Pennsylvania/Kentucky Rifle Kit for Beginners

[stoigo]

Hi there,
I'm new to the muzzleloader/flintlock forum and I would like to ask a question that I'm sure has been asked on previous occasions. Specifically, I'm looking for a beginners Pennsylvania/Kentucky flintlock rifle kit that can be used for recreation (sport shooting) and hunting. I value your recommendations and comments. I realize that these kits can run from $500 and up.
Thanks!
Steve Toigo

 

[amccall]

If you want a kit for a beginner then a production gun kit or a gun in the white would be the easiest to build. I think that a gun in the white by a good builder is the way to go. Will cost around $650 and up depending on what you want. If cost is the main factor then a production kit will save you around $200. If you get the chance find a traditions or pedersoli long rifle and compare it to a hand built long rifle and see for yourself the difference. :front:

 

[CrackStock]

There are many good gun makers out there. I have had experience (Indirect with Chambers) with these three who will all privide kits or in-the-white guns:

http://www.avsia.com/tvm/

http://www.flintlocks.com/

TVM early Lancaster or Iron Pennsylvania http://www.avsia.com/tvm/ironpenn.htm
are my recommendations, but Chambers http://www.flintlocks.com/rifles02.htm
is highly touted by friends who bought his. I will likely get one of them in the early Virginia someday.

You should note that Chambers is a higher quality in some areas and has a swamped barrel which is why the cost is higher.

Before deciding whether you need/want a kit or in-the-white, you should discuss your skills, tools and final expectations with the manufacturer. You might be able to get them to do the work that you are not sure that you can do before shipping for a slight charge and get a good result that way. These people will work with you in this area as it is common in their business.

Are you any kin to Mark Toigo (Crooked Hand) -- the powder horn maker in Florida? Very nice guy.

CS

 

[oldarmy]

My advise is
Be afraid be very afraid
This hobby will steal your all your free time and some you don't have.
You will spend hours on the web, looking a beautiful guns, not girls :crackup:
You will spend hours at the range. Shooting patch and round ball and trying to get that "perfect combination" :curse:
You will tell yourself, just a "simple kit" to start with.
Then look at the wonderful rifles these guys build and you start to think "well I do want a nice piece when I am finished"
How am I doing so far??? :kid: