First Rifle recommendations?

[EastTexasAg]

Hoo there folks. I’m looking at building/buying my first rifle. I can’t decide on percussion or flint...I know I’ll likely end up with a 50-54 caliber rifle first. I’m just looking for a decent kit to start. I’ve seen the Kiblers and Traditions. I was just seeing if there were any more kits or if anyone had a builder they recommended. If going the bought bit built route, I’d like to buy Texan made if at all possible. I just don’t know the right locales to look into for intel, figured I’d get it straight from you wildcats.

 

[flntlokr]

Lyman kits are pretty fooproof for a beginner. Percussion is easier to manage. Good gun when you are done.

 

[SDSmlf]

Have you shot traditional muzzleloaders very much? Do you have a ML club or possibly an individual mentor nearby? Can really quicken the learning curve if they are knowledgeable.

If you are pretty much on your own I would suggest a used percussion gun to start with and learn. Not a big investment, and you can easily get your money back out of it, as long as you are not buying someone’s problems. Not telling you to stay away from flintlocks, but they can be challenging as a first gun. This forum is a good place to find good used gun. Would stay away from places like GB.

If you want a kit, Lyman, then maybe Traditions are good starters. Again, still suggesting percussion. The Kiblers are great kits if you are sure you want a flintlock, but obviously more money. Can’t go wrong if you finish it up correctly.

 

[EastTexasAg]

Have you shot traditional muzzleloaders very much? Do you have a ML club or possibly an individual mentor nearby? Can really quicken the learning curve if they are knowledgeable.

If you are pretty much on your own I would suggest a used percussion gun to start with and learn. Not a big investment, and you can easily get your money back out of it, as long as you are not buying someone’s problems. Not telling you to stay away from flintlocks, but they can be challenging as a first gun. This forum is a good place to find good used gun. Would stay away from places like GB.

If you want a kit, Lyman, then maybe Traditions are good starters. Again, still suggesting percussion. The Kiblers are great kits if you are sure you want a flintlock, but obviously more money. Can’t go wrong if you finish it up correctly.

Honestly I’ve never shot traditional muzzleloaders. But I’m pretty much one of those all or nothing guys. I know there is a rendezvous type group pretty close, but I’ve yet to become involved. I’m not really set either way, I just figured might as well ask you guys. I’ll likely end up with both to be honest.

 

[Semisane]

If there's a group close by, find out about their next shoot. Show up, observe, and start asking questions. Most likely you'll be invited to shoot a gun or two. One day spent like that will let you know what you want.

 

[Grenadier1758]

What's the availability to get black powder? If only substitutes are readily available then your first rifle should be a percussion lock.

Attend some of the rendezvous activities and see what they are up to. It might be good also to try a group of traditional muzzle loader shooters. The traditional shooters will focus on the firearms and less on all the other gear. There you may find a good used entry level gun at an affordable price.

 

[dave61965]

Just something to take into consideration, if you get a flintlock your going to have to find a source for real black powder, substitutes will not work in a flintlock, I currently don’t know anywhere local you can buy it, one of the Bass Pros use to carry it, the one out in Katy I think but more than likely your only option will be to buy online and have it shipped, just something to consider.

 

[tenngun]

The Lyman Great Plains rifle is one of the best guns on the market. Traditional look and functions well, dead on accurate.
and if cared for keeps its value when you want to trade up.
Flint is a learning curve. Most of us start with percussion, but GPR in flint works well if you want to go that route
Any good ml is expensive but you can get in to one of these at fairly cheap prices, all things considered.

 

[EastTexasAg]

I know I can get Goex close. Idk if there are many other options up my way, but it’s about a 30 minute drive to pick up the goex.

 

[dave61965]

I know I can get Goex close. Idk if there are many other options up my way, but it’s about a 30 minute drive to pick up the goex.

Good to know, I thought everyone had stopped carrying it in that area, was a place kinda on the NW side that used to carry it, can’t think of the name at the moment.

 

[SDSmlf]

Honestly I’ve never shot traditional muzzleloaders. But I’m pretty much one of those all or nothing guys. I know there is a rendezvous type group pretty close, but I’ve yet to become involved. I’m not really set either way, I just figured might as well ask you guys. I’ll likely end up with both to be honest.

Local rendezvous type group would be a great place to start. May not turn out to be your cup of tea, but initially a way to get your hands on some traditional type guns and see what the local crowd is doing. You say you will likely end up with both like it’s one of each. Won’t go into details, but that’s not how it works if your an all or nothing guy and press the ‘all’ button.

 

[EastTexasAg]

I’m up near Longview now, but my folks in The Woodlands can probably find it if really need be.

And the all or nothing comment, I just dive in until I sink or swim. Lol. Not the whole unwilling to compromise.

 

[SDSmlf]

And the all or nothing comment, I just dive in until I sink or swim.

Just stay out of the deep water until you figure things out. All you have to do is stand up if you run into problems. Don’t like to see people sink.

 

[EastTexasAg]

Just stay out of the deep water until you figure things out. All you have to do is stand up if you run into problems. Don’t like to see people sink.

I appreciate it sir.

 

[SDSmlf]

Here is the kind of deal that can jumpstart someone just starting out. https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/cva-50-cal-mountain-rifle-w-extras.118169/

 

[Tom Compton]

I started w a flint in ‘73 then a long relationship w percussion and back to flint the last 10 years or so. That first flintlock had a poor lock, I had no one to coach me etc.

Were I starting now I’d get a kit or in the white with a great lock and not look back. The 4 most important things in a good flinter are:
1. The lock
2. The lock
3. The lock
4. The barrel

the most important thing in choosing a style of muzzleloader is what appeals to you.

I shot at Longview for years. Sorry to hear they folded. Don’t know of anything in that area now. Go somewhere with a larger attendance and look and handle different styles. Talk to folks not only about what they prefer but why. Come to the TMLRA Matches in March, June and October ion Brady for the same. I also go to Wichita Falls, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Berryville Arkansas. Louisiana May be active again. Friends in Texarkana and Bryan and I are looking into using facilities at Fort Parker near Corsicana for a get together.

 

[Tom Compton]

Pm sent

 

[Erwan]

I’ve seen the Kiblers and Traditions. I was just seeing if there were any more kits or if anyone had a builder they recommended.

The others I don't know how they are bur about Traditions if you want something good forget it, the wood is a good wood for chairs (beechwood) comming from Turkey.
I suppose that you have much better in USA than Traditions kits...
Pedersoli make plenty kits too but they are a bit expensives and I here I don't know people building kits: this is not a real fashion in France and almost nobody do it...
For the rest you do like you want, personally I prefer the Flinters but I shoot everything working with BP: flint and percussion too ...

 

[Ames]

Just starting out go with a Lyman kit. No need to jump into things for 2K and find out your not as fond of front stuffing as you thought you might be.
You can go over the top on your 2nd build. And third....

 

[azmntman]

"I’ll likely end up with both to be honest."

BROTHER!!