cut off, polishing shouldn't take much time. Even the sideplate for this left hand gun is a genuine left handed sideplate. I tried placing the barrel in the channel and but for the breech in, the barrel practically falls right into it! Talk about good stock making.
There's a slight cast off on the stock and Jim explained that he puts it in all his kits. My first experience with cast-off was from examination of Hershel House's personal Southern Mountain Rifle. It shouldered quicker and less effort was required to gain the sights. It's definitely a plus for the kit.
So far 3 1/2 hours spent today inletting the breech & tang and it's almost done. About another 1/2 hour should be more than enough. The lock goes in next.