Need some help

[TomP]

I'm looking at purchasing my first flintlock rifle and would like to have your insights.

I've been around muzzleloaders for 30 years, owning all precussion sidelock and inline 50 cal and 54 with a inline 36.

My main purpose will be for small game with deer hunting also and have been leaning to the .40 or a soothbore .62/20 (for rb & shot), I really like the early Virginia style with a 36" bl length.

Looking for pro vs. con's on the above choice, possible builders recommended.

Thanks
Tom

 

[Skylinewatcher]

Can't answer much of your question, but since I'm here playing around, I'll offer you a little I've learned in the last couple of days. If want to deer hunt and bag some small game you may want to consider a smoothbore flint. I have no pointers to give as I've never owned one, but the guys here say thats the way to go. Have a look at the smoothbore section, be prepared to read because I've been looking at it a lot today and have not even scratched the surface. :grin:

 

[cowrustler]

If deer hunting is a possibility, I'd sure recommend something other than a .40 caliber.

 

[Tom Compton]

I really like my .40 rifles!

I think cowrusler means something LARGER than a .40. I have three .40s and agree that they are - at best - marginal for deer sized game. I have taken deer with them and do not disparage them without reason.

Loaded with 75 gr FF and a PRB. I was on the side of a hill shooting down at a fair angle. The ball did not exit and there was virtually no blood trail until the last few yards when the body cavity filled to the entry hole. From the high vantage, I was able to watch his erratic 120 yard journey.

Unless you can track a mouse over concrete, an exit wound to provide more blood trail is preferred. Now I recommend .50 or larger for deer.

If I was to have one center fire rifle it would be a .30-06 and if only one ML rifle it would be a .50.

Just my thinkin,
TC

 

[gearheart]

+1

 

[rabjr]

Whatever you decide, if you go with the Virgina style, add 2" to that barrel length at least and go with the 38" barrel. It will look better and it's only 2".

 

[Stubert]

I'm not comfortable hunting deer with a .45, pick up a .440 ball then pick up a .530 ball. BIG differance. I use a .54 or a .62 for deer.

 

[David W.]

Welcome to our group! First off, we do not discuss in-lines on this forum. We only discuss tradition rifles and guns. Other than that, we're pretty friendly folk!

Your states hunting laws dictate the minimum bore you are allowed for deer. A .40 does not provide a humane kill. As already stated, .50 is about the minimum. I use a .62 caliber. If you want a good all purpose gun, a 20 ga is a good choice. Many members here shoot that size bore. Patched RB for deer and #5 shot for squirrel.

As far as style, you have to make that decision yourself. There are many styles and as many opinions on what they like. I like the Southern Mountain style, Bedford County (own one in .36), and the Hawken (my .62 full stock).

 

[hanshi]

Welcome to the forum. You ask a good question. If you want to hunt small game AND deer with one gun then by all means get a flint .62 smoothbore. I have a TVM Early American Fowler flint .62. the octagon to round barrels are light and mine is 38". I also ordered mine with a rear sight so I can use it same as a rifle. Up to 75 yards (give or take) they're fine for deer. Loaded with shot any turkey, squirrel or rabbit will be yours.

 

[cowpoke1955]

I think Hanshi said it well. In the Wildlife Management Areas here, a .40 caliber may be used for small and large game. A good .62 cal/20 ga fowler will take deer and pigs with a round ball. With shot you can shoot squirrels and rabbits, along with turyey, dove and quail. I hope you enjoy the forum :hatsoff:

 

[tg]

" A .40 does not provide a humane kill."

Could you elaborate with your personal experience? I have humanely taken quite a few Deer with this gun in the past, you need to get close but that is part of the game.

 

[CrackStock]

I'm looking at purchasing my first flintlock rifle and would like to have your insights.

I've been around muzzleloaders for 30 years, owning all precussion sidelock and inline 50 cal and 54 with a inline 36.

My main purpose will be for small game with deer hunting also and have been leaning to the .40 or a soothbore .62/20 (for rb & shot), I really like the early Virginia style with a 36" bl length.

Looking for pro vs. con's on the above choice, possible builders recommended.

Part of the answer would depend upon where you are. Government restrictions and terrain limitation change what would be suggested.

I agree with comments above regarding the .40 being on the light side for deer. I have several, but leave them behind in favor of my .50, .54 or 20 ga.

But for the most part, if I were limited to one game, it would be a smoothbore in either 12 or 20 ga. If you study your loads, you can become proficient with round balls and then can swap to various forms of shot for any game around.

If you live near central Mississippi, stop by and shoot.

 

[Joel/Calgary]

But for the most part, if I were limited to one game, it would be a smoothbore in either 12 or 20 ga.

How about splitting the difference and joining us 16ga shooters?

Regards,
Joel

 

[CrackStock]

I thought about mentioning that as well. I have shot 16s in cartridge configuration with some success, but never in MLs. My suggestion is based upon my experiences with 20 and 12.

It is funny that when I typed "one gun for game", it got shortened to "one game. Gotta start wearing my glasses to proofread or not wearing them to look back! :grin:

 

[ebiggs1]

Although a .40 will kill a deer, I am sure (never tried it) and it is legal in Kansas, a 50 cal gives more of a cushion for actual hunting circumstances. I would like them (Kansas) to make the 45 cal the smallest caliber for deer hunting. A 40 is a very small ball. Now 54 cal, now you're talking.