So how much for a lower end rifle, and what make would one be?

[TANSTAAFL]

I put a CVA rock lock in the first flinter I built over 30 years ago. Many, many shots, two frizzens, and it is still reliable (very good) as the day It left the bench

 

[hornetk4]

When you refer to low end guns what do you consider the cabelas Kentucky rifles or better yet the blue ridge rifle either one in flintlock ? the kentucky is about 400 with tax and the blue ridge about 525 w/tax how do they compare too say the hawkens or lymens ? I would be leaning toward the blue ridge more than the kentucky unless the kentucky has anything special to offer . I have a tc hawken that I've had for a few years and it has nothing to brag about in the accuracy dept also I have a traditions carbine thats ok both are in 50 cal . I have a hopkin allen 45 cal under hammer that I haven't messed with much yet so I don't know how accurate it is and a cva 45 cal kentuchy thats not finnished yet then I have a 12 ga pedersolli that I'm completly thrilled with but these are all caplock and I want to take the flintlock plunge . so I'm wondering about these two guns from cabelas the kentucky and the blue ridge I just want them to shoot patched round balls I don't care for conicals any info you guys can help me with I will appreciate thank you .

 

[TN.Frank]

The Blue Ridge is pretty much the Frontier Rifle, same basic gun. AND it's pretty much the same style gun that Hatfield was putting out. I love the style on the Blue Ridge Rifle. I'd say for the money it'd be a pretty good gun. For some reason(may be that short 35" barrel) I just don't care for the KY.rifles that are mass produced. Of course anything with a hooked breech and wedge will be easier to clean but I wouldn't let that sell me on a rifle. Get what you like.

 

[jderrick]

For me just getting introduced to BP, I've been happy starting out with a Traditions Kentucky kit for $225....

 

[CrackStock]

Dan,

You are asking a wide variety of questions here



The mass production guns such as CVA, T/C and Lyman are often called entry level guns. The T/C and Lyman have coil spring lock. The Lyman actually resembles the Hawken closer than most "Hawken" kits, but are not as close as Don Stith's parts. Some older CVAs had great barrels, but my experience was that their locks were poor. Parts wore out and springs weakened.

I have 2 Lymans and several T/Cs and all of these are pretty good -- for the money. However, I moved on to mostly full stock guns that are more correct and earlier in styling. I also have parts to build more correct half stock percussion guns.

The next step is what I see as modern production method guns that are something of a compromise. These often have milled ramrod channels and other labor saving methods used which some like and others do not like. These guns often get glass bedded which some people do not like, but I do like. TVM (Avance and Garner both) Jackie Brown, Tip Curtis (I think -- I do not have one of Tip's yet) and some others fall into this category. You get a pretty good gun that was built according to your measurements and with features and to your degree of finish. There is a waiting period for these because this is all pretty popular. The price that you mention might put you onto an in the white rifle or kit depending upon the options desired. You would not be too far from getting a Chambers kit for that money.

You then have some premium builders such as our own Mike Brooks or Eric Kettebburg who produce a work of art that was made through generally more period means aside from the barrel. There is a lot more artwork involved in these.



Look at these closely and you will likley notice reasons why these are higher priced. On the other hand, the reason might just be that one asks that price and someone else pays it. :hmm:



You are getting what you are paying for there.

You should think about the gunbuilding process; assess your skills; cultivate your tastes; write all of the aforementioned items out; study sources; select a source and then discuss your vision of your end product with that vendor so that you both understand the expectations, money and timeline.

Good luck!

CS

 

[captdan]

Crack shot”¦ all good info and I appreciate the education. You skillfully answered my myriad of questions. While I made an order for the Baker it is by far my last rifle.. I’d also like to do a kit of some sort. Where can I get info on a Chambers kit?? I think making a flintlock would be a real treat”¦ and a labor of love. Would it not be ironic if my favorite gun became one that cost half the price of the completed Baker”¦. :grin:

 

[Tommy Bruce]

I believe Chamber's website is[url] www.flintlocks.com[/url] but you should check the links board just to be on the safe side. I've spoken with them before and they seem like a great group of people to do business with. By the time you figure in shipping expect to spend over 800.00 for the "kit". But from my understanding they are some of the best components out there. Good luck and good deal on getting the Baker.

 

[Finnwolf]

Buck,
Just my opinion, but you are lucky to have the Shenandoah and to have the wife you have. Few women I have ever known would spend the time or money picking out a gun of any kind, let alone a flintlock rifle. Most wives complain that their husbands bring home guns but you are lucky enough to have one who brings one home for you. If it were me, I'd be tellin' her how much I love that gun - who knows, you could come home and find something even better on the table!

 

[CrackStock]

Ironic?

No, I would say that it is likely.

At least, that was my experience -- there is a pride in knowing that you put it together yourself.

CS

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Jim Chambers Kits are both affordable, made of high quality parts, and look dang purty.

I will never buy a production rifle again.

 

[Okwaho]

Jim's kits are the very best but are not suitable for the beginner.The kit,lock,and barrel are,I believe, sold separately and patch boxes are generally included if wood but not brass ones.Also Jim has turned over the gun kit end to his daughter.Barbie and she is a lot better looking than Jim and very easy to work with.She is sometimes called "Blackpowderbarbie on a couple of message bds.These are great folks to work with.
Cheers
Tom Patton

 

[Puffer]

Captdan, for "production" guns I like Pedersolli's I have 4 fifles & 3 pistols & all are GREAT guns Check out the Dixie site for an idea of $$$) [url] www.dixiegunworks.com[/url]

To build a rifle, I WOULD go to TOW. they have a full range of Mdl.s & range of skill. Also if you have a question on what level of expertise it takes to build one, their cat. tells you or you can call & they will help. [url] www.trackofthewolf.com[/url]

Puffer

As to kits

 

[mmahlock]

I just can't keep quiet. I have a Traditions Shenandoah. Traditions also have several other styles. While they may not be exactly PC enough for that crowd, They shoot very well, better than most people are able. They are also inexpensive and come in a variety of calibers. They come with a patten breach wich if you live in a cool humid climate may need to be pulled and opened up a bit, especially with the small calibers, but that is not an expensive operation for a gun that if you aren't a gun expert will look period and shoot a 2 inch group off-hand at 100 yds. JMHO. :thumbsup:

 

[PvtC]

Get a Chambers kit. Have one of the better gunstockers assemble and finish it. With some relief carving and simple furniture engraving you will probably be right at your pain threshold of $2500. Do it now and be happy. If you love 18th century long guns your gonna probably do it some day anyway. The wait will be one to two years for it so you'll have some time to save :thumbsup:

 

[DrTimboone]

To build your own you are going to have to invest in tools. For the first gun :hmm: that will run your costs up. For future guns you will have what you need. If you can learn to useknives, files and rasps etc you can build a Chambers Kit and have a very high Quality gun. He has built the archtecture in, the locks are first class. he provides all the furniture and everything is 99% inlet, exactly where it goes. You will have to do some gouging, scraping and filing etc but its mostly the cosmetic stuff. Also you can get the DVD he has showing Jim turpin bulding a Chambers Kit. it is excellent.

I haven't yet built one of his kits but I looked them over very closely at the CLA last year and I thought they were terrific if they are the gun you want to build...... That York keeps catching my eye!! :hatsoff:

 

[PvtC]

I assembled a Chambers York and wound up with a sturdy, reliable, and attractive (from about 10 feet away) long gun. It bears the scars and evidence of my inexperience. In hindsight, it would have been better to have a skilled gun stocker turn those high end components into an heirloom. If you want to build one yourself, first put together a mid grade "poor boy" and then decide if you want to take on the Chambers kit. That being said, it might just be that I am a ham handed knucklehead and your experience will be better than mine. :grin:

 

[DrTimboone]

PvTC, I did just that for my first gun. bought a precarved stock and an assembly of the parts I wanted to fit my model.. (cost as much as a Chambers :hmm: ).... but I had to do a lot more design and work... Hey it is my interpretation!..and it looks good from 10 feet :rotf: as you say. Sure shoots well and I made it! :blah: . I am on # 2 now. I still think the Chambers would have been easier.... I am sure #2 will be better.... I really think the issue is to study, get the videos, watch someone else participate actively in the forum and measure twice and cut once and most guys with any mechanica/woodworking experience can do a craftsman like job.......and enjoy it....even the mistakes. so I think being careful is important, getting help is important..but don't miss out on something that is this much fun!! :thumbsup: