New Flinter queries

[Sister]

Hi guys!

I have a Traditions Kentucky rifle kit..I'm about to begin working on it but I thought I'd ask a couple of questions of more knowledgeable folk before I get stuck in.

Is upgrading to the lock Track of the Wolf offers as an option a good idea? Does it make a big difference?

I do not have the books on the Kentucky rifle..yet. Does it have a side plate as opposed to the two washers? What about a patch box? The kit has neither side plate nor patch box.

How accurate is the kit? Can it be made more so? I am aware it is very much an introductory kit, or so I have been told so I do not really expect it to be.

I am still plowing through the various forum topics so may have missed or not yet found any exposition on these subjects.

Thank you!

Siani

 

[rawhide]

it's a good kit to start with i'd say. I never messed with tradtions flint locks so I don't know how they are. form what I seen of the tradtions is just the same as the old cva kentucky kit guns. brass side plate no patch box 2 piece stock. I have the cva in cap lock it's a ok gun. I shot many of rounds out of it. and won one championship with it.

 

[ohio ramrod]

This is just my personal and completely free opinion and worth what you pay for it.I believe that if you want to enjoy your gun a replacement flint lock is the way to go. Traditions are passable in percussion, but seldom bring satisfaction in flint.! :hmm:

 

[CoyoteJoe]

Traditions barrels tend to shot pretty decent groups, not like a $300 barrel but about as good as other production rifles. The locks are pretty skimpy but I'd give it a fair trial before deciding to invest in a replacement. I've never cared for the two piece stock but it's about all one can expect for the price.

 

[Sister]

Understood. The price is what I had to spend so I know I'm at the bottom of the barrel so to speak. I am saving for something better, but it will take time.

I am definitely going to give the lock it came with a try.

I do not much care for the two piece stock either, but this beggar can't be a chooser. Not yet anyway.

Thanks for the advice!

Siani

 

[jdw276]

I think there is a kit in the auction section. Maybe they will work with you on questions?

 

[Rhett Griffith]

I have a Traditions Shenandoah flintlock that I have had for 11 years now. At first, the lock gave me all kinds of problems, but then again I knew nothing about flintlocks. After getting mixed results for a few years, I decided the frizzen wasn't sparking well, so I replaced it and it has been a whole new gun ever since.

After building a Track of the Wolf kit with the much larger Golden Age lock, I will say that a bigger lock throws a lot more sparks, at least in this case! As far as accuracy goes, I have always been very satisfied with the Traditions.

 

[ebiggs1]

How much is the Traditions kit? I have seen them for $300. I think Midsouth has Lyman GPR kits for $400 and well worth the $100 difference. If this interests you check Midsouth Shooter Supply.

 

[Sister]

I will check them out. Currently the kit I have runs around 284. When I got mine it was on sale and right around 250.

Thank ya!

Siani

 

[ryzman]

siana,
i built the same rifle and ended up putting it up on the wall and never fired it. Its a great starter kit and a wonderful way to learn the trade.
issues i had with the kit:

the two piece stock never fully fit right. there was a gap between them and nothing i could do would fix it so i lived with it.
the front stock did not have enough wood on either end to make a flush fit.
i did it in percussion, and the lock works but feels skimpy. there were some gaps between the lock and the stock as well.
that being said, I really enjoyed building it. For someone not knowing what they are doing it is a perfect way to get your foot in the door of gunsmithing. if you skrew it up your not out thousands of dollars, just a couple hundred.
the finished product is rewarding and it makes for a fun build.
best of luck and keep the questions coming. I did not know about this site when i built mine so you have a step up on my build.
J

 

[CrackStock]

I would suggest forgetting any upgrades right now.

Build your gun carefully and enjoy the learning process and your successes in making something. Then go make smoke to enjoy the thrill. Then try to improve your shooting to hunt or compare against other shooters.

From there, nature will take its course and you will progress in this addicti... uh hobby.

Good luck!