Buying a Flintlock

[FLYBYU44]

Hello again, I kind of changed my mind and decided that I would like to just get a complete gun rather then a kit. Could any of you guys suggest some good places to buy flintlocks? I'm mainly interested in Lyman and Traditions guns. I live in Canada so would prefer a Canadian dealer as it cuts down on the hassle of moving a gun across the border. I don't have my PAL yet but am planning on getting it before I purchase a gun, I know you don't need one for flintlocks but I'm into airguns as well and in the future I may look at getting some PAL rated airguns, so why not get it? Anyway any advice would be great, thanks!

 

[paco97]

If you want a flinter, stay AWAY from Traditions. I went the cheap route with a Traditions PA Flinter and it was manure. The main spring was to tough, and the frizzen wasn't hardened. They are manure! Buy right the first time and you'll be a lot happier.

I'm a cheapo person and try to do things on the cheap, and this is one area that I've learned my lesson. I'll only get custom rifles for now on. I've got one custom and am so happy with it and have another on order.

The lock is everything, so go with quality.

 

[oldarmy]

I agree, don't buy a cheap flintlock. You will regret it and either spend the money to buy a better one.Or just give up on the idea of owning/shooting one.
Check out TOTW web site.. sometimes they have great deals on nice rifles.
They always have a few commerical guns. Here is one[url] http://www.trackofthewolf.com...catId=12&subId=81&styleId=280&partNum=AAD-997[/url]
It's a little rough,but it's a T/C center, they always were good quality and the company will back it up.
It's Amercian made and will clean up with just alittle TLC.

 

[xxgrampa]

flyby,

snatch up that tc old army told you about NOW!!!!!

..ttfn..grampa..

 

[LRB]

You might also consider a gun "in the white" from Tip Curtis, Matt Avance, or others. You save a bundle by doing the finish yourself. Tip only gets 2 or 3 hundred more than the parts would cost you. The gun is shootable when you get it, although you would want to finish it first.

 

[FlintlockJonny]

hello...i have shot a few different flintlocks...not near as many as most. but the one I own is a traditions. a cheapo. big time. sure the trigger is hard to pull but it shoots everytime. And it is very accurate. So I would say...if you are just getting into it and don't want to spend a fortune, get one. I am eventually going to buy a nicer one, but for now, my traditions is just fine.

 

[Halftail]

FLY,
I bought my one and only flintlock in Sept. 2001.I ordered it directly from Lyman in Connecticut in the US.It a good little gun but only after I had a replacment lock installed.I know the hassles and frustrations of ordering Firearms in the States from here.I would,However have no qualms about ordering that Hopkins and Allan flintlock longrifle that is advertized in the S.I.R Mailorder Cataloge.Maybe a check on the L&R Locks website will confirm that there is a lock that will fit it "Just in case" before ordering ....you know....Just to cover your Arse.
My only other suggestion would be to order a "Jim Chambers" Kit or completed longrifle as they are an exellent product.Good luck flintlocks are fun!

 

[spitpatch]

Halftail: Is that a Eng setter in the photo?
I would go the custom rte on the flint. Jim

 

[F.G. Ford]

I have had a Lyman Great Plains Rifle for several years...no problems what so ever.
The Lock is great, the frizzen no problems.
Just wipe pan and frizzen, and keep the touch hole clear, just like the most expensive custom guns, and you will be very happy.
One of the guys, here on the forum, did a fantastic job on custom work on his GPR.
( Check with "Aeronca")
Best Regards

Old Ford

 

[Teach]

I would buy the T/C that's a good price, I bought a flinter from TOTW and iot was at my door in 9 days. No problem at the border .
Teach.

 

[amplatz]

I'm with grandpa--buy it now-that's not a bad price. TC's are good guns and I doubt you'll find one as cheap.

 

[Mr Hawken]

i am thinking about doing the same thing do you remember what you paid for duty fees

 

[Twisted_1in66]

I had much better results with my Traditions PA longrifle than Paco97 did, but I recently bought an early Lancaster that tg from here on the forum built. There is no comparison between the two. My new rifle costs twice as much but it's about 4 times better. Wish I'd held out for something like this from the beginning.

If you're planning on spending $500, save up another $200-$300 and you can buy a semi-custom gun that will put the production guns to shame and be much more enjoyable to shoot.

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:

 

[Halftail]

Halftail: Is that a Eng setter in the photo?

Nope,
She's a Yellow Labrador Retreiver.

 

[spitpatch]

Looks like my kinda dog. Love em as much as vintage guns.

 

[Old Charlie]

Halftail what are you doing with my dog?

:grin:

 

[Halftail]

Sorry Old Charlie,
I just couldn't resist it so I took a swing by your place on my way home from work and took your dog.
Now it's my Dog... :wink:

 

[gordy]

Theres little doubt that a semi-custom/custom flinter in general, will be of better quality and function than a Traditions or Lyman GPR, "But" I've seen several posts on this and other muzzleloading forums complaining that their more expensive custom rifles had poor ignition from locks that had soft frizzens, were not tuned, vents that failed to give good flame transfer from pan to main charge etc.On the other side of the coin, there are many that have gotten excellent service and performance from their cheaper production (older}CVAs GPRs and of corse TCs.I have an older CVA plains rifle (Spainsh made) that with just a little adjustments fires-up as fast as a caplock.Rifles are like cars, you can get a lemon at any price.If you can afford a custom ,go for it, but don't be afraid to buy a much less expensive production gun.