I have been wanting to buy a flintlock for some years now and could never seem to make it happen. The past 3 or 4 month I have been getting more specificate as to exactly what this ideal rifle would look like. The forum has been a huge aid in this reguard.
Last weekend I happened to be driving past a local rifle makers home and when I saw him on the porch, decided to stop and ask some questions. We had talked on a few occasions and I even shot one of his rifles a couple times at a BP shoot. His work is exceptional.
I told him I was considering a new flinter (my first) and we discussed some options. He invited me into his shop in his house and he showed me the .40 cal he was currently building for a customer. I then proceded to describe the flinter in my mind. The barrel would be a swamped .54 caliber with a browned finish. The lock would be a large Siler and fire by double set triggers. Carving in the stock would be simple and not too ornate as would the patchbox. Furniture could be either iron or brass but I like the way brass ages to that beautiful patina.
When I finished with the discription, he said maybe this could be of interest to you. He took no more then 3 steps and took from its resting spot in the shadows, the rifle I had been talking about. It was not just close but exactly as it was pictured in my mind! It is an early Lancaster model in the style of JP Beck, for a pre rev war era. Normally this guy only builds from a customers orders but last winter he got a good deal on the lock and barrel and built this beauty with no buyer in mind.
We decided to meet the next day at the local range and I could shoot it. At the arranged time next morning I was shooting one SWEET rifle. Ignition was very fast and reliable. The Davis triggers were smooth and light. Accuracy was wonderful! Not being used to flint I had to concentrate hard on my follow through. At 50 yards from a bench I could get the holes in the target to touch. She is for sure a straight shooter. Before I finished I shot offhand at the same range and managed a group better then I could have hoped.
This was the look and style I wanted, the accuracy I demanded and I got a deal too good not to accept. I now own this beautiful new rifle!
Britches
Last weekend I happened to be driving past a local rifle makers home and when I saw him on the porch, decided to stop and ask some questions. We had talked on a few occasions and I even shot one of his rifles a couple times at a BP shoot. His work is exceptional.
I told him I was considering a new flinter (my first) and we discussed some options. He invited me into his shop in his house and he showed me the .40 cal he was currently building for a customer. I then proceded to describe the flinter in my mind. The barrel would be a swamped .54 caliber with a browned finish. The lock would be a large Siler and fire by double set triggers. Carving in the stock would be simple and not too ornate as would the patchbox. Furniture could be either iron or brass but I like the way brass ages to that beautiful patina.
When I finished with the discription, he said maybe this could be of interest to you. He took no more then 3 steps and took from its resting spot in the shadows, the rifle I had been talking about. It was not just close but exactly as it was pictured in my mind! It is an early Lancaster model in the style of JP Beck, for a pre rev war era. Normally this guy only builds from a customers orders but last winter he got a good deal on the lock and barrel and built this beauty with no buyer in mind.
We decided to meet the next day at the local range and I could shoot it. At the arranged time next morning I was shooting one SWEET rifle. Ignition was very fast and reliable. The Davis triggers were smooth and light. Accuracy was wonderful! Not being used to flint I had to concentrate hard on my follow through. At 50 yards from a bench I could get the holes in the target to touch. She is for sure a straight shooter. Before I finished I shot offhand at the same range and managed a group better then I could have hoped.
This was the look and style I wanted, the accuracy I demanded and I got a deal too good not to accept. I now own this beautiful new rifle!
Britches
