Flinter bug

[Jack9211]

Hi all....just started with muzzleloading a few months back. T/C Hawkens percussion....But after shooting it (haven't fired a modern weapon since) I guess I have been bit & need a Flintlock. From what I have read, and advice from my gunshop owner, I will buy a good one right off. Probably going with TVM. My questions are caliber...I am thinking .54 or .58 with a 42" barrell. And which is more period correct, brass or steel furniture. I am trying to get as close as I can in case i decide to rendezvous. I am looking for ideas & experience.
Thank you,

Jack

 

[jbwilliams3]

Congratulations on getting bit by the bug! You’re in for a long and fun journey, I’m sure.

I’m sure others will chime in with their preference as to caliber. 42” is a good length and pretty average in SOME time periods. You didn’t state a particular time period that you might be interested in. I’m assuming you’re after a rifle as this is in the flint rifle section. If you’re interested in a rifle that fits your location, then the period correctness factor may be a moot point if you’re interested in earlier periods. Regardless, who, what where, when, and why still dictate whether or not something is “period correct” or not. Iron (steel) furniture works on some english sporting rifles and later southern guns (there’s some conjecture as to whether iron furniture was used to a considerable extent in the south prior to 1800). Depending on what you’re looking for, brass is almost always the way to go on earlier American rifles.

I suggest that you take your time, research, and have fun, of course!

 

[Jack9211]

Thanks jb.....pre 1840......I guess I'm looking for something carried between 1780 & 1820.......but I am open. I just don't know much about these things and trying to learn.

 

[Trench]

You won't go wrong with one of TVM's Lancasters in brass furniture. Maybe the late Lancaster for the time frame. Do some research. Clothing and equipment change ALOT between 1780 and 1820. I have one of TVM's Virginia rifles in .58 caliber. Seriously consider getting a swamped barrel if you're going with a 42" barrel. I have a 36" straight barrel and I think any more length would have made it rediculously heavy on the nose end.

 

[wattlebuster]

I agree with trench. you will love a tvm and get a swamped barrel. If I were going to hunt some of those Maine moose Id go .58 cal just my opinion though. Good luck welcome an you have got tons of fun ahead of you :thumbsup:

 

[hanshi]

I'll go along with Trench on his recommendation. a straight barrel longer than 36" - 38" can start getting nose heavy fast. A swamped barrel is NEVER a mistake. I have TVM Lancaster in .45 with a 36" straight barrel and it's a joy. My TVM EV .50 with 42" straight barrel is hard for me to hold up more than a few seconds despite the fact I do (usually) my best off-hand shooting with it. My .40 with swamped 38" barrel feels like a 33" straight and has perfect balance. Caliber? I like .54 on the high end but then, I don't hunt moose.

 

[Ft. Jefferson]

Just my 2cents worth. While i don't hunt moose either, i do hunt elk most every year and my primary elk rifle is a 54cal flint gun w/36" GM barrel. I've seen many Shiras moose in the Rocky's and while they are taller than elk, they are not really thicker nor heavier built. My rb load is 90gr-3f and works wonderfully on elk. Get yourself a good lock on your new toy and enjoy the ride.

 

[roundball]

I am looking for ideas & experience.

Here's one reference...a .58cal Early Virginia I had Matt Avance at TVM build for me.
I used a Rice 38" D-weight swamped barrel...a dream to carry and shoot since it so well balanced, yet it weighs 9.5lbs.

PHOTO 1 after receiving it

PHOTO 2 = opening day muzzleloader season

 

[saber]

what ever you get learn to shoot it and enjoy ejoy it I hunt in Alaska and use a 54 and have taken all game with it but grizz and buff like that cal with a 44 inch barrel and 120 grs of 2f good shooting and God Bless

 

[saber]

check out cabincreek there Mt rifle very easy to finish and a good shooter

 

[David W.]

Before you make your final decision, also check Tip Curtis, Cross Plains, TN. I can PM his email address as I do not like posting personal information to the spammers.

Just stay away from the cheap flintrs, like Traditions, you will be happier in the long run.