Good Locks for Beginner

[WALT53]

I would apreciate your opinions on a flintlock replica with good lock for a newbie to start out with, Spanish, Italian, am looking at something affordable to learn with. thanks walt.

 

[smo]

Great Plains Rifle can't be beat for the money.

 

[Zonie]

Generally speaking, American made locks by Chambers, L&R and Davis are the best.
These locks are usually found on custom made guns and sometimes a good deal can be found on a used one.

The Italian guns usually have good flintlocks on them, usually better than the Spanish made guns.

The newer made Spanish guns flintlocks are pretty good but the ones made back in the 1970's and early '80's and imported by CVA left a lot to be desired.

Over the years the Japanese have made a few flintlock arms and these usually have the worst of all locks.

As smo says, the Lyman Great Plains Rifle is a good one.
It's a fairly accurate Italian reproduction of a Plains rifle often used by the Mountain men.

It is a bit heavier and longer than the Lyman Deerstalker (also Italian made) so if weight is a consideration don't forget to check out the Deerstalker.

If you didn't know, the Traditions rifles are Spanish.

 

[nwtradegun]

stick with t/c , and investarms. lyman trade rifle is a good one to start with in flint. check with kittery tradeing post snd deer creek gun shop http://www.deercreekgunshop.net/index.html http://www.ktpguns.com/

 

[Critter Getter]

Another decent gun to start out with that has a good lock, in my opinion, is the Pedersoli Blue Ridge flintlock (or percussion) that is sold through Cabela's. That was my first flinter and it has been very reliable. Greg.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Really boils down to what your idea of affordable is.


Look through the classifieds, anything with a Chamber's made lock will be as close to frustration proof as you're going to get.

Any used TVM's, or other semi-custom flinters that turn up would be an excellent starter flinter, you have the advantage of being 100% American Made, this translates into first rate customer service.
Also once the initial depreciation is absorbed they do hold their value due to the quality parts involved in the build.


Going the commercial route, (T/C, Lyman, etc.) if you buy new you'll eat all the depreciation and run the risk of having issues with the lock anyway, if you buy used, well you'll most likely end up with inherited headaches, and either way you'll most likely lose money if you decide you don't care for the flintlock platform.

just my opinion.

Choose wisely as a poor firing flintlock will suck the fun right out of the experience.

 

[BigBoreBLR]

Lyman or a used cabelas investarms is good. They're made by the same folks.

I own a GPR as well as custom guns. The GPR shoots good and is reliable. I can't say that for my t/c gun until I put an aftermarket lock on it.

The trade rifle is a touch lighter, has the preferred single trigger for hunting, and has the same good lock as all investarms made guns have. No need at all for a lock upgrade. Only mod I suggest is drilling the flash hole to 1/16ths. But I suggest that with any flinthick out there.

I like 54 for hunting, if your really recoil sensitive, then get the 50.

I use 535 balls .016 patch and 90grs 3f.

 

[SgtErv]

I got my start in flintlocks with an Invetarms Hawken. It took some learning, but in the process I figured out a lot about flint positioning, priming, keeping the frizzen and flint clean, and the like. It is as reliable lock as I am diligent. For $350 used, it was a relatively inexpensive way to get started, and it's an extremely accurate gun.

 

[Black Jack]

Lyman or a used cabelas investarms is good. They're made by the same folks.

I second Mr. Sulphur. I own a Lyman GPR and it has proven to be very reliable. My Trade Rifle is percussion, but the same would apply and it is a little handier. I do like the single trigger for hunting. The GPR would be the better choice if you intend to do a little weekend paper punching at a local club. Lymans can be had at decent prices at https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/ . Naturally, used would be cheaper, but when buying any used black powder gun, always check the condition of the bore for corrosion or pitting, as this is not uncommon. Also, the Cabela's Blue Ridge previously mentioned has a reliable lock and is a lot of rifle for the money. They are hard to find used but Cabela's puts them on sale periodically. Mine is a .45 and has very fast ignition.

 

[hanshi]

My first flintlock was a "Minuteman" from Numrich arms. It was reliable and shot quite well. I no longer have that rifle but do have others, most, but not all, from TVM.

 

[don hepler]

I belong to a club where 7 or 8 guys all use Siler locks with White Lighting touch hole coned liners.

It sounds like center-fire rifles, up and down the line.

If I hear the sound Hisssss-Boom, then someone has brought in an old unknown lock, of some sort. In fact I have a couple myself.

Regardless of the barrel or other factors, it all starts with the lock. If you've never shot a rifle with a well tuned Chambers Siler lock, you really have no idea how much it matters.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Regardless of the barrel or other factors, it all starts with the lock. If you've never shot a rifle with a well tuned Chambers Siler lock, you really have no idea how much it matters.

:hatsoff:

With any reputable well tuned lock, it really does make all the difference.