I started out blacksmithing at a very young age forging damascus knives and tomahawks,etc. I build most of my rifles from parts I've forged, fabricated or cast including hand crafted locks. A rule I like to keep in my shop is,,,don't buy it,,,, make it!
I have a huge interest for building my rifles/knives as the original makers did during their time period using tradition tools and methods. I believe using the original tools gives a rifle a much more authentic look.
This is something I very much enjoy although it makes the job much harder the outcome of the finished rifle is worth it.