Favorite Flintlock Rifle Maker

[glrerun]

I would like to invest in a new rifle, probably a .54 cal flintlock. I am fond of basic southern rifles and prefer all steel furniture. I am currently having a small bore made for me by Steve Losey. I also have spoken a little to Chuck Edwards and am planning on visiting his shop.

The truth is that I am new to this and am not sure who all makes longrifles and whose and whose work is good or not.

I sure would like to hear your thoughts.

 

[kodiakmarine]

There are quite a few makers of southern guns, at various levels in the price spectrum. A lot depends on how much money you wish to spend. Chuck Edwards has a high reputation.

My favorite maker of southern guns is Steve Bookout. He is retired now, but still operates his website. He has trained quite a few makers. You can email him and ask who he would recommend, but it might take quite a while for a response if he is out on an adventure. He will not steer you wrong. Link You can also call him at (641)792-2941.

Another important consideration is how long it will take the maker to finish your gun and ship it to you. There are some heavily tear stained posts by people who have waited far longer than what they were originally quoted. Be sure to speak to previous customers and find out just how long the wait will be.

Good luck - John

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I've had great success with a swamped barreled long rifle from Cabin Creek Muzzleloading. I'd buy another rifle from them in a New York minute. :thumbsup:

LD

 

[Alden]

Davide and Pierangelo Pedersoli.

 

[Critter Getter]

I have been impressed with Tip Curtis. He likes those southern rifles and is a joy to speak with. He does have around a year wait tho but may have what you want in stock. Just need to call and check with him. Greg

 

[jamesthomas]

Another vote for Tip Curtis, he has racks of rifles to chose from, I handled one last year that fit me perfect and if I would had my plastic on me it would have come home with me.

 

[Vaino]

Two builders of Southern LRs that come to mind are....Ian Pratt and Ken Guy..... both do really nice work which has authentic styling.....Fred

 

[Rick Boylan]

Davide and Pierangelo Pedersoli.

:hatsoff:

 

[hanshi]

My only experience with custom rifles has been with Mike Lange and Matt Avance at TVM. Mike no longer takes orders but I can vouch for TVM.

 

[kopfjaeger]

I own rifles built by Danny Caywood ( rifle and smoothbore ), Matt Avance, Phil Cravener, Jackie Brown, and a Dixie Tennessee Squirrel Rifle by Dixie gun works. I like all of them.

But if money wasn't an object I'd love to have a southern iron mounted rifle built by Hersel House, or Mike Miller. But their rifles are not cheap. Some day I'll save up and buy one. :thumbsup:

 

[galamb]

You really need to specify how many $$$$ you are looking to spend.

Under 1K, under 2K, more than 2K - want the gun in 3 months, more than a year is ok??

 

[S.Kenton]

Ken Netting makes a NICE looking southern rifle.

 

[wulf]

John Ennis...His work can e seen on page 70 in
the Muzzle loader Magazine..

 

[stantdm]

Jack Brooks is a great gun maker. He lives in Colorado.

 

[Silky921]

Very good topic! I'm partial to a Homer Dangler as I've camped with him at the Ohio for years, although it's been awhile, and he is a true gentleman and makes high quality rifles. Now me being able to afford one is a whole different story. ...

 

[Auldgoat]

For quality, reliability, accuracy, price, etc. Tip Curtis is my recommendation. Had several .54's on his rack in Aug., too.

 

[Marc Adamchek]

Do yourself a big favor and check out Mike Brooks. As someone just starting out on this path it would behoove you to get a truly period rifle that would serve you well for all your years.

You will bond with this rifle and the two of you will just get closer and closer until one day you realize it has become an extension of yourself.

I've had a beautiful fowler made by Mike for about 7 years and it's better than it was on the first day, do you know what I mean?

Also, Although every firearm he makes is different, I believe these past couple years Mike has been making an economical Southern rifle of his "own" design that is as standardized as possible in order to keep the cost down.

Check it out.

 

[user 13289]

Two builders of Southern LRs that come to mind are....Ian Pratt and Ken Guy..... both do really nice work which has authentic styling.....Fred

for Southern guns heck yeah. There are lots more makers out there and either of these guys might be able to steer you toward "other" price points and wait times, _if_ you aren't comfortable with theirs.

Often takes 6 months to a year to get a barrel, time is relative.

and of course, I'm my own favorite maker, but i has a lot to learn yet.
:wink:

 

[Tommy Bruce]

I love the look of Chuck Edward's guns. Ken Netting can build anything you want and Mike Brooks would be another one that I would put up there. I have purchased a fowling piece and type G from Mike as well as a rifle and smooth rifle from Ken.

 

[Snakebite]

I have a rifle made by Jim Parker (Parker Firearms) and it's top rate. I have to concur on Homer Dangler also, but he told me he only builds 2 guns a year now. You cannot find a better gentleman than Homer, and Jim Parker is up there too.