Pedersoli Rifle: Which one?

[Allen L]

So I'm planning to purchase my first traditional muzzleloading rifle. I've shot and hunted with blackpowder rifles in the past, but never traditional. After some research, I'm primarily looking at the following, both pedersoli's:
Their Cabela's blueridge/Frontier
The Kentucky

Of these, I really like the lines and style of Kentucky, but it doesn't seem as popular as the blueridge
Does anyone have an input as to which of these might be the better choice? For hunting, target shooting, etc.? Also, has anyone shot conicals out of these guns? I'm not opposed to rb, but wouldn't mind some options
Btw, I plan to buy either in .50 caliber percussion lock, to avoid the learning curve of a flinter.

 

[Grimord]

I suggest you handle the rifles to see which one fits you the best. The Kentucky has the "roman nose" style stock, and the Frontier has a straighter stock.

 

[Griz44Mag]

I currently own a Frontier, Pennsylvania, and 2 Kentucky rifles. (All Pedersoli)
One I bought new, the others used.
All of them are very good quality and very accurate shooters.
You can't go wrong with any of them.
Find the one in the caliber, ignition system and fit that is most comfortable for you. It will be a winner.

 

[dave951]

They're both great guns and it would boil down to your personal preference.

As for conicals, I think you're probably going to get better results with PRB.

Accuracy can be affected by lots of factors and you control them. You will have to do some experimentation to get the best out of whatever you choose, but that's normal for any gun.

 

[Ames]

You will get as many opinions as we have members.
For my money I would take the blue ridge. I cant stand brass joints in gunstocks.
I would also go 54 cal. to get a slower rate of twist. Put 80 grains of FF under the ball and you will pick the ears off a fly with it.

 

[hanshi]

The rifles are all pretty good, so get the one that fits you. I did have a Pedersoli Cub years ago and the flint lock simply did not work worth a hoot. Other than that, no problems.

 

[Allen L]

Thanks for the insight. I think I'll try and get a chance to handle the guns again. There's a Cabela's not too far that usually has them on their rack.
Thanks again

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I think I'll try and get a chance to handle the guns again

When you do please observe this:

The Kentucky has a smaller lock than the Frontier. I've found that the larger lock is easier to work when using one horn to prime and for the main charge, but the Kentucky does secure its lock without using a wood screw. The Kentucky barrel is about 3" shorter than the Frontier, and I don't consider a rifle a "longrifle" with a barrel below 37". That's just me; there's no "rule" established or anything. The largest caliber you find in the Kentucky is .50.

The Frontier as I wrote has a larger lock. It has a 19th century buckhorn style rear sight; I modified mine. It also has the typical Pedersoli steel front sight, which on either the Frontier or the Kentucky (or the Pennsylvania, etc.) needs to be swapped out with a thinner blade, to get the full advantage of the barrel's accuracy. The Frontier instead of pins uses the two ramrod thimbles as washers..., two screws that secure the barrel to the stock pass through the thimbles, using the thimbles to help hold the screws between the stock and the barrel. The Frontier's lock, though robust, is held in with a lock bolt, and...,also with a wood screw in front of the bend in the frizzen spring. One must be careful not to strip out the wood of the stock when removing the lock. The Frontier comes in a .54 caliber with a 1:65 twist. IF you get a Frontier, please get the .54.

I preferred my Frontier to the Kentucky or even Pennsylvania rifles that I've tried.

LD

 

[FlinterNick]

I wouldn’t buy a pedersoli PA or Kentucky or Frontier Rifle personally..... that Frontier Rifle as popular as it is, isn’t a very high quality rifle.

If you want a good pedersoli flintlock rifle, the Mortimer is very good and very nice, as is their hunter jaeger rifle, both have somewhat larger locks and both handle well. At the range they get no complaints.

Otherwise, I only use customized rifles by Jim Chambers or TOW. I live close enough to Dixons in PA where I can grab a nice one.

 

[Jay]

I’ve been waiting for the Cabela’s blue ridge rifle to go on sale for over two years now in the 54 caliber and just two days ago I seen they had the Pennsylvania rifle for $300 off not a big fan of the brass I’d rather have steel but $300 off I pulled the trigger can’t wait to get it should be coming in tomorrowI have a great plains rifle and 54 I was hoping to stay with 54 this will be my first 50 caliber so we’ll see how it goes I mostly shoot paper targets with the club I just always wanted a fully stocked rifle

 

[Boomerang]

Btw, I plan to buy either in .50 caliber percussion lock, to avoid the learning curve of a flinter.

Guys, he want's a percussion not a flintlock. Pedersoli's percussions are of good quality.

 

[Allen L]

Thanks for the replies.
As boomerang said, I'm mostly set on starting with a percussion lock to start out. Someday I'd like to shoot a flinter, but most of the advice for new shooters seems to recommend a caplock.
I also really like TVM semi custom guns, but the $$ for one is a little higher than I'd like for now.
The amount of experience on this forum is great though, so thanks for the insight.
AL

 

[Jaegermeister]

Love my Pedersoli Rocky Mountain rifle. .54 and beautiful curly maple stock.

 

[Stantheman86]

I personally would love one of the Pedersoli .32 Kentucky rifles........a bag of .310 shot will last you a year probably. Looks like a blast to plink with.

I know , not a .50....

 

[RiverRat]

There is nothing wrong with anything that Pedersoli builds, but a Lyman Great Plains Rifle would always be my first choice.

 

[BigAl52]

Maybe you just like the looks of the Frontier and Kentucky but I agree with RiverRat. Not only the Lyman GPR but the Lyman Trade Rifle. I have a trade rifle in 54 cal and its a great rifle to shoot. I have other rifles custom and factory but I still like shooting that Trade rifle because of the way it handles. Al

 

[Griz44Mag]

There is nothing wrong with anything that Pedersoli builds, but a Lyman Great Plains Rifle would always be my first choice.

I am lucky enough to have both. And appreciate both.
My Great Plains draws blood at every years hunt.
The Pedersoli Frontier drew it's first blood this year.

 

[Critter Getter]

Since I love my Hatfield’s the Frontiers are my pick. Just never cared for the looks of the stock on their Kentucky. Greg.

 

[Columbus]

I wouldn’t buy a pedersoli PA or Kentucky or Frontier Rifle personally..... that Frontier Rifle as popular as it is, isn’t a very high quality rifle.

If you want a good pedersoli flintlock rifle, the Mortimer is very good and very nice, as is their hunter jaeger rifle, both have somewhat larger locks and both handle well. At the range they get no complaints.

Otherwise, I only use customized rifles by Jim Chambers or TOW. I live close enough to Dixons in PA where I can grab a nice one.

Oh wow, how fortunate you are.

 

[Columbus]

What's your budget? I just picked this up, unfired off GB for $750 - there are good deals out there if you're patient. But of the two you mention I'd strongly recommend the Frontier in .54. (not the Blue Ridge-buy a Frontier, not Cabela's model). If you decide to change guns someday there seems to always be a market for the Frontier .54.