Traditions muzzleloaders

[zimmerstutzen]

Traditions guns are near the bottom rung of the ladder. Some are better than others and the cheaper the flintlock, the less likely the reliability. They are better than some junk sold 30 to 40 years ago. Ardessa makes a wide range of guns, some of which are not available here in the us and which are much better quality than what traditions is paying Ardessa to provide. Even Pedersoli makes different levels of quality for sale here and elsewhere.
I just bought a stainless steel percussion rifle sold by traditions. It is much better than the usual sold by traditions. But the percussion lock fires on half cock. A prior owner did some foolish "tuning"

 

[daniel collums]

the kentucky kit rifle needs a lot of work to get together and then you still dont have much to look at. but the .50 i been shooting all summer is a one shot killer. its going to be the only one i take hunting this season. i just made up a fresh batch of round balls out of some roofing lead so im good to go. i took it apart the other day and sanded the wood down then lightly burnt it with my cutting torch and stained. it looks better than before i think. the only thing i hate about them is the floppy trigger. but for $25 you can't complain to much.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

For floppy triggers, There is an easy fix with a hardware store wire spring

 

[stronics]

I have the Traditions Pioneer that I really like it. The pistol grip reminds me of the feel of a centerfire rifle which I like. It will put them in one hole at fifty with a rest and a good day. The quality of this one is not bad at all, I have seen some others that leave something to be desired. My opinion.
David

 

[rafterob]

I have a percussion Hawken purchased in 1995. Good quality and accurate rifle. The lock internals are all smooth and well machined. It has been a good rifle for me. There are better rifles, no doubt, but this has been a dependable and durable rifle.

 

[Stringbean]

My first flintlock was a traditions hawken woodsman. Hated that gun, stock had little drop in the comb, LOP was too short and the lock and sights where less than wonderful. The worst thing about that rifle was the fact that it would shoot lights out with either prb or 370 grain maxi ball. Saved the barrel and threw out the rest. Used that barrel and a nice piece of curly maple and a new lock and triggers to build me a gun that I like. I'm not a huge fan of Traditions but they are the ones that introduced me to muzzleloading due to their price point. I'll never buy another one but the barrel from the one I had is one of my best shooters.
string

 

[John V.]

I am far from being a expert on muzzleloading rifles. However, I have a Traditions Pennsylvania .50 cal and the fit and finish in my opinion is great. I have yet to shoot it though so I may swear at it after I do? Regardless, I know it cannot begin to compare to some custom built M/L's that are out there, but it fits my budget and what I want it for. :2

 

[Crewdawg445]

My first flintlock was a traditions hawken woodsman. Hated that gun, stock had little drop in the comb, LOP was too short and the lock and sights where less than wonderful. The worst thing about that rifle was the fact that it would shoot lights out with either prb or 370 grain maxi ball. Saved the barrel and threw out the rest. Used that barrel and a nice piece of curly maple and a new lock and triggers to build me a gun that I like. I'm not a huge fan of Traditions but they are the ones that introduced me to muzzleloading due to their price point. I'll never buy another one but the barrel from the one I had is one of my best shooters.
string

Fact of truth there! I've got a Hawken woodsman that wears an L&R lock, after re-working the rifle from the ground up to my liking, she's one of my most accurate rifles. IMO, Traditions makes a darned good RB barrel. I like them so much that I'm also building a little .36 Tennessee style rifle around a 33.5" traditions barrel. To each his own, but if a traditions gun can be had for cheap, and your willing to do a little work they can turn into fine rifles. :hatsoff: