50cal Kentucky Rifle Kit

[4thebrdz]

I have a Traditions Kentucky Rifle Kit. Before I start work on it I'd like some info so I don't screw it up.

Has anyone put one of the kits together and what secrets are there to fitting parts to the furniture? It seems that the parts are all finished except the barrel. I'm gonna send the barrel out to be browned by a pro.

The kit says that a patched .490 round ball should be used.

Thanks for any info!!

[jimiowa]

Never built a kit. But they look pretty well all there.
Two Moons has built a lot of rifles, Bill has built too I think.
I'm working on my first.
Start in if you have anything your not sure about, feel free to ask.
Someone will help out. Take your time and enjoy the journey! ;D

[4thebrdz]

Thanks Jim!!
Quick questions- Inside of barrel. Should I expect to lap the barrel?
Should the parts fit tight to the stock?
Barrel to stock fit- Tight or some what easy fit?
Thanks

[jimiowa]

I would not think you would need to lap the barrel.
Unless it is so sharp it cuts patches.
I would clean it very well.
The furniture, Trigger plate, trigger guard, nose cap & buttplate etc should fit as closely as possible.
Barrel fit should be pretty close but not so you break the stock taking it out. On a Muzzleloader the barrel supports the stock( opposite of modern cartridge rifle).
Then the stock is pinned of keyed to the stock.
The most critical part is that the breach is properly bedded in the stock. So it does not move, splitting the stock.