Hope you can see my flare!

[cmdrstp]

Hello, all. How are you?

Here I go...

I am new to traditional muzzleloading. I have decided I would love a flintlock in .50 or .54 caliber. One I can use for whitetails and the range. I want one representative of colonial America.

I am completely naive as to who make a quality firearm at affordable prices. I understand you get what you pay for but, I have to stick in the $500+- range.

I was looking at the Pedersoli Kentucky "Standard" Flintlock model (.50) ($595). Nice looking rifle. This probably would be my one and only flintlock I would spend my life with so I want to make the right choice. I have a sickness that drives me to want a representative of varied types of firearms. I have not found a gun I haven't liked. But, I think I could squirrel away $600 without the little woman catching on I am eating sand for lunch.

I would love a Springfield or Harper's Ferry 1816! Anything used by our military sends chills down my spine. But, the price seems to double that of the Kentucky. Also, would feel more comfortable (hunting) with rifling.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Stephen

 

[Dane]

I guess the real question is this..... do you want something authentic??

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any gun in that price range, that truly represents ANY original. If that's not a concern, go for it.

In a flintlock, it's very difficult to find one that's reliable in that price range. A good quality, dependable lock will set you back around $135 by itself.

If you must stay in that price range, go with percussion.

 

[cmdrstp]

Recommendations?

Authenticity? I'd like to be as correct as financially possible...if that makes sense. Quality is the key for me.

 

[jrmflintlock]

Check out Sitting Fox Muzzleloaders, They make some nice kits that are reletivaly easy to build and they have some for under $600.. I know they have a Nice Southern Mountain Poor boy in .50 cal for $499

You will not find much already built for that price cause just the parts are that much or more..

You will love building it and then shooting it!!

 

[cmdrstp]

I would love the satisfaction of building one....but, I have no woodworking skills or experience. I think Id be buying a new blank after every screw up.

 

[Zonie]

There are a few companies that offer "in the white" guns for sale that are good representations of some of the guns used in the early 1800's.
TVM comes to mind.

There prices are quite a bit more than many of the factory made guns but they use 100 percent high quality American parts so quality is not an issue.

In the white guns are fully assembled but you will have to do the finish sanding on the wood and apply a suitable stain and oil based finish.
If you want the barrel something other than raw steel you will also have to Brown or Blue it.

 

[hoochiepapa]

I got news for ya! It ain't gonna be just one gun. This is addiction country, son! When the bug bites, you will be lyin' more than just once to your better half. You'll be conjuring up excuses like, "the dog ate that $20!" "it was right here in my pocket!", "I've misplaced my wallet", "Sorry hon, the boss cut my pay by $20". I speak from experience. :wink:

 

[spudnut]

Take your time and watch those want adds.I might be kinda bias but if I were you I'd keep an eye out for a smoothbore,musket,tradegun,or fusil. You can shoot roundball at target and deer as well as that occasional limb bacon.Double your pleasure,double your fun.Smoothbores forever :thumbsup:

 

[Stubert]

What part of New York are you from? I'm in southern Dutchess. Have you considered a used rifle? Look in the classifieds from members. $600.00 should get something used and higher quality.

 

[Bob J]

You could probably get a TVM new for around $1,000. And it would be authentic and good quality.

 

[rr11]

I agree with Dixie Flinter call TVM. The quality is great. Have a wait of around a year for a rifle. Make a deposit and save your money for delivery. I would give them a call and tell them what you want, very good people to work with. Have two of thear guns one rifle and one pistol very happy with the guns and the customer service. :thumbsup:

 

[rr11]

As you said quality is the key. Some of the cheeper imported flintes have problems, not something you want to deal with geting started with flint shooting.

 

[Dphar]

Hello, all. How are you?

Here I go...

I am new to traditional muzzleloading. I have decided I would love a flintlock in .50 or .54 caliber. One I can use for whitetails and the range. I want one representative of colonial America.

I am completely naive as to who make a quality firearm at affordable prices. I understand you get what you pay for but, I have to stick in the $500+- range.

I was looking at the Pedersoli Kentucky "Standard" Flintlock model (.50) ($595). Nice looking rifle. This probably would be my one and only flintlock I would spend my life with so I want to make the right choice. I have a sickness that drives me to want a representative of varied types of firearms. I have not found a gun I haven't liked. But, I think I could squirrel away $600 without the little woman catching on I am eating sand for lunch.

I would love a Springfield or Harper's Ferry 1816! Anything used by our military sends chills down my spine. But, the price seems to double that of the Kentucky. Also, would feel more comfortable (hunting) with rifling.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Stephen

It is impossible to get a historically correct flintlock for 500 bucks. Decent stock BLANK just sawed from a plank 100-150 bucks, decent barrel 180 bucks, good lock 120+. 35-50 bucks for rough cast buttplate and trigger guard. Triggers, sights, rod pipes, forend cap etc another 150-200 bucks.
This is just the parts.
Now the Pedersoli is a shootable firearm and I would trust it to be safe. Though it may not be as reliable as a good custom. Its still not junk. But its not historically correct. The Italians are not capable of making a good representation of an 18th-19th century "American rifle".
If you are REALLY stuck with 500 bucks then this will give you a start. But do not expect to get your money back if you sell it. If you buy one and it is less than reliable you can get excellent help here or at the AmericanLongRifles site. Usually the fix is easy.
But be aware the flintlock has a learning curve for some shooters so be prepared. If the flash bothers you then simply "dry firing" flashing pans of powder may help until you become acclimated to it.
But lots of people will shoot nothing else.

Dan

 

[poordevil]

http://www.jackiebrownmuzzleloaders.com/

I do not have one, but those that do, seem to be happy with them. Smooth bore or rifle for the same price.
P

 

[ricwb]

Not to start trouble, but perhaps a used mass-produced flintlock such as a Thompson Center Hawken would be a good choice. They come up on auction sites at prices well within your budget, and can be good reliable shooters. I've been shooting one since 1979 that I built from a kit, and can't remember a single misfire that was the fault of the rifle. I realize that many forum members look down on the quality and correctness of these, but somtimes you have to shoot what you can afford. Auction sites often have some decent prices on smooth bores, such as a Brown Bess, if one is careful, knowledgeable, and a bit lucky!

 

[tg]

For your price range a used gun would be the best way to go IMHO, I have sold several in that price range over the years, I do not have anything available now, they show up often on all the classified of any forums dealing with ML's or re-enacting, stating with a low grade flintlock can spoil the experience very quickly, and while you will find many glowing reports on the imported guns there are just as many of a different tone.

 

[Many Klatch]

Check out the classified ads here in this forum. There are several nice guns in your price range. Some of them are more than half the price of what they cost new.

Many Klatch

 

[Blackpowdersmoke]

Not to start trouble, but perhaps a used mass-produced flintlock such as a Thompson Center Hawken would be a good choice. They come up on auction sites at prices well within your budget, and can be good reliable shooters. I've been shooting one since 1979 that I built from a kit, and can't remember a single misfire that was the fault of the rifle. I realize that many forum members look down on the quality and correctness of these, but somtimes you have to shoot what you can afford.

Exactly!!! Listen friend, if price is a major issue then look for a good, clean, USED Thompson Center gun. I own 12 T/C firearms with 11 of them being muzzleloaders and I will go to my grave defending their quality and customer service having personally dealt with them several times and I know many others that feel the same as I do. Two years ago, my neighbor took a nasty tumble down a steep snow and ice covered hillside with his T/C .50 Hawken on his back. Fortunately he was only bruised up some, but his rifle did not fare so well. He broke the stock at the wrist, the ramrod, and broke the rear sight completely off the rifle. When he asked me what he should do I gave him the contact # for their customer service dept. and told him to explain to them what happened. They re-stocked the gun, buffed and re-blued the barrel, and replaced the ramrod and rear sight. The only cost to him was the shipping to send it to them. The big kicker was that this was a gun he purchased from an auction site....He was not the original owner!!! How many custom builders will do that for you should that happen to one of their guns??...Few if any I would think....Just my .02...Bps

 

[cmdrstp]

Thank you, all, very much. Some great advice and I did think on all the advice.

I really want something American made. Upon reflection, that is very important to me.

Ok.....I am in the market for a quality, used gun. I would much rather have a quality gun from a quality builder than one that was simply new. And, I would like something different than a Hawken and what TC has to offer.

And, that is where some trusting is needed. I would put that trust in most of you as you seem to really care about the history, creation, and shooting such firearms. I know the care would be evident.

I wish I had more than around $500. I know options will be limited after reading your posts. And, thus, I would be willing to open my options to both flint and percussion.

Any ideas who and where to look for a used?

Thank you.

Stephen

 

[cmdrstp]

Sauquoit, NY