Flintlock

[doc623]

I am getting the urge to build a flintlock.
I am going to try a semi kit - put together from acculumated
parts and etc.
I have done a true "kit" years ago.
I have limited wood and metal working skills and experience.
I have limited hand and small power tools.
I have sucessfully checkered several stocks in the past.
I have learned patients.
I have a several questions.


1. What makes a Siler lock better than other types?
2. Where is the most competitive place to purchase locks?
3. Where and what type of long barrel would be the best to
start with and who is the most competitive supplier -
price wise?
4. Where could I get a stock roughed in for barrel, lock,
and ramrod hole drilled as I have my own wood that I
would like to use? Who does this type of work?
Any other suggestions would be apprecitate.
Thanks in advance.
Doc623

 

[Birddog6]

Q1. What makes a Siler lock better than other types?

A: Dependability, Function, and Quality of workmanship, Period Correctness, Reputation, etc. For the money, NOTHING beats a Chambers lock, IMHO. Plus a LIFETIME warranty on parts.

Q2. Where is the most competitive place to purchase locks?

A: Directly from Jim Chambers Flintlocks.

Q3. Where and what type of long barrel would be the best to
start with and who is the most competitive supplier -
price wise?

A: You will get 495 different opinions here. My first choice would be from L.C.Rice for the best quality. Next would be from Tip Curtis Frontier Shop for good quality & vast inventory & competative price. I have always been able to find what I want at one or the other.


Q4. Where could I get a stock roughed in for barrel, lock,
and ramrod hole drilled as I have my own wood that I
would like to use? Who does this type of work?

A: Fred Miller for barrel inletting & RR hole & rough shaping. Jacks Mountain Stocks to precarve it or just how much you tell him to do. Have used both with great success.


Good Luck ! :thumbsup:

 

[Packdog]

Ditto on all the above.
I would add one thing I did not understand when I started. All Siler locks are not created equal. Some vendors buy kits and have someone assemble them. So buy from Chambers as Birdddog said and be sure. :imo:

 

[dryfly]

Siler has had a good reputation for many years. I own three and have never had a problem with them. Chambers now has a deluxe Siler that has been tuned and is supposed to be the fastest most shore lock available. I will know shortly as I am going to order one Tuesday.
The prices are all close. $100 for a large Siler, $125 for a Deluxe Siler.
On barrels, I have a .45 Green Mountain, a .45 Douglass and a .50 Colerain swamped plus a new 44