A Very General Opinion Question

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There is much good advice on here, but not knowing if I really would do much with a flint lock and being already 65 years old I bought a Lyman and it worked pretty good, but had some problems that I was able to figure out and make work better. Then I bought another percussion that I probably use more than the flint lock. All I know is if it would have cost much more than what I paid I never would have tried it so I'm not sorry for the one I bought. By that time in life, and that's been over 20 years ago I was done doing my heavy hunting so I didn't need something to kill elephants. I actually bought a nice light percussion when I turned 80 so that I could shoot it off hand. At my age, strength is not as good as it was.
 
... I am not looking for input on makes, calibers, flint, or percussion. I have been researching BP stuff for months and have found it to be one of the most interesting categories of shooting sports, out of the many many I have studied, and in which I have been involved.
Ok, then I won't suggest you start with percussion.
...My question is very specifically, given your experience with quality, e.g., longevity of service, and minimal tinkering to get a muzzleloader to where it needs to be, should I be looking at a higher end production model, for example Pedersoli, or a lower end (or used) custom model. ...
And yet, you ARE asking about makes. But since this is your only defined question, paraphrased as, "is a good production gun better than a fair custom gun?" I'll say it's about a wash. Depends on which of which of which (maker, ignition type, gun type - those things you don't want to discuss)
My outlay threshold will be no more than 1000 per item (a tad more for the long guns if it were super-awesome), and to clarify I’m pretty familiar with the going rates of the various items. ...
You can get a much more reliable rifle, cheaper, if you go Percussion. In your budget, that's a good production gun or used custom which may require tinkering.

That's all I'm going to say until you clarify more of what YOU want. Otherwise, we will start talking about makes, calibers, flint or percussion.
 
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This is my input on this subject:
Most people who are selling a used gun is because there is an issue with it - they want something else - they no longer are shooting it - moved on to another hobby.
Find something at an estate sale is your best bet. As for buying new you can get a lemon in those also. Kimber has quality guns so I would lean towards them for a rifle or a shotgun. As for a revolving pistol I would try to find a well caried for and low used Ruger Old Army.
You budget of $1000/ gun might not be realistic for something of quality:dunno: GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I, probably more than most, know that folks generally have some very specific opinions about matters in life, 9mm vs. .45, Ford vs. Chevy, etc., etc.. So, I want to start this by stating I am not looking for input on makes, calibers, flint, or percussion. I have been researching BP stuff for months and have found it to be one of the most interesting categories of shooting sports, out of the many many I have studied, and in which I have been involved. So, I do not want to collect (I just thinned the herd in my gun safe within the past few weeks), and I won’t be shooting hundreds of rounds a month. Consequently, I am looking at obtaining a pistol or two, a rifle, and a shotgun. My question is very specifically, given your experience with quality, e.g., longevity of service, and minimal tinkering to get a muzzleloader to where it needs to be, should I be looking at a higher end production model, for example Pedersoli, or a lower end (or used) custom model. I don’t mind spending money for quality, but I will not spend a lot on something that should be in a display case instead of being outside in the weather and having explosive powder regularly ignited within it. My outlay threshold will be no more than 1000 per item (a tad more for the long guns if it were super-awesome), and to clarify I’m pretty familiar with the going rates of the various items. P.S. I’m not interested in antiques as I am not a museum curator.
Personally first thing I would do is figure out what I wanted to do with a muzzle loader such as hunt target shoot etc .And then you have to remember that as you get older your wants and needs change in what you want to do or can do .And what kind of challenges you want to have in life also like percussion or flintlock ,this blackpowder thing is more of a hobby than anything else.And it’s as interesting as you want to make it and as much fun also hope this helps you in your journey.
 
I'm of the opinion that there are extremely fine CVA's and TC's case in point I happen to own what I consider to be presentation guns and they are a joy to shoot/hunt with and I don't have a $1k in any one of them for the most part I paid less then $ 500 for them each over the last 30 years. According to current prices/market worth much more $ I guess if I was starting out I would look for a new or used current production gun and shoot the hell out of it then when you have the learning under your belt upgrade
I agree here. To start in to BP and get acquainted to the sport a good production gun like T/C could work. And yes there are still decent used ones available. I have found a few really nice Hawkens for under $500. Cap and Flints. As for other forum members who wish to find replacement locks. The Log Cabin Shop in Lodi Ohio now owns The Davis Lock company. You may want to check out their web. My best to all.
 


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