Lyman Deerstalker Flintlock - Longevity question

[JHSA-President]

Hello all - I am thinking about getting one of these in .50 cal. If well cared for, cleaned and oiled etc after every range day, and assuming about 50 shots a year through it...Can I assume that it will stay operable for decades or should I worry that the frizzen will need to be rehardened or something like that? This would be my first flinter.

 

[FishDFly]

Don't worry, I doubt you will ever wear it out.

 

[andy52]

I've got guns that are 170 years old that I still shoot regularly. You won't wear it out in your lifetime.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Those guns were hand made by smiths that knew what they were doing.
The modern production gun has nothing in common with any ordinal guns.

He will not wear it out, but it will break. They all do.

 

[nkbj]

Yeah, the sudden acceleration and bashing stops that parts are subjected to means that things break. Imagine how your car would hold up.
Having a custom flintlock made with quality parts doesn't mean it won't keep breaking. Been there done that.
Mass produced flintlocks are actually less likely to break due to the demands of higher levels established for quality assurance (not quality control) in manufacturing. That's just the way the world works and the way businesses prosper.

 

[morehops52]

I have several Lymans and have found all of them to be very reliable. Being something mechanical, it is possible that a part will break SOME day but replacement parts are generally available. I say buy it and don't look back. The longer you wait the less fun you'll have.

 

[FishDFly]

If something moves, it will break, just a matter of time

 

[good ole boy]

Lyman has had some serious QC issues over the recent years.I heard though they have been gettin better though.

 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

Just get a spare from RMC OX-Yoke there $31.00 + shipping

 

[B P Maniac Shooter]

Hello all - I am thinking about getting one of these in .50 cal. If well cared for, cleaned and oiled etc after every range day, and assuming about 50 shots a year through it...Can I assume that it will stay operable for decades or should I worry that the frizzen will need to be rehardened or something like that? This would be my first flinter.

50 shots a year?
I put 50 shots thru mine every time I take it out which is often.
If you properly clean it afterwards, you won't wear it out shooting out 50 times a year.
It will be a gun your grandkids will argue over long after you're gone.

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

Got the same thing. good accurate Rifle. Have not shot it in about 7 months though. Just keep it clean.

 

[ryoung14]

Just checked my email. I got one coming in 54. Oughta be here next week. It'll be my first flinter. We can compare notes.

I'm 76 so I guess it'll last a 'lifetime' even if I do try to wear it out..

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

FYI the cabelas hawken lock of yesteryear is identical to the lock you have on your deer stalker. If you can find an old Cabelas hawkin Stock with hardware it will all transfer will minimal effort. And you will wind up with a great shooter.

 

[morehops52]

Just checked my email. I got one coming in 54. Oughta be here next week. It'll be my first flinter. We can compare notes.

I'm 76 so I guess it'll last a 'lifetime' even if I do try to wear it out..

You're gonna love that 54... and draw a lot of attention. Have fun for a long time!

 

[user 49399]

Shoot that gun. If you clean it after shooting, you won’t wear it out.

 

[tdoyka]

a couple of years ago, i bought a cva lh fl hawkens in 50 cal that had surface rust in the bore. i cleaned it(hot water and soap) and i've shot about 400-500 times. it will last me a lifetime. the only thig bad about it, is the patches, .005 or .010" . when i go .010" it only shoots 3 or 4 times. when i go .005" , i don't bother to clean it until i'm done shooting.