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[user 49399]

These are not flintlocks though which is what the topic is about.

You’re right. The CVA and Traditions flintlocks are almost in a different league. If I were to buy something like a CVA or Traditions flintlock, I would look for a used one that already had the bugs worked out by an experienced shooter. Unless you’re someone who likes to learn by tinkering, which is what I did with a CVA and India made flintlocks many moons ago. Don’t have pictures of those.

I started in this hobby long before we had internet, so a lot of my learning was trial and error. I now have among other nice guns, a Chambers flintlock which is my favorite. But it took me a long time and several cheap guns to get to this point. When I started, a cheap gun was all I could afford. That, and I didn’t know what a good muzzleloader was. There weren’t any muzzleloader shooters around when I was growing up, at least none that I knew of.

Nowadays, if I ran across a Mike Miller, Brooks, Clay Smith, Kibler or some such close to home, I’d jump on it.

Hopefully the OP can sift something out of my jibberish to be beneficial.

 

[AndyJ]

At the same time (few months back) I picked up a used cheap $175 Miroku flint my son bought a traditions tenn mountain flint kit (~$450). Since then I have refinished the Miroku then rebuilt the firing mechanism more than once...every trip home from the range I almost threw the dang thing out the window and then got home and reworked it...a great way to learn the ins/outs of flinters though not always the most fun. A week back my son finally completed his kit and out to the range we went. Out of about 20 trigger pulls only once did his not fire...seems he forgot to put powder down the bore!
All that to say old cheap flinters may not be the best jumping off point into the hobby but the new traditions should be.

 

[Fitzhugh Williams]

My first flintlock was a Traditions Pennsylvania rifle. It almost turned me against flintlocks. The problem was the way the breech plug was designed. Fortunately I bought a Jackie Brown gun and I still shoot it after more than 20 years. I very much regret not buying it in the first place.

 

[Shawrco]

Welcome to the forum; your intro sure generated a lot more responses than mine a couple of months back
Mr Pierce answered my first thought, what rifles do the rules allow - any sidekick. Lots of advice, pro/con to consider, so dig in. I don’t have a flinter yet, so the only thing I can offer you is that if you’re slogging around on snowshoes with a rifle slung on your back, a Lyman Great Plains Rifle (I have one) wouldn’t be a lightweight choice!
Good luck in the competition…

 

[Jason holgate]

I would say as I get older I want the best I can afford can I eat Ramen noodles? yes would steak be better? Yes so of you like a cva or traditions great wear them out...ifbyou like tc or lyman shoot them wear them out ...eventually you will shoot a higher end gun just to try it or see it really doesn't matter as long as you are happy glad you got into this fun sport

 

[Grenadier1758]

I like your style Squint. I’m the same with just about everything I own. I like to tinker. I like to fiddle with it. Back in my biker days, my bike seldom looked the same week to week… same as when I was into air cooled VW’s. The tinkering and problem solving is half the fun.

I appreciate your attitude, Colonialnerd too. From what you write about your experience dealing with other mechanical issues, you understand the difference between honing surfaces and grinding away. All flint locks will require some degree of finish work when new to bring about acceptable performance. With flint locks, problem solving will require some research. Many of the solutions proposed tend to focus on solving one particular problem. Most discussions on the tuning of a flint lock for best performance aren't always clear to the person following the discussion. having someone at hand to advance from tinkering with the lock to tuning the lock is quite the curve. I recommend that reading Paul Vallandigham's Hints on "Flintlocks: How to Shoot Them" is worthwhile reading. I do disagree with the statement that flintlocks are faster than percussion locks as Larry Pletcher has documented and I do not believe that lead should be used as the flint wrap, especially on a small lock as found on a Traditions Kentucky Rifle. Use a leather wrap and cut a notch at the bend around the flint so the flint rests against the jaw screw to provide the steady support for the flint as it strikes the frizzen face.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/flintlocks-how-to-shoot-them.38886/
It is well documented that a new flint lock will require some finish work to smooth out the lock plate, remove manufacturing burrs and sharp edges will need to be honed a bit. All surfaces that rotate or rub will need to be polished. The toe of the frizzen that rests on the frizzen spring may need to be addressed to provide support for the scraping action while resting on the spring and not rebounding to strike the flint and shattering it.

I am very much an advocate that it is the lock that makes shooting a flintlock rifle such an enjoyable experience. Shooters want the best and fastest lock they can have. You can approach that by spending time to tune your Traditions lock to bring it to a level of performance that is acceptable. Sophisticated timing devices may be used to determine that it is slower that a tuned Kibler or Chambers lock, but you will probably not be able to tell the difference. Now it is also true that we have a heightened sense of awareness when shooting a flintlock rifle. Time seems to stand still when we shoot, and we experience a sequence of events. I have allowed another shooter to fire my rifle immediately after firing my rifle and there is no delay. I have videos of me firing my rifle. I could swear that there is delay while there is only one frame in the video with fire in the pan and flame leaving from the muzzle. Go figure.

You can always replace the Traditions lock with the L&R Replacement lock to upgrade. But first gently polish the lock you receive.

 

[jd945043]

Pedersolis are also pieces of poop for a beginner. At least the Tradition gun will work for you somewhat. I have had three Pedersolis and the only way to get them to function was a replacement lock. That's pretty much proof of the lack of quality. Its like paying Tesla's price and getting Yugo performance. Go with the Traditions rifle

 

[64Springer]

Pedersolis are also pieces of poop for a beginner. At least the Tradition gun will work for you somewhat. I have had three Pedersolis and the only way to get them to function was a replacement lock. That's pretty much proof of the lack of quality. Its like paying Tesla's price and getting Yugo performance. Go with the Traditions rifle

Pedersoli flintlocks have their benefits when you're hungry.

From the time you pull the trigger, to the time the charge goes off, you can eat your lunch.

 

[Kansas Jake]

Several have suggested getting in touch with a muzzleloading club/group in your area for information. So many positives with the suggestion. 1) lots of experience there 2) I’ll bet some have guns for sale and would let you shoot them before buying 3) most would let you handle their guns to get an idea on fit etc. 4) they would provide practical information on needed extra items 5) most are just a good bunch of folks.

 

[Sgt. Hulka]

I started out with a TC. First shoot I went to I saw how awful that gun was. So, I learned how to make them and did it professionally for a good portion of my life. You can get into a good hand made used flint rifle for about $1500 these days. If you save your money you'll have a good start.

Yes, as I recall you may have stated that you have made close to 400 guns? But I may be mistaken because I think it may have been a day or two since you last mentioned it.

 

[Panama Red]

OP.

You'll buy a $6,000.00 custom flintlock long rifle and you'll like it.

And if you don't enjoy your flintlock experience, you can sell your 6K rifle for 4K.

You'll only be out 2K, but you'll have bought what other people think you need and that's what's important.

Now get out there and sell your car, put your daughter on the street and start saving for that custom flintlock you never wanted.

Best advice ever! You will never know happiness until you spend your children’s inheritance to find out something just isn’t for you…