Anyone have any experience with modern matchlock reproductions? Ive seen some Indian manufactured versions for sale at a relatively reasonable price, but would be interested to know more about their overall quality and shootability. Thanks.
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Modern matchlock reproductions
- Thread starter JTL1977AD
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I don't have any direct experience myself but would highly recommend you go through Veterans Arms or Loyalist Armes who import directly from the better makers and examine each one for structural dependability. There's a lot on negative comment about all Indian made products but the most catastrophic failures have all been traced back to huge over loads or accidental substitution of smokeless instead of black powder. I will say they don't have the classic lines of hand made copies and may appear a bit clunky but a little work with wood rasp and a refinish can fix that if you like something more svelte!
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Teleoceras.....
curator
45 Cal.
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Wes/tex has given good advise. I have a "fish-tail" butt match lock from Loyalist arms purchased about 10+ years ago. It has been very serviceable but is as Wes/Tex points out a bit "clunky." Since my need was Spanish conquistador era 1521-1600, clunky was fine. The folks at Loyalist arms got everything working smoothly. This matchlock won't win any prizes for serious historical correctness but has served my needs well for less than half the cost of something custom made.One of our reenactors was equipped with a very nice John Buck Spanish matchlock and he had lots of issues with the slow-match and misfires. Beautiful as it was, the custom matchlock was not as reliable as my "indian-made" clunker. As Wes/Tex points out, a little tuning and maybe some time on a good wood rask and sand paper might turn a clunker into a thing of beauty.
Teleoceras
45 Cal.
JTL1977AD:
Personally, I won't go near the Indian made ones. I've seen a few close up and really didn't like the look and feel of them. I only went with custom builders for the most part.
If you are interested in a custom builder, I would heartily recommend Leonard Day. He makes quality Matchlocks to your specifications.
Slowmatch Forever!
Teleoceras
Personally, I won't go near the Indian made ones. I've seen a few close up and really didn't like the look and feel of them. I only went with custom builders for the most part.
If you are interested in a custom builder, I would heartily recommend Leonard Day. He makes quality Matchlocks to your specifications.
Slowmatch Forever!
Teleoceras
FWIW I have both matchlocks mentioned:
1) 75-cal fishtail, trigger operated, later English civil war type match lock by Middlesex Village Trading
2) 62-cal fishtail, trigger operated, caliver matchlock by Leonard Day
I proofed the 75 by shooting 2 balls over 80-grns 2Fg. It may not be a 'proof' load, but that's what I did, since I use single ball loads and 40-80 grain charges.
Since Mr. Day makes all of his locks from casts of originals, surely it's a more historic representation. And while the MVT one may be clunky ...heck, but my views of originals they ALL were clunky! I honestly can't say it's more clunky than it should be, as I have never hefted an original.
But I will tell you that the 75-cal from MVT has been 100% reliable and I've never had a misfire! I also have zero negatives about the build quality - none.
And honestly? For some reason that I cannot explain - and it isn't the caliber - but I enjoy shooting it MORE than I do the one Mr. Day made ... go figure.
FYI, I have since switched to 1Fg powdah for my larger caliber or long barreled (up to 60" long) muzzleloaders and I love it! Softer shooting and better accuracy.
1) 75-cal fishtail, trigger operated, later English civil war type match lock by Middlesex Village Trading
2) 62-cal fishtail, trigger operated, caliver matchlock by Leonard Day
I proofed the 75 by shooting 2 balls over 80-grns 2Fg. It may not be a 'proof' load, but that's what I did, since I use single ball loads and 40-80 grain charges.
Since Mr. Day makes all of his locks from casts of originals, surely it's a more historic representation. And while the MVT one may be clunky ...heck, but my views of originals they ALL were clunky! I honestly can't say it's more clunky than it should be, as I have never hefted an original.
But I will tell you that the 75-cal from MVT has been 100% reliable and I've never had a misfire! I also have zero negatives about the build quality - none.
And honestly? For some reason that I cannot explain - and it isn't the caliber - but I enjoy shooting it MORE than I do the one Mr. Day made ... go figure.
FYI, I have since switched to 1Fg powdah for my larger caliber or long barreled (up to 60" long) muzzleloaders and I love it! Softer shooting and better accuracy.
Flint, thank you for sharing your personal take on these two matchlocks.
