Thompson Center Flint lock--is this a good deal???

[Newhunter1]

I went to my local gun store today and found a T/C Flint lock in .54 cal. He had on the price 110.00, but he said that his insurance company was making him get rid of all his used BP rifles. He was selling it for 50.00 and it was a major temptation. I didn't get it because when I looked at the mouth of the barrel it was rusted. I didn't have a bore light, but it didn't look deep. Would this be a good rifle if I bought it and put some TLC into it and clean the barrel? I don't want to waste 50 bucks, but at the same time this looks like a good deal.

Paul

 

[roundball]

I went to my local gun store today and found a T/C Flint lock in .54 cal. He had on the price 110.00, but he said that his insurance company was making him get rid of all his used BP rifles. He was selling it for 50.00 and it was a major temptation. I didn't get it because when I looked at the mouth of the barrel it was rusted. I didn't have a bore light, but it didn't look deep. Would this be a good rifle if I bought it and put some TLC into it and clean the barrel? I don't want to waste 50 bucks, but at the same time this looks like a good deal.

Paul

Even if the barrel is junk, the rest of it is worth well over $50...get it...worse case you get a new barrel.

(Or, give me the contact info and I'll buy it !! :

 

[jim gray]

I'd be more worried about the lock, but if the only problem is a little surface rust in the barel it'll clean right up. If it's pitted you may want to shorten or replace the barrel. I'd want to see the lock if I were you, but they probably won't go for that.

I don't think they'll have it very long if it is in decent shape.

 

[Newhunter1]

Opps!! Made a mistake--it is a Side lock--not a flint lock. I don't know if that's the right term, but it has a hammer on the right side of the barrel and uses a percussion cap or a #11. Sorry, not to savy on these weapons.

paul

 

[Newhunter1]

I'm going to go tomorrow and see if he will trade me that gun for a recurve bow that I've got that is worth more than 50.00.

Paul

 

[mowolf]

If he will not trade, send me the location (as I am in St Louis) and I will buy it for $50! I have one of these and they are pretty good and usually sell for well over $200 if in decent shape. Sounds like this one qualifies. A replacement barrel is less than $200.

Waya :hmm:

 

[nit wit]

Even though its nt a flint its a great deal, the lock and triggers are guarenteed for life. Take some 00 steel wool put it on a jag wit a little wd-40 and stroke the bore, you can get out burs and minor pitting this way.
Nit Wit :thumbsup:

 

[Newhunter1]

Well someone beat me to it. I went in there today and someone had put 10.00 to hold it for them. The guy said that he was going to use it for decoration. I did look down the barrel and man its going to take some work to get in working operation. The owner told me that if he didn't come in and pick it up that he would put it back up for sale. He also told me that if he got another one that he would call me 1st. Snooze you loose.

Paul

 

[jim gray]

Tried to warn ya. :: I guess you can always hope the guy doesn't come back.

 

[Newhunter1]

Tried to warn ya. :: I guess you can always hope the guy doesn't come back.

Yea, yea. There will be other "deals" in the future. One thing that I did notice about the barrel was that it would have had to been shipped back to Thompson and have the barrel re-done. It looked as though the last person that shot it did not clean it. There was rust thoughout the inside of the barrel and at the bottom of the barrel by the ignition hole was caked with rust. I will still snatch this up if the guy does not come back. Oh well--live and learn.

Paul

 

[jim gray]

The barrel doesn't sound very good at all, but I'v seen some that looked pretty crappy and still cleaned up pretty well. When I posted those comments about the lock earlier, I wasn't aware that the gun was a percussion. The lock wouldn't be as susceptible to the effects of corrosion as would a flinter, as you wouldn't have to worry aboiut loose powder spilling behind the lock plate.

Better luck next time. There are a lot of good deals out there on decent guns. No doubt you'll come across one again sooner or later.

 

[Huntinfool]

Hey Paulie you've got a private message!

YMH&OS,
Chuck

 

[Newhunter1]

Hey Paulie you've got a private message!

YMH&OS,
Chuck

Chuckie,

Back at ya

 

[Tahquamenon]

For $50.00 this would be a great deal even with a ruined barrel.

Barrels are available new for under $200 and used in the $80-150 range.