The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

I'm new at building, but I'm toying with the idea of a Kentucky kit. I like long guns. This is the reason why I steer more to the Kentucky type rather than Hawken rifles. And from what I have read, the 33 1/2" Traditions kit is borderline on being shorter than a classic rifle would be. I'm also not fond of the 2-piece stock.

However, bearing in mind that it is a first build, I wouldn't want to shoot the moon on price or get fancy on the gun either.

What would be a better kit for me, with a long barrel and better stock, but not to out of sight if someone wanted to use it for a 1st build?

Track of the Wolf has many gun kits, check out their web page.

The kits go for around $200 I believe... I bought a completed kit rifle for $40 a while ago.

Also you might want to get a couple catalogs from Track of the Wolf and Dixie Gunworks. They are stuffed full of cool stuff and info.

Traditions has a factory seconds .50 Kentucky kit on sale.

https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/prod ... zzleloader

We have been here before
Kits are GREAT Fun , But some do not take that long to complete .
As already suggested Track of The Wolf has many options .
Enjoy , Have Fun and TAKE YOUR TIME

Traditions has a factory seconds .50 Kentucky kit on sale.

Hmmmm... that might not be a bad idea.

I said they aren't really my favorite, but it might be good to start with a not-so-expensive one. Then I'll have at least 1 gun's worth of experience at it if I try a better one later.

Did it.

I ordered one.

Good, bad, or indifferent, I'm about to find out. Hopefully this build will turn out to be a good experience.

Be sure to give us before and after pics.

I will. But keep in mind that it might be a while. This is a very "back burner" project in line behind several other more pressing things!

They apparently knew this, because it took 2 1/2 weeks to get here!
Anyway, the only thing that really pushed me off the fence to even buy one was the deal on the factory seconds.

All I have done so far is open it. I have read some bad reviews of the Traditions guns (and some good ones) but I was a little afraid of what I might get. I tried to keep low expectations, but I will say that I'm a little surprised from looking at the kit. The lock and other metal parts seem to be pretty tight and decent quality. And whatever defect that made it a second must not be huge, because I can't find anything wrong.

It is certainly no toy. Put it like that.

As long as I don't screw it up too bad I think it will turn out to be a decent gun.

There are some near options you have. Blue barrel, or brown. Or light wood, reddish wood, dark wood. Polished metal, or full. Now I want one.