MVT musket

[Jumpshot]

Does anyone have any experience with the matchlock musket sold by MVT? Any comments on the quality, lock functioning, etc?

 

[Bob Riegl]

:hmm: The only experience I have with an MVT product is the recent purchase of their Germanic Matchlock pistol. This not a bad piece however, the one salient point is, it's made in India. Which can be a manure shoot as to finish and the smithing. I found mine to be acceptable in finish of wood and parts however careless assembly, "if it's close that's good enough" meaning the assembly and overall manufacture is not going to affect the workers rice bowl for lunch, or who cares anyhow. I found a wood screw with a badly stripped head and one machine screw just barely touching the threaded hole it was to sit in. Now what could be simpler than this pistol? Your musket may be finished better, it's a manure shoot as I said. Warned is forewarned---don't expect it to be the work of our artistic American gunsmiths and you may be pleasantly surprised. I am not totally unhappy because the gun function well and shoots with amazing accuracy for a smoothbore. :thumbsup:

 

[tom hargrove]

but yet i have a brass-bbl blunder buss that is inlet and mfg as well as any domestic piece ive seen.-go figure :hmm:

 

[Bob Riegl]

:wink: There's an easy answer to that huge difference---the B-buss is very well made in comparison to the Matchlock Pistol---simply different gunsmiths involved in this manufacture.I own both :thumbsup:

 

[benvenuto]

I don't have any personal experience but there are people here who speak very highly of MVT and Loyalist Arms.

As for Indian made arms, it can be a bit of a lottery. You must be able to depend on the honesty and diligence of the retailer, as quality is sometimes good and sometimes bad on these pieces (even from the same factory), and the only quality control is the importer. There are dozens of factories turning out muzzleloaders in India from the quite good to the awful. Furthermore in cases like this, quality may start out good to win a contract, and then progresively drop to make more profit once a few favourable review have appeared. The shortcuts in quality are often in the areas you can't see. Some people say "aw, don't be so harsh, they made the originals that way" but the difference is the originals looked rough(file marks, grind marks) but functioned perfectly first time.

I would want to strip all the awful polyurethane off that stock and refinish all the metal with 600 grit emery paper for a more authentic finish though. Good Luck!

 

[Jumpshot]

Yeah, I noticed that glossy finish. That sort of turned me off to it. That's why I'm not sure. the whole thing is a little too shiny.

 

[Teleoceras]

Jumpshot:

If you want to go with a domestic builder, I heartly recommend John Buck. I have two of his pieces and have no complaints about his work. You can call him and work out what you are looking for. I have found his prices have been more than fair and his work is very good.

Slowmatch Forever!
Teleoceras

 

Like it has been said, anything from India is a manure shoot. Admittedly the quality on some are outstanding. But I question the materials used. Spend a little more and have some paitence and get one from John Buck. I'll guarantee he will do the job right. No worrying about ill fitted breeches or metal that's too soft. John has made pieces for the movie industry, historical sites and a multitude of reenactors. And if something go ping, you don't end up with a wall hanger.

CP

 

[Jumpshot]

Do you have his contact info?

 

[buspete]

I'm just curious about your reason for "questioning the materials used"?

There have been no problems with the metalurgy of Indian muskets.

 

[Bob Riegl]

:bow: Claypipe & Teloceras said it both---go with John Buck, I have one of his Matchlocks. It didn't take a long time and there is considerably less risk on the outcome.As for the metallurgy I don't see any problems but as for as breeches there have been a few incidents reported with MVT weapons. I "proof" tested my Germanic Matchlock Pistol (MVT) 3X, before I would ever fire it from my hands. I would bet the cost would not be but about $200 more than the MVT musket and you will be a lot happier. :v :thumbsup: John Buck

 

[Jumpshot]

Thanks for the contact info. John Buck's muskets do look nice.

 

I'm just curious about your reason for "questioning the materials used"?

There have been no problems with the metalurgy of Indian muskets.

Seems some years back there were some Enfield musketoons imported from India that had barrels that were way too soft.

India, like Afghanistan, has its share of tribal gunsmiths. And these gunsmiths, working with very primitive tools can turn out fantastic copies of famous firearms. But one can never know where they obtained the raw materials. These people recycle everything. Which is only a bad thing when using the improper material for the wrong application.

CP

 

[Chuck Thom]

I too have a John Buck matchlock and highly recommend his quality of work I've won numerous matches with my dutch/german style matchlock. I have 7 matchlocks and the John Buck is the one I shoot most.. even got a deer 2 years ago...buy from the best ...Chuck