Re: Kentucky
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Question, I keep reading CVA - what is that?</div></div>
Connecticut Valley Arms. Makers of inexpensive kits. They are serviceable, and great to learn with because they come largely pre-inletted. You can throw one together in a few hours, or if you spend some real time, you can make a nice piece. And they are fun to shoot. Certainly the rifles are accurate enough, and the pistols make a satisfactory boom.
The CVA kits (and their low-end-of-the-market built-rifles) first came out in the '70s when a real black powder renaissance took place thanks to movies like Jeremiah Johnson raised interest in Hawkens and BP shooting.
As Jim mentiones above, the kits have their limitations. But 'starting' with scratch building takes a very special and talented individual. As with most art forms, some can do it. Some can learn it. I certainly had to learn the hard way a couple of times. My problem is that I can do great metalwork, but I lack the talent to shape a stock. Inletting, fine. Finishing, fine. Shaping and carving, I just don't have an eye for the compound curves. So I use kits and assistance from professionals on shaping and engraving.
After my current project is done (a .32 in the style of Jacob Dickert, with German-Silver furniture), I may try a scratch-built miniature (1/3rd scale). Those just fascinate me...
If you really want to get inspired on these early rifles, see is you can find a copy of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" book. The hardcopy is stupid expensive but there is a softcover that is affordable. The pictures are amazing. And read about Morgans Riflemen from the Revolutionary war battles of Saratoga, etc!
Cheers and watch your mail!
Sirhir