Looking for first flintlock

[GoodRabbitPilgrim]

First of all, for any that aren't aware I don't live in America so this is not a wanted thread.

I've wanted a flinter since I was a kid and joining this forum has done nothing but made that want worsen (thanks for that).

I don't want to spend "new" money on a gun and have found a few options second hand. Curious for input on them.
My primary use for all guns is as a hunter, I used to shoot competitively with smokeless shotguns but no longer do that and realistically will not again. My main quarry is always deer, a little rabbit, duck/quail and varmint (e.g. fox etc.)

What I've found so far is:

20G pedersoli indiand trade musket/fowler stated as very good condition

Pedersoli 12G mortimer in excellent condition

Chambers .54 near new condition - model unknown

Chambers .58 near new condition - model unknown

The first two are similar prices, the latter two I haven't got a price yet. All things being equal what would be the better gun for elk sized game a) out of all of them and b) out of the two smooth bores in case the chambers are going to be too expensive.

Realistically 100 yards is a range I generally need to be able to shoot to in the country I hunt. But I know that might be a push with the smoothies.

 

[Sidney Smith]

If you plan to hunt all the game you listed with one gun, then either of the two smoothbores will serve you well. For elk sized game you will have to most likely restrict your range to about 60 yards, but I don't see that as a problem even with a smoothbore.

Now just for elk sized game again either will serve you well. I've heard of plenty of guys over here are using .54 caliber round balls on elk.

 

[GoodRabbitPilgrim]

If you plan to hunt all the game you listed with one gun, then either of the two smoothbores will serve you well. For elk sized game you will have to most likely restrict your range to about 60 yards, but I don't see that as a problem even with a smoothbore.

Now just for elk sized game again either will serve you well. I've heard of plenty of guys over here are using .54 caliber round balls on elk.

Birds are not essential, one day ill probably do more wing shooting with a BP but it'd not make or break. The smooth bore shot side of things in my mind would be more used on whistling in foxes.

I have a .54 percussion which is a deer rifle.

 

[LawrenceA]

Go 54 then.
you have the stuff. You know how they shoot. Much less learning involved.
Might be able to get Alan Swann to do up a 28g smooth barrel for it if you wanted.

I would not go smaller than 54 for "Elk" sized game with RB.

 

[GoodRabbitPilgrim]

Go 54 then.
you have the stuff. You know how they shoot. Much less learning involved.
Might be able to get Alan Swann to do up a 28g smooth barrel for it if you wanted.

I would not go smaller than 54 for "Elk" sized game with RB.

That is a fair point, I generally try to not double up on any calibres. I find I start favouring one and never use the other otherwise. But would save buying a new mould, cleaning gear, short start etc.

 

[LawrenceA]

That is a fair point, I generally try to not double up on any calibres. I find I start favouring one and never use the other otherwise. But would save buying a new mould, cleaning gear, short start etc.

Get the 54 flinter.
Sell your 54 percussion and get a Parker Hale Musketoon in 577. Small gun. BIG hole

 

[GoodRabbitPilgrim]

Does anyone know the size flint for a pedersoli trade gun? I saw on muzzleloaders.com they say a 5/8" but that seems small. Keen to get it sorted before the gun arrives.

 

[user 48702]

Does anyone know the size flint for a pedersoli trade gun? I saw on muzzleloaders.com they say a 5/8" but that seems small. Keen to get it sorted before the gun arrives.

I just finished a Pedersoli Trade Gun Kit a few months ago, and the supplied flint in the lock was 1"X 1 1/8" (1" inch wide X 1 1/8" long). The supplied flint looked more of an amber color than a black flint. I just received an order of the French Amber Flints from Track of the Wolf a few weeks ago, and two out of the package of six were about 1/8" wider, but they can be trimmed if needed. The black English flints by Tom Fuller is listed as " FLINT-ENG-8 ".

 

[GoodRabbitPilgrim]

I just finished a Pedersoli Trade Gun Kit a few months ago, and the supplied flint in the lock was 1"X 1 1/8" (1" inch wide X 1 1/8" long). The supplied flint looked more of an amber color than a black flint. I just received an order of the French Amber Flints from Track of the Wolf a few weeks ago, and two out of the package of six were about 1/8" wider, but they can be trimmed if needed. The black English flints by Tom Fuller is listed as " FLINT-ENG-8 ".

Thank you,

Out of curiosity, what does having an undersized flint do?

 

[user 48702]

Thank you,

Out of curiosity, what does having an undersized flint do?

A flint drastically narrower than the frizzen would give uneven wear, but I've had some that were 1/8" narrower and didn't worry about it. If the flint is a little shorter, you can put a spacer behind the flint to give a more proper length, a twig will work in a pinch. I keep a few pre-cut sections of a bamboo shish kabob skewer in my pouch just in case I need a spacer. They work great and they are hard and dense about the right diameter.

 

[LawrenceA]

Hey there is a Mortimer flintlock in the auction I previously mentioned.
Please tell me if you intend to bid