Never built one from the blank up, just parts kit, lots and lots of pain staking work, this is the most in depth work I’ve seen, highly appreciated very, very educational. Black powder been in my blood since I was 12, and purchased my very first Muzzleloader from a shoot in Friendship Indiana. That was 51 years ago!

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! It in mine too.

my grand father used to tell me "every animal has enough brains to tan it's own hide." glad to see someone else learned it as well.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

You bet. My uncle was the one that shared that with me. It’s a lot of work to tan hides.

Never done any sort of woodwork in my life but here’s youtube giving this to me as a recommendation. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy!

The man is bare foot making flint locks... such glorious Chad energy

Thanks for the great videos. I was just looking at a swamped barrel and curly maple blank I bought way back in '91. Have all the parts I need just never got to it. Now is the time and your videos will sure help inspire me.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome. Good deal! I’m glad you enjoyed! Good luck!

failing eyesight put an end to my shooting days, but watching you work your craftmanship was highly relaxing. Thank you.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Good deal! I’m glad you enjoy it.

@frankbennett3676

2 жыл бұрын

Can you tell me where your shop is? It's so beautiful

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

I live in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

@frankbennett3676

2 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 very beautiful. Did you build that cabin? Do you live the period 24/7

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The cabin was built in 1860 in Missouri. I don’t live period all the time but love living it when I can lol.

Thank you for making these vids as I'm doing my first full build from a block of wood so it's perfect timing! Love your shop too, Good luck with your business. By the way, I worked with an old cabinet maker years ago when he noticed me struggling with my handsaw. I thought I had to muscle it through. He told me not to push down on the saw and let the saw do the work. Nice light forward strokes gets it done with much less effort and error (not that I could see anything wrong -your cuts look perfect). Maybe it was just the heat and humidity but maybe this will help you too.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I’m glad you like them. I hope they help you.

Nice videos, I have had custom flintlock rifles and fowlers built from a nearby gunmaker over the last 15 years. My most recent is a Gillespie rifle in .32 caliber. It’s really interesting to actually see what goes into building one. Well done!!

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I appreciate it. I’m glad you enjoyed. And yes. It’s a lot of work.

That’s a lot of precision hand sawing. Very impressive work.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. It’s a trick to keep it all straight.

Your videos are just amazing. Everything about them! 🫡

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

7 күн бұрын

The k you so much. I had to move to Missouri, but am hoping to start up videos again soon.

Theses are great videos. Very well presented material . I don't think anyone would fault you for having an air conditioner. It looks brutally humid... Keep up the good work!

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Haha. Thank you. Yes. I am getting one this summer.

I am enjoying your videos. You have you a really cool shop there. Keep up the good content.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I should have more videos coming sometime soon.

@user-im5ok5px2p

2 жыл бұрын

Workshop?

you are a great teacher!

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! I appreciate that.

Yes indeed sir, thank you for making these fascinating videos. You are a brilliant, artisan craftsman, it is fantastic, to know that there are passionate gunsmiths, like you, who are still keeping alive, these historical, skillful handy crafts. I think that a well made custom Pennsylvania long rifle, is at thing of beauty. I also like the name of your gun making business, it is both appropriate, and imaginative. I hope you acquire all of the tools you need, and I hope that you get lots of custom. Keep up your brilliant work.🙂👍

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very very much! I appreciate that! Buying tools is something I have to do over the years. But I’m getting there haha.

@scottfoster9452

3 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 Thank you for your reply, and you are welcome and deserve praise for your diligent attention to detail. It is great to read that you nearly have everything that you need. I have watched and listened to all of your videos, and am hoping you continue crafting, and sharing videos of your efforts, to people who are interested in what you are doing. I wish all of your friends, family and yourself, all the very best, for now and ever more.🙂👌

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. I appreciate it. There will be more videos coming in the near future.

Interesting and educational job... Love from India🇮🇳

Your videos are great! They are so detailed that it makes me think I might be able to do this. Keep up the great work.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed. There will be more in the near future.

These are the best videos man. Please make more .

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

5 ай бұрын

Thank you! I will after I get my shop built! I’m really glad you enjoyed.

I can't give you enough thumbs up! Great job!

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir. I appreciate that very much!

What wonderful videos! And you certainly embrace the life and times of an 18th Century gunsmith, even to dressing the part and using mainly period tools, But please - can you instruct me in HOW you maintain such a perfectly straight line with the handsaw? I do OK with a jeweler's saw, but with a handsaw, I veer off line either to right or left, and also sometimes find myself ON the line on the side I am cutting from, and OFF the line on the other side of the part. And it really is necessary sometimes to get away from using the table or bandsaw and resort to the handsaws. And I really pity your poor back cutting the fore-end to size - that is a LONG cut! But thank you so very much for the series. Got into this late in life - I am 76 now - and I really enjoy recreating these period firearms.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

That is awesome. I love building them. Honestly most of how I keep it straight is years of using a handsaw. But you can clamp blocks on either sides of your cut to help keep it straight as well. Only cut about an inch at a time and check your work. If you have to sometimes you’ll need to cut away the drop piece with the end of your cut where you stopped so you can start again with a fresh straight cut. I hope this helps.

Am amazed at how you can rip as far following the line as you can. My saw would wander within the first three inches.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

It’s tougher than it looks! Lots of practice haha.

Love watching this. !!

All without power tools beautiful I love it

That is such a beautiful shop. I would love to own a cabin like that

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Owning a flintlock is on of my dreams Sadly in my home country that I’m living right now owning any sort of gun is forbidden So hope one day i could get that gun….

Russian from love.Im live in Russian, look this chanal, you Great Master❤

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. I appreciate that! Wow! Russia! Cool!!!

Great content and historical educational

Again another great video! You do a awesome job and the person behind the camera too. I have one tipp for you: for disasembling it is easier to compress the mainspring, when you first cock the hammer in firing postion. Then position the mainspring vise on the spring and then lower the hammer, the spring ist free. This method is much easier because you dont have to compress the mainspring so much with the vise. Sorry for my stuporous englisch!

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Oh no you’re good. Yes I knew that and should’ve done that in the video. There’s a few things I wish I would’ve done differently foe the video but there’s a next time I guess haha. Thanks.

Very interesting video. The bare feet in a workshop was hilarious though.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Ya. I enjoy being bare foot. It’s was really hot.

This is amazing! I love woodworking, and I love American History…and you bring the two together! Keep it up! Are your rifles for sale?

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. And yes they are. I do custom orders. Shoot me a message on Instagram under Golden Mean Flintlocks. Or email me at goldenmeanflintlocks@gmail.com

Love your videos

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Great work Jebbadiah !

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Actually my name is Tyler haha. You’re not the only one that’s called me that lol. Not sure where it’s at. No worries at all though. Thanks for watching.

Great vdo. I think we all should donate some cash for making these vdo.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

I sure appreciate that. I was honored to do it.

@Peter-od7op

3 жыл бұрын

You will see check coming next week

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Peter. Thank you very much. That is much appreciated. It will be put towards more videos.

Really enjoy your build vid’s. Great to see it done all by hand, 18rh century style. Keep up the good work👍 One suggestion though: imho your workbench is much too light. Workpiece and -bench are visibly instable under workload. Build/buy one that is substantially heavyer I would say.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

It’s plenty heavy. It’s just on an uneven cabin floor haha. I need to anchor it to the wall. I’m glad you enjoyed it. There will be more in the near future.

Bet you grew up watching Roy Underwood on The Woodwrights Workshop.. Me too.. I still watch it KZread

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I did haha. And my dad is a carpenter. I also watch Wood and Shop a lot on KZread.

After using Japanese pull hand saws I cant use a traditional saw. I see SO many areas I would use a coping saw. Nice to see the traditional styles still being used.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Can’t beat traditional tools in my opinion. I love feeling the work.

If you want 18th century tools. Do as they did and do at Colonial Williamsburg make them. This way you have an original appearance with modern steels and if you break one you haven't lost the genuine article. George Wilson, used to be active on one of the forums, made a lot of their tools.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

I do make a lot of my own tools. I didn’t have too many that I’d made in those videos because I’d just moved into my shop a few weeks before the videos and didn’t have everything I wanted or needed. But I’m getting there.

Makes me proud to be a Pennslytuckian

They would have bought stock material and filed their own saws from that back then, I assume. Maybe a good resharpening session will also improve the sawing experience. One has to spend a mighty buck and still can't be certain that modern blades are sharp right out of the box.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

A few possibly could have made their own saws. Most all cutting tools were made in England in the factories and imported here. We couldn’t make steel here at the time. We were the third largest iron producing colonies in the world before the Revolution but most all our steel items came from England. Saws, files, chisels and so on. The blade was sharp but if you ever try to cut through that kind of figured maple it doesn’t matter what kind of saw you have. They didn’t call it rock maple for nothing back in the day.

Why no shoes? Great craftsmanship on this stock.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Well I didn’t have the right shoes at the time and didn’t feel like wearing moccasins lol. I usually go barefoot every summer anyway when I’m at 18th century events or around my house. So my feet are pretty callused up and used to it.

Someone needs to show him how to use his marking gauge he calls a "square " dude would save a shitload of time. Actually, taking a few woodworking classes would blow his mind. He'd actually learn how to use them tools to make most efficient use of his time and effort

When I began my mechanics apprenticeship, when removing nuts and screws and put them on the bench I got a smack across the knuckles with a steel ruler, needless to say thereafter I put things in a box, then a lid on and labelled.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Yep. Haha.

@feetuber9162

2 жыл бұрын

Isnt that agains the rules to smack people at least with map sticks

@deathsicon

2 жыл бұрын

I've been known to make a drawing of the part on a piece of cardboard then stick the screws through the cardboard drawing so theres no question where they came from

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Same. I draw the design on the stock and then use tracing paper and trace the drawing. Then glue the paper to my material and cut it out. Works great.

Wax your saws! And clean the pitch off the sides of your saws.

@kreeger2010

3 жыл бұрын

No lol

@GtsAntoni1

2 жыл бұрын

I'm sitting here looking an unwaxed, pitch laden saws. And there's not s thing you can do about it.

Someone get this man a floor fan

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha.

when you got Winded sawing the sides I had to laugh because I did the same thing little over a week or so ago.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Haha. Hey man. That piece of wood wasn’t playing around.

@boden_gamerboy6139

3 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 nice job, and congrats on your new subscriber

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! I appreciate that!

This is a wonderful video series in every way but the lighting. I understand the attempt for period atmosphere but many details were lost in the dark.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

I understand. I just moved into that shop a few weeks before filming that. The lighting in there is horrible. We will try to make it better.

@YerluvinunclePete

2 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 A superb video series otherwise. I would love a look at that first rifle when it was finished though.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

If you have Instagram, hop on my page and you can check out some pictures of it.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

And thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed. More will be coming in the near future.

It put a smile on my face when i saw you barefoot in the workshop. I also work barefoot when i can in the workshop. (Work with wood and metal)

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Nice. Ya I enjoy it. I always go barefoot in the summers. Have since I was a kid lol.

It doesn't really matter if the tools you use aren't exact copies of tools of the time period, as long as the working principles and techniques are period correct.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

10 ай бұрын

Correct. It’s hard to find original tools. I make a lot of my own as well. But it’s still the same concept.

What did the old timers use? Setting aside romantic notions wouldn't a Rabbiting plane work better?

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

7 күн бұрын

Yes. I didn’t have one for the video. Planes work great! I still prefer to use chisels for the ramrod channel but for the barrel channel I start with chisels and then go to a plane.

Always nice to see a hobbit building a gun!

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely.

Excellent video! What brand of lock are you using? Thanks.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. That one is the colonial Davis flat face lock. I mostly use Chambers locks though.

@johnvaness8445

2 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 Thanks! really enjoying all these vides! Have a good weekend. John

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you John. You as well!

You may have answered this already, but just started watching this series. How do you know how far to drill in for your ramrod? Do you cut your ramrod to length then mark where it would be on your drill?

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

Жыл бұрын

Yes. You can do it that way. I usually lay my bit along the barrel putting one end flush with the back side of the breach and then mark my bit on the bore end of the barrel. I’d recommend a piece of tape. This will make your hole about an inch and a half deeper than the bore length. That way when you’re cleaning the rifle it gives you that much rod to grab a hold of plus the length of an extended jag or worm. Hope that answers your question okay.

@jamisonkuhn4220

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Thank you. I'm strongly considering inletting a traditions kit i have to get some practice so these videos have been great 👍

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

Жыл бұрын

Good deal. I’m really glad.

Friend, Is that Screw-Driver a Goodell-Pratt? I love their olde tyme Treadle-Powered Metal Lathes. Wish that I could afford one.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Not sure. I’ll look a little closer and see.

So you didn't use any type of marking compound during your inletting?

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

No sir. I’ve done so many I just know what I’m looking for I guess lol. I did use some inletting the lock though. It’s very important that no parts are rubbing on any wood that will effect the function of the action. But I would recommend to anyone that’s still pretty new to at building to definitely use inletting black, a kerosene lantern or a beeswax candle to assist them in their build.

Our presenter is working totally barefoot, and I wonder what the motivation is for that!

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha. Well, I’ve always gone barefoot in the summers since I was little. I just enjoy it more than having shoes on.

@BigFiveJack

2 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 When the temperature is agreeable, I sure do understand your thinking!

i think i'd be owning an 18th century table and band saws lol

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha. Yes. Band saws would make it easier. But where’s the fun in that haha. My table was a very expensive gift to me and it works so I use it lol.

What kind of drill bit do you use for boring the ramrod hole?

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

You really need a bit that’s made for it. You can order them from Muzzleloader builders supply or Track of the wolf or make your own. I took a 3/8” bit and took it to a machine shop and had them drill and tap the bit into a steel rod. It works very well but just make sure you keep oil on it and clean the shavings out every 1/2”-1” while drilling.

@garyshearer77

3 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 thx

I would have a broken toe or a chisel sticking out of my foot.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha!!!

7:10 how on Earth do you get a straight cut THAT long by HAND? I always have the issue of the blade twisting or bending and the cut pulls off to a side

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha. It still happens to me from time to time. The biggest thing is to just try to keep it slow and check your work constantly so you can make corrections immediately instead waiting too late.

You would be far better using a wood boring bit than a metal cutting drill, the geometry is completely different and will give much better chip clearance.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

I totally agree. I have one now but didn’t at the time when I made the videos. I’m about to start making all my own bits as well.

@453421abcdefg12345

3 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 I find that when you make a spade type boring bit, the amount of "flare" you need to give chip clearance makes it difficult to keep going straight, when you braze a "auger" type wood bit on to a long shank the sides of the auger keep the drill much straighter, you still need to block over the muzzle end of the stock channel to keep it in line, but I find that auger type cuts a nice straight hole without problems, good luck! Chris B.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome. I did not know that. Thank you sir.

Why isn’t this monetized

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t know. Honestly I’m brand new to KZread and don’t know how to do that lol.

Is it just me or is it strange having this guy talk about modern products while he looks like he belongs in the hills making his own rifle after his broke in the 1800s

Didn't know hobbits build firearms.

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

3 жыл бұрын

Some do.

Why no footwear?

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Didn’t feel like wearing any. I like going barefoot.

Its a musket

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Muskets were typically military issued weapons only. There were a few early Tradeguns that were referred to as muskets and I’m not really sure why. Rifles were made for hunters. They were never intended to be used in military service but ended up being widely used throughout the Revolution.

This guy is worrying me with his bare feet... he's not concerned about splinters???

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Haha. Callouses. I’ve gone barefoot a lot every summer since I was little.

Plz buy a Japanese wood saw, these US saws are terrible to use

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

I agree.

@mussydesign7933

2 жыл бұрын

@@goldenmeanflintlocks9713 great work btw, I'm very impressed with the quality of workmanship

@goldenmeanflintlocks9713

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you.