April 22, 2013, 08:37 PM | #1 |
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Flintlock
I'm gettin' a hankerin' for a flintlock rifle or musket! Don't want to go broke, but want a quality arm. Harder to find than I thought. Any help would be great. Thanks Fellas'
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April 22, 2013, 08:53 PM | #2 |
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Having owned both a production flintlock and a hand-made custom flintlock, I would say look for a used custom model. Far and above a Pedersoli or any other manufactured gun in terms of quality and ease of use plus lack of problems. Expensive but well worth it. Check out http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/487/1
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April 22, 2013, 09:46 PM | #3 |
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A Lyman Great Plains will probably be the best for not a lot of money but you'd be a lot happier with something with a Davis or Chambers lock.
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April 22, 2013, 09:48 PM | #4 |
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I've got the same hankering. If I sell my M1A, I'll be in the market for a a flinty too. So I'll be watching this thread also.
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April 23, 2013, 06:56 AM | #5 |
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The best answers have already been posted.
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April 23, 2013, 11:54 AM | #6 |
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I second the motion on the Lyman Great Plains. It is economical, reliable and accurate for a flinter. I had fun assembling mine ( a .50) from a kit. Ignition is not as certain as percussion, but pretty good. About 90% I would say, and, shooting a flinter is just plain FUN!
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April 23, 2013, 12:08 PM | #7 |
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If you're handy with tools, another option is Dixie Gun Works. Their kits seem to shoot well and you have the choice of styles, assembled or kit, plain or fancy. I perfer the Tenessee Poor Boy - at least for hunting.
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April 23, 2013, 07:46 PM | #8 |
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Pedersoli
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April 23, 2013, 10:14 PM | #9 |
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As was said the lyman would be ok but I would agree about a used custom or semi custom .
The lyman does have issues mostly with the locks . Also here as of late I have been seeing some real issues with overall quality . Its getting rather hit and miss Myself I wouldn’t go with the Pedersoli not only is the price WAY to much for what your going to get but if you have to ever repair it , your going to pay as much or more for parts then what a quality piece would cost you . The barrel on that gun costs more then a good Getz , Rice … the lock is more then a chambers and no where near the quality Add into that the Dixie cost puts you right in there with a custom made piece , with a much better lock , trigger , barrel and stock . For right at 1000.00 you could have a very nice semi and possibly a full custom piece depending on who is making it . Look around and its not hard to find lesser known or locally known makers who would be willing to make you something in that ball park Or find a good well taken care of piece for less or t he same amount as that Pedersoli As to accuracy and consistency . I have for the most part only used flintlocks for the last 25+ years when it comes to both my target rifles and hunting rifles. I find a good flintlock to be just as accurate as a cap lock . Not to mention once you learn the rifle , most times more constant in ignition then a cap lock . There is no wondering if your caps are good . If the flash channel is clear . Even in wet weather , do your part and the rifle will do its. But fail in your duties and it will be far less forgiving . |
April 24, 2013, 12:24 PM | #10 |
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Here is a pic of my Pennsylvania rifle. 48" swamped Getz barrel with a Chambers lock. A properly placed touch hole and quality lock are everything when comes to flintlocks.
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April 26, 2013, 10:31 PM | #11 |
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I've built a percussion gun from a kit, which I thought was pretty straight-forward. How does that compare to building a flinty?
Are the locks on the Dixie, or other kit guns, already assembled? If not, how difficult is it to build and tune the locks to get them to function reliably?
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April 26, 2013, 10:54 PM | #12 |
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April 27, 2013, 02:02 AM | #13 |
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That's some beautimus wood Wyo.
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April 27, 2013, 07:36 AM | #14 |
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Oh my...beautiful guns, beautiful photography. Wow.
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April 27, 2013, 11:02 AM | #15 |
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That is just sooo impressive.
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April 27, 2013, 12:46 PM | #16 |
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I have a Lyman Deer Stalker that's my primary hunter and a Lyman Great Plains just because I like it. Both are .54 flintlocks and I use patched roundballs in both. Every year that I go out in Pennsylvania's muzzleloader deer season after Christmas....I put meat on the table. You rarely see other hunters. Those that are out are hard core. Better chance of snow for seeing and tracking. Just an all around more pleasant and satisfying experience IMO.
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April 27, 2013, 12:56 PM | #17 |
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Nice pics. You do the work on it?
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April 27, 2013, 09:34 PM | #18 |
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Wow, you fellers got some damn pretty guns. I have lately had the itch to try a flint gun. But so far the prices have kept me away. Any thoughts as to where I might find a decent flint gun in .36 that won't break the bank? Is there such a gun out there? Not looking for a kit. No time for that. The thought of shooting September squirrels with a flint lock just feels right.
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April 28, 2013, 01:41 AM | #19 |
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Thanks guys.
And yes Rigmarol, I made them. |
April 28, 2013, 06:02 AM | #20 |
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Only one word comes to mind. Gorgeous.
S/S |
April 28, 2013, 12:04 PM | #21 |
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Wyosmith, absolutely beautiful sir.
I'm slowly building a rifle myself and sure wish I had someone of your skill level to show me the ropes! Good job. |
April 28, 2013, 11:00 PM | #22 |
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Rigmarol, if you'd like a few pointers give me a call, or e-mail me directly and I'll coach you through the project. I love to help others and keep the tradition alive.
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April 29, 2013, 12:10 AM | #23 |
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I got a watching this guy on youtube display speed shooting a flintlock musket. Tap loading (repeatedly firing without using a ramrod) !
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April 29, 2013, 12:11 AM | #24 |
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Also, it makes clear why armies in the 1700's carried smoothbore muskets instead of rifles, it's like an assault rifle versus an accurate bolt action sniper rifle in WWII. The assault rifle is the better battle weapon for the main army.
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April 29, 2013, 01:39 PM | #25 |
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Wyosmith, I appreciate the offer. I just might do that. Thanks.
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