nicest flinter under $1000

[recycle33952]

I have been bitten by the bug! been buying several caplocks lately. I would like to add a few flintlocks to my arsenal. As of this point im adding a kit form blunderbuss by tvm. My questions stems from wondering what fine flint locks can be had for $500-1000 The opinions of you more seasoned flinters is very important to me. Sure all the ads look good but I want to know from the guys who shootem...

 

[riarcher]

Lots of nice ones available for $1000 or less. Many things depend on what you'd like to use it for, your size, and if hunting you'd want to consider the terrain and amount of walking. If you're concerned about re-enactment (or being "period correct") all of this would need to be considered.
I assume you're thinking smoothbore by posting here?

 

[3 stinky dogs]

I am in no way seasoned, But I purchased a Pennsylvania Long rifle from TVM (in the link section)and without shipping and handling it's $850. After Christmas I will order a Tennessee rifle from them as well. Those folks know how to run a business and are VERRY considerate. I have heard good thing's about Middlesex Village Trading too and you might look into them if imports don't bother you.

 

[jdixon]

If your top end is at the $1000 mark you got to check out Track of the Wolf's web sight (www.trackofthewolf.com) Onthe main page scroll down to the "Guns" link and click on it. They sell custom built flinters and cap guns there. You get to examine your purchase for 10 days and send it back no charge if not satisfied. The lower end guns are from $800 to $1000. These are usually kit guns finished by guys who regularly build them and sell them through this web sight. For instance, there was recently a Tenn. Mountain rifle posted there now for $899 w/ a Durs Egg L&R lock, 50 cal. 1:70 Grn Mnt. barrel, Davis double set triggers, steel furniture, very nicely finished. Careful, there are some very expensive guns there as well, you could blow a paycheck or two if you don't restrain yourself. The lower priced guns have been selling like hot cakes on this sight lately. I guess hunting season or Christmas is heating up sales right now. I just checked, only the high dollar ones are posted right now. Keep checking back, they put up new guns almost every day. Well worth checking out, or at least just to window shop for ideas and to drool!!!

 

[Tommy Bruce]

Also check the classifieds as well. I am guessing you want a smoothbore since this is where you posted. There are a few smoothies on track of the wolf that are close to your price range. Most of NorthStar West's guns sell for less than a grand as do Early Rustic Arms, Jack Garner, and TVM. I had a fellow by the name of Greg Christian build one for me for less than a thousand bucks and was really happy with it. If your interested send me a Private message and I'll get his info for you. Another option would be to buy a components set and build it yourself or in-the-white and do the final sanding and finishing work yourself. Good luck in your search. You can get a decent smoothbore for the money you are talking about but don't expect much in the way of carving, fancy wood and power tools will more than likely be used instead of traditional methods. I'm sure I probably missed some good builders out there but I'm sure others will chime in.

 

[marcstephen]

TVM makes a solid rifle. They are really great to work with. The only issue is the wait is approx. 1 year. I have an Early Virgina Style from them. Now I made a few upgrades which rose the price much higher. But as said earlier $850.00 will get you a good well built rifle.

No Carving or engraving, Straight barrel, Large Siler, Brass or Iron Hardware, No Patchbox, Double or single trigger, and plain maple stock. Nothing fancy but a very solid, safe, rifle for a great price.

They also make a nice French Tulle and a Fowler for $850.00.

:m2c: :front:

 

[pennsyltucky]

early rustic arms makes a mighty fine long arm. ive only seen a couple but they were sure a "real" mans gun. nothin fancy or flashy. absolutely beautiful lines on that cumberland smooth rifle!! :master:

 

[Swampman]

If you don't mind the wait, I'd get one from Early Rustic Arms.

 

[marcstephen]

If you don't mind the wait, I'd get one from Early Rustic Arms.

I just spoke with Larry today about a Militia Musket for myself and his wait is 14 months. He stated this is the busist he has ever been. Very nice person to speak with on the phone. :m2c:

 

[Swampman]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=39027583

The reserve is $650.00

 

[Tommy Bruce]

That's a nice Bess but beware the ones made in Japan, while they are well made parts are hard to come by. If you want a Bess look around and keep your eye out you can find a used Pedersoli for around the same money and parts are plentiful.

 

[Swampman]

I think the Japanese muskets are nicer looking. I would think Dixie would have parts since they imported thousands of the Japanese Bess muskets.

 

[dodgecity]

All of the choices set forth on this thread are good ones, and all of these makers produce quality, dependable arms. My favorites for hunting and shooting are a fusil de chasse and a North West Star trade gun. I was recently looking at a Pedersoli Indian Trade Gun at the local Cabelas store. I have no experience shooting one, but, it is well made and well finished, and handles well. Best of all, there's no waiting list. I think it was priced at 850. I may very well add one of these to my collection after Christmas.

 

[robinghewitt]

How about a Joseph Manton carbine? The perfect canoe gun. GBP 565 is almost exactly USD1000 :thumbsup:

Have to check his pattern amd make sure it hasn'y been truncated :hmm:

 

[big bore 75]

Man has the importation of Italin stuff gone through the celing, my first bess cost me 350.00 10 years ago, 6 years ago I bought a bess carbine also a pedersoili, now i just looke again and 850.00 manure I'd get a custom gun instead of a production gun, man even before i'd get that custom i think price wise I'd got and check on middlesex traders or loyalist arms they have some real good reviews, but thats :imo:. bb75

 

[jchochole]

Hey I agree, I have been buying Bess' and Charelvilles since the 80's and the cost of importation is getting cost prohibitive. I have dabbled in the Indian stuff and even their quality has gotten vastly better. They have some issues in metal quality and fit of wood to metal, but so did the Italians and Japanese years ago. So, all in all, the more options we have sometimes the better for reenacting. I have heard that some companies are even introducing 1763 Charlevilles from India, and 1795 Springfields as well. Stay tuned...

Cheers,
Jim Chochole

 

[Swampman]

http://www.loyalistarms.freeservers.com/flintlockmatchlocketcmuskets.html

Interesting stuff!

 

[R. Miller]

I have just finished a chiefs grade trade gun from north star west I am very pleased with it .good folks to deal with too.as of now I have yet to even misfire,

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

There is a very nice Ketland fowler on Track's web-site. It's a 15 bore made by Doc White and it fits your budget.

 

[big bore 75]

I just checked out the site swampman put on the thred, man do the offer a aide range of options, if it wasn't of me liking to create my own guns I'd want one of those bess's, or a dog lock. the prices also wont break the bank. bb75