Looking for my First Flintlock, have???

[talkingamoeba]

seeing you're after a flintlock rifle.....go for a quality flintlock like a Chambers that has a valid "lifetime warranty". Starting w/ a questionable flintlock discourages many first timers and is responsible for the perception that flintlocks are too complicated...which they're not.

A flintlock rifle or pistol equipped w/ a good flintlock isn't much more complicated than a caplock.....Fred

The importance of this advice should not go unnoticed. While building my first gun I was in a hurry for something to shoot and bought a Traditions and a TC. The difference between the locks on those guns and a Chambers lock is vast. Immeasurable. You won't regret a Chambers lock purchase.

 

[Tom Compton]

I AGREE!

Good lock and good barrel. The rest is window dressing.
TC

 

[Tinker2]

Pedersoli makes a great rifle. I own the Kentucky in .45 and love it. Unless you plan on going to shoots where you are judged on the Historical correctness of your gun

I own the Pedersoli Kentuckys in .32 in flint and .45 in percussion.
I got them both used, at the same time they looked to be un-fired.
I am pleased with them and I have others if going to judged events.




William Alexander

 

[nkbj]

Well, I'd go the 2nd hand path. I'd find an inexpensive half stock rifle with mucho mojo that really liked me and then get a small bore barrel for it. Depending on what providence supplied I would work with what made me happy.

 

[MSW]

if you have the coin, this may be a good way to go:
http://www.jimkibler.net/kit-gun.html

these rifles have an excellent reputation. they will require final finish.

you should also consider the purchase of Dutch Schoultz' method: here's a link:
http://www.blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com/

good luck in your search, and Make Good Smoke!

 

[Old Timer 48]

I just ordered a 32cal yesterday from TVM. Early Lancaster.$1,590.00 with upgrades & shipping.

 

[stevenjay1]

I have been getting a lot of good information here and am getting close to making a complete decision on what I want. As mentioned, I like a "Little" bling so I am leaning towards the Lancaster design. Just not sure if it will be an early or late model. What is the real difference? 32 will be the caliber and I've got it narrowed down to a few builders, TVM has a slight edge. As for the lock and barrel, again, I'm leaning towards a Rice barrel and a Chambers lock. Been doing a lot of reading and research. I'm sure there are others good barrel and lock makers and I'm still looking. For a quality custom rifle 1500.00 is in the ball park. I've come a long way from my original thought of getting a cheap CVA Jukar to try out. I live in New Hampshire and historically wonder if a Lancaster would be the correct design for New Hampshire or is there a more correct design for New England?

 

[Old Timer 48]

Hello fellow granite stater,

The late Lancaster has kind of a funky trigger guard. The early Lancaster has a bigger guard & triggers. I know there were builders in NH & Vt in the day, but I'm sure people had Lancasters here also. The TVM Early Lancaster .32 only comes with a Rice barrel, but it is $100 more. It does come with a Siler lock.

I have a Early Lancaster in .50 that I love. I'm getting the .32 for small game & target.

Just a note: I live in Newport, but I grew up in Concord.

 

[Pete G]

Since you are going with 32 you should go with the later style. The early style is heavier and the small caliber will make it even heavier. Also the early rifles tend to historically have the larger calibers.

If you don't like the guard ask about a different one.

A Lancaster style could be found almost anywhere. I have a family heirloom that was made by Jacob Fordney and stamped Lancaster. It made it's way all the way down to Alabama.

 

[stevenjay1]

Hi Old Timer 48, Thanks for the welcome. The wife and I are recent transplants from California after a stop in Louisiana and Texas. We about had enough of the "Golden State" and decided to come back east. I originally started life in New York and she in Philadelphia. We are in the southern part of the state about spitting distance (with a good north wind) from the Massachusetts border. As mentioned, I am really leaning towards a TVM rifle, if you don't mind me asking, what is the wait time for your rifle? Old Timer and Pete G thanks for the info on the difference of the early and late Lancaster rifles. Thanks, Steve

 

[Old Timer 48]

When I ordered the rifle that I have now it was 6 months from order to delivery.