$325 for an Austin & Halleck?

[will5a1]

I've been wanting a flintlock and came across a .50 Austin & Halleck for sale on one of the auction sites, with shipping it would probably run $350. The barrel has the Utah address, from the pictures the rifle looks to have decent wood to metal fit, the seller says the bore is mirror bright. Based on searches on the company these rifles have mixed reviews, and I understand there were QA problems, especially at the end, but some of the rifles were/are considered great by their owners. The seller is willing to give an inspection period, but if I have to send it back I will end up eating shipping both ways.

I had originally just planned on getting a flint Lyman GPR, but I've read a lot of guys have lock problems with the Lyman (I have never had any real issues with my 2 caplock GPR's.

Any thoughts or suggestion on other brands or options in the $500 - $600 range? I don't want a kit, used does not bother me. Think there will be any good buys at Friendship in June? I am taking that week off work and can spend some time there. Thanks for your input.

 

[FishDFly]

I've been wanting a flintlock and came across a .50 Austin & Halleck for sale on one of the auction sites, with shipping it would probably run $350. The barrel has the Utah address, from the pictures the rifle looks to have decent wood to metal fit, the seller says the bore is mirror bright. Based on searches on the company these rifles have mixed reviews, and I understand there were QA problems, especially at the end, but some of the rifles were/are considered great by their owners. The seller is willing to give an inspection period, but if I have to send it back I will end up eating shipping both ways.

I had originally just planned on getting a flint Lyman GPR, but I've read a lot of guys have lock problems with the Lyman (I have never had any real issues with my 2 caplock GPR's.

Any thoughts or suggestion on other brands or options in the $500 - $600 range? I don't want a kit, used does not bother me. Think there will be any good buys at Friendship in June? I am taking that week off work and can spend some time there. Thanks for your input.

Your company is out of business, who will do repairs and provide parts when you need them?

I would go to Friendship and shop.

Lyman, to much bad press lately. I would not spend $500 and then starting looking for repairs and parts.

It amazes me, folks will buy a M/L and work on them when they are NIB and accept having to work on them.

Such would not be accepted from Winchester, S&W, Ruger, Savage, COLT, how come folks lower their standard for M/Ls??????

 

[ohio ramrod]

The origional rifles were top quality. After ownership changes the quality was questionable. Traditions bought out remaining inventory at the end.

 

[Dave K]

I wouldn't worry about parts if you like the gun. All my old guns are about 140+yrs. out of warranty and parts can be made, if they ever break. I have had some parts made it is not impossible by any means! If people could keep these old guns going in the wilderness, it shouldn't be any problem for an Austin & Halleck. If you like the gun, buy it.

 

[jdkerstetter]

I agree. If you like it buy it. The price is good if it's in the condition you indicate.

The ones I handled appeared to be well made but I've never had one apart. Lock times were reported as fast by owners and I have never been impressed with the GPR's flintlock....their percussion is fine.

While not a copy of any particular style of longrifle it is better looking than anything you will find in the price range. You can't buy a good barrel an lock for that price.

If you are looking for a shooter/hunter they appear to be good solid rifles.

Hope that helps, J.D.

 

[Many Klatch]

There are always bargains at Friendship. The traders in the Sheep Shed's have all sorts of guns for sale. Don't forget to check out the blanket traders on the Primitive side. Make sure to be there the first weekend. The real bargains usually get snapped up pretty quickly. If the guns aren't bought by Sunday afternoon the prices may drop accordingly. Haggling may save you some money.


Many Klatch

 

[kodiakmarine]

Will, I agree that if you like the gun you should buy it. You are not likely to find better at that price. I also agree there are plenty of guns out there if you are having second thoughts aobut the A&H.

J.D., you have just shaken my confidence in my new (very old) flint Lyman Trade Rifle! Not a problem though. I just bought it as a practice gun that I can take apart and refinish. I hope it still works when I get it back together. If it turns out alright I will try my hand at something more ambitious. - John

 

[rr11]

I have a Austin and Halleck I bought around 15 years ago. It is a good rifle, I have had no problems with it. It has taken 5 deer and has good round ball accuracy. After hunting with it for two years I had a "hunting" rifle built by TVM and placed it in reserve. I still loan it to rifleless friends. For the price I do not see how you can go wrong. By the way although the barrell has a Utah address the rifle is a Spanish production. Good Luck

 

[jdkerstetter]

J.D., you have just shaken my confidence in my new (very old) flint Lyman Trade Rifle!

Don't worry about it....

I believe my prejudice is mostly on the scale of the thing....it just doesn't look robust enough for the rifle. I know it's not logical but I just can't get past it. :shake:

Enjoy that new old gun :hatsoff: , J.D.