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Bumpy Rhodes

32 Cal
Joined
Dec 7, 2024
Messages
21
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Location
Seacoast NH
Hi Everyone!

I’ve been reading a lot of Revolutionary War books lately and got a bad itch for a flintlock rifle and have been visiting here for info.

During the search for a flintlock, I came across a Ruger Old Army Stainless, I have always wanted one. Made 1982, LNIB never fired. I have questions already and my research so far shows differing opinions. If I use a lubed patch between the powder and ball, do I need Crisco? I think I know answer, if I really want to be safe, use the Crisco. But If I wanted to be really safe, I wouldn’t eat meat, drive, or have an occasional bourbon! One needs to be practical!

Also a local guy has a used Traditions Pennsylvania Flintlock Rifle asking $600. The Traditions I have seen don’t seem to be the highest quality, I will be asking for advice.

About me: Once upon a time I was a High Power High Master, one year at Perry I finished 21 of over 1000 in the NTI (Service Rifle), ahead of most of the AMU. Was 6th at Perry in the Garand Match and 4th in the M1 Carbine match.

My much older cousin taught me to shoot, he died in 1987. We would shoot his ROA in his backyard, this one I will shoot this one in his honor.
 

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Welcome from Maine. Check out The Ancient Ones Of Maine. Every Spring there is a Colonial Trade Fair In Dover NH. Keep an eye out in the Classifieds here.
Nit Wit
 
Welcome! Traditions doesn't make a bad gun, their barrels are shockingly accurate in my experience. I think the $600 is fair-ish for a new production rifle, the locks can be challenging but they do work (mostly). There's also the option of finding a kit to put together yourself if you're interested in the building process, it'll save a bit of cash as well vs a production gun.

If you buy it and it turns out the lock is annoying there are folks here like @FlinterNick who can take it apart and tune it up for reliability/spark at an affordable cost.
 
Welcome!
You should post some of those questions in the specific areas of The Forum to get the widest readership.

LD
That's the plan! :)
Welcome from Maine. Check out The Ancient Ones Of Maine. Every Spring there is a Colonial Trade Fair In Dover NH. Keep an eye out in the Classifieds here.
Nit Wit
Thanks! All I could find is a FB page and bulletin board, hard to find info. Is there a web site or schedule? Can I get on an email list?
 
Welcome from Upstate New York's Central-Leatherstocking Region.

Re: the Ruger: Had one. VERY well made and robust. Very accurate as well. (Like, as accurate as my S&W M-14 Target Masterpiece .38 Spl I shot PPC and headshoot bunnies with . . . but we don't discuss such things here). Sold it to a friend without a pistol permit who BADLY wanted it.

Never tried a "lubed patch". As I recall it took a 0.457" lead ball and shaved the equator when seated. I think it would tear patches to doughnuts with anything like a proper seal. You don't have to use Crisco (I found it messy) but you really should use some type of over the ball lube. Prevents chainfires and also keeps the bore lubed. I used a product called "Spit Ball" that may or may not still be available.
 
It once was a measure of number of posts and likes. I have stayed Pilgrim myself after almost twenty years. I have a bunch left to learn, so never minded that label. You can change it in your Profile IIRC.

.457 ball works well in my ROA. I smear a bit of white wheel bearing grease over the ball after seating. Switched out nipples to ones that fit a regular nipple wrench. I've had my blue one since 1979. Just bought a similar vintage SS version with 12 rounds through it.

Welcome! Have fun!!
 

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