News / Links and Resources

Current News

North Star West, Inc. is proud to introduce our new web site! We listened carefully to our on-line viewers and we considered their recommendations and suggestions while we designed the new site.

Inside you will find a wealth of knowledge shared by Matt Denison from his years of experience building and researching these historic smoothbore guns.

We have also added some new tools to the site to help you better understand these guns, as well as how you can custom design one suited just for you! Some of these exciting new features include:

On-line custom configuration and order utility!
On-line customer contact form!
On-line inventory of parts and prices!
On-line inventory of guns, knives and other period relative pieces available for immediate sale!

We welcome you to our site and ask you to feel free to contact us today with any questions you might have.

Links

FORT TURNER	Hand forged ironware
MONTANA AMERICANA	Custom knives and other high grade accessories.
BISON SADDLERY	High quality leather items.
TED CASH MANUFACTURING	Ted Cash metalworks, home of the famous capper.
OCTOBER COUNTRY	High quality muzzleloader supplies.
DIXIE GUN WORKS	The original muzzleloader supply catalog.
THE GUN WORKS	Everything for the muzzleloader shooter or builder.
MOUNTAIN TOP TRADERS	They have a huge inventory of rendezvous supplies.
NMLRA	National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association
TMA	An organization for the traditional minded shooter.
MUZZLELOADER MAGAZINE	A great magazine and interesting website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO BUILD A GUN FROM A KIT?

We include a nine page set of instructions and a blueprint with each kit. You will need to be able to measure accurately, drill and tap the lock screws and tang screw holes. You will need to drill, tap and install the touch hole liner. (optional) Soldering on the underlugs and sight are made simple by the detailed instructions. The lock is assembled and sparking when you get it. The barrel is breeched and all outside contours are done for you. Our precarved stocks are 90% inletted for the barrel, the lock, and other furniture. The ram rod channel and entry hole are done for you. You will have to open up all of the inlets and barrel channel a little to make your parts fit that particular gun. You should expect to spend 40 hours or so from start to finish. If you have a space to work, a vice, drill press (optional), and a few common hand tools you can build a North Star West, Inc. kit. Our goal is for you to be able to make a safe gun that looks and shoots great.

HOW LONG IS YOUR TURN AROUND TIME FOR A FINISHED GUN OR KIT?

Tough question. Our policy is to build and ship finished guns within 90 days, kits within two weeks. We often get them out sooner. Occasionally later. We don’t rush, each gun is made individually. Give us a call to get our current schedule. .

WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?

We ask for a 50% deposit for finished guns including “guns in the white”, balance due upon completion. Kits require full payment when they are ordered. We will consider installments under certain circumstances. We accept personal checks, money orders, Visa and Mastercard and, of course, cash on the barrelhead.

DO YOU USE A TOUCH HOLE LINER?

Unless a customer requests otherwise we install a stainless steel touch hole liner that is coned from the inside.

HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?

You can fill in the order blank (click here), print it and mail it or better yet is to call North Star West, Inc. so we can discuss your gun, options, your intended use, etc. We want you to get exactly the gun that you want.