Need Help Deciding on Flintlock Longrifle

[Rick Nelson]

For many years I have wanted to own a period authentic flintlock longrifle. I do not intend to build one but rather purchase a rifle from a reputable gunmaker. But, I need to do some research and decide on a time period and regional rifle style.

I need some help with the following:

1. Can someone suggest some good references on longrifles I can use to help select a style and time period?

2. I am considering a .32 caliber for use on squirrels and rabbits. Any feedback on this would be welcome.

3. I am leaning toward a long barrel, e.g. 42 or 44 inch barrel. Opinions welcome.

4. Any recommendations on gunmakers who specialize in period authentic rifles.

I know a custom made rifle could get a bit pricey but that is O.K.

Thanks for you help, opinions and advice.

Rick

 

[Many Klatch]

There are hundreds of references. Can you pin down the period that you want the gun to be authentic to? There is a big difference between guns built in the 1740's and the guns built in the 1820's. Your choice of the smaller caliber may limit your style to the later styles from around 1830 to 1880. Flintlocks were pretty much out of "style" by 1840.

Many Klatch

 

[RC]

jus my opinion,but I'd consider a 40 cal. instead of 32...jus alot more versatile,an be a lil lighter..but like Many said you're limiting your time period too..I'd love to have a longbarreled 40..but,in n.y. ya need a 45 fer deer, and if ya can't hunt deer with it...can't justify it! :haha:

 

[Grenadier1758]

Knowing the period that you are interested in would help, but knowing that you wnat the small caliber gun will lead us toward a style of the late flint period in the 1820 onward. Lots of good gun makers are putting out guns that fit into that time period.

For ease of handling the ramrod and the powder and ball, I think that a 36 caliber might be easier to use. That tiny diameter ramrod on a 32 is prone to breakage. It is easier to find a brass working rod for a 36. With either one you can find suitable buckshot to use so you don't have to cast bullets for it.

 

[Roy]

You can use a 5/16" rod for either caliber.. Heck I use a 5/16" rod for my .45

 

[KHickam]

Well, I would recommend at least a .45 caliber - big enough to take antelope and whitetail in ND - small enough to use on prairie dogs, coyotes and other small game.

I would also encourage you to look into a Lancaster pattern (early for Rev War) late for Fur Trade - I have just started researching some rifles for the early fur trade - your part of the Dakotas - had a strong NW Company influence amongst the Mandans and Hidatsa so that is something to consider too. That being said I remember seeing a semi custom/custom Lancaster build on either frontier folk or Historical Trekking website that was a .36 caliber for around $600.

 

[tg]

If you want the smaller bores 32-40 you will likely be around 1800 or later this dictates the styles to some extent, You can see a lot of custom guns for sale on TOW but be advised that many are not really very authentic, Chambers makesgood guns but earlier and in larger bores, TVM and others of this class offer a wider range of styles and options give a lot of thought to all the questions the guys are tossing at you, so you can find a starting place somewhere in time/place.

 

[Dphar]

For many years I have wanted to own a period authentic flintlock longrifle. I do not intend to build one but rather purchase a rifle from a reputable gunmaker. But, I need to do some research and decide on a time period and regional rifle style.

I need some help with the following:

1. Can someone suggest some good references on longrifles I can use to help select a style and time period?

2. I am considering a .32 caliber for use on squirrels and rabbits. Any feedback on this would be welcome.

3. I am leaning toward a long barrel, e.g. 42 or 44 inch barrel. Opinions welcome.

4. Any recommendations on gunmakers who specialize in period authentic rifles.

I know a custom made rifle could get a bit pricey but that is O.K.

Thanks for you help, opinions and advice.

Rick

There is little difference between the 40 and 32 in small game hunting. Both require headshots.
In your case I would use an A weight swamped barrel from Green Mountain. Length is up to you but check the approximate weights.
So far as style there is a 42 caliber rifle in "Steel Canvas" that dates pre-Rev War. Everyone likes to assume all the early guns were large bores this is not at all true. I cannot see a problem with a Rev-War period rifle in 40 caliber.
Pick something you like. If you re-enact and might want to do Rev War or earlier then lean toward an earlier style.

The A weight 38" 40 cal in light and would make a very nice small game gun as would the 32 or 36 cals. The 32 will probably shoot O buckshot which can reduce shooting costs if you can buy it in bags.
Everything is a trade off and you must make the final choice as to caliber and barrel length.
Need to get to the shop...
Dan

 

[jimmytheshank]

Hi!
I was in the same boat you were awhile back. Here is a link to some pics of a rifle that was made for me. It's .50 caliber, with a 44" swamped Colerain barrel, L&R lock, brass trim, and fancy curly maple with carvings. It's period correct for Alamo re-enactments we have down here. (although I havent joined up yet) :redface:

It's .50 cal, but you can get as big or small as you want. Send me a PM if this is something like what your looking for. I can give you some more info. There's a LOT of good makers in this forum.

http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c253/bigwwody/lancaster 43/

 

[Rick Nelson]

Thanks for all the replies. I have some research to do on this choice. I have been looking at a number of different styles via the web and am getting a better idea of what styles and time period rifles look like.

As a kid, I grew up reading everything I could find on the likes of Boone and Kenton. Thus, I would probably be interested in a longrifle from that era but I need to do some additional research.

I already own a .50 caliber T/C Hawken so I have a deer rifle. I am really looking for a small game rifle.

 

[PvtC]

A swamped barrel Jim Chambers York in 40 cal with set triggers would be sweet. A patchbox (wood or brass) and some carved decoration would be lovely if your budget allows. The B weight barrel might be available a caliber smaller than 40. Talk to Barbie Chambers about it.
Good Luck!

 

[paulvallandigham]

Since you already have possible hunting requirements met with that .50, I think a recommendation of the Chamber's gun in .40 caliber is a good one. For small game, right on up to Coyote, Its almost perfect. Yes,you will take head shots on squirrels and rabbits, but you probably weren't planning on eating the heads, now, anyway, right?

I know shooters with .40s that have worked out accurate loads that run from 27 grains of FFFg powder, on up to 60 grains! The low end is for squirrels and rabbits. The high end for coyote, and ground hogs. You can hit a 12" gong out at 130 yds, with that 60 grain load all day long with most guns, and a dead-on hold. :thumbsup:

 

[Hawkeye]

Here is a link to a sweet looking .40 cal http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(r...catId=12&subId=81&styleId=280&partNum=AAG-860

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

That rifle weighs 9.3 pounds. That's at least 2 pounds heavier than it needs to be--and it has a swamped barrel. It's way to much weight for a .40 caliber woods rifle. My .54 caliber Hawken doesn't weigh much more than this squirrel gun.

 

[cptleo1]

Heavy or not, that is a very fair price for that rifle.

IMHO

 

[Rick Nelson]

Someone please explain what a swamped barrel is. Thanks.

Rick

 

[Stumpkiller]

The barrel is slightly relieved in thickness at a point behind the muzzle - maybe 1/4 of the way back towards the breech - giving the whole piece better balance and lightening up the rifle.

 

[CZMark]

That rifle weighs 9.3 pounds. That's at least 2 pounds heavier than it needs to be--and it has a swamped barrel. It's way to much weight for a .40 caliber woods rifle. My .54 caliber Hawken doesn't weigh much more than this squirrel gun.

A 9.3 pound rifle is more than I would be willing to lug through the woods.

 

[MacTavish]

How about going to some of the local shoots and talking to the folks about their rifles?
If you like one that you see, ask the owner if you can pick it up to get the feel of it.
Most will know that your interest is genuine and will tell you more about their gun than they will their children.
If you can't find one locally, try to get to Friendship in June or the NMLRA Territorial.
If you're gonna' spend a chunk of money for a rifle that you will have for a while, take a bit of time before the investment. Part of the fun is the journey.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I agree the price is right, but a forty caliber rifle that weighs that much is too heavy to be a squirrel rifle and too light to make a dedicated bench gun.

I have a .45 caliber poor boy style rifle with a forty-three inch straight barrel that only weighs seven pounds and is nice to carry around all day in the woods, yet it holds steady when aimed. There's just no need for that much extra weight in a small bore field gun.