Ugh, decisions decisions!

[Birddog1911]

I've got my eye on two lightly used flintlocks. One is a production in .54, the other a custom, but no known maker, in .36. Now, caliber doesn't matter for my purpose with these two, so that's out.

The production is a Pedersoli, in like new condition. The custom has a L&R lock, Green Mountain barrel, and pretty nice maple. I just don't know what to think about a rifle that I'd have no resolution with the builder if something was wrong.

What does the camp think?

 

[ord sgt]

The custom rifle sounds good to me. Great barrel and lock. If the lock ever has a problem, go to L&R for a fix. I have used Green Mountain barrels on two of my flinters with zero problems.
For general usage, like target shooting, I would go for the custom rifle, if the price is right.

 

[deerstalkert]

all things considered, i would go with the custom. L&R, Green Mountain, Maple? what is not to like.

 

[Dale Lilly]

Buy em both. You know you want to. Polecat. Need a loan?

 

[Phil Coffins]

Custom means to hand built, so this means did he have skill and knowledge. Good parts can be assembled into a fine rifle by someone who puts in the effort. Unfortunately the same parts can be made into a train wreck. As the buyer you must be able to judge the work.

 

[necchi]

I just don't know what to think about a rifle that I'd have no resolution with the builder if something was wrong.

What's gonna go wrong?
Break a spring?, buy a new spring.

 

[BoomStick]

Even if something breaks outside of your ability, there are gunsmiths that can fix most anything...as long as the gun is correctly assembled it can be repaired. Outside of accidental damage these things don't break very often -whether custom or production. So, as Phil Coffins said, build quality is a key consideration.

 

[Grenadier1758]

The custom 36 rifle is my first choice. But as @Phil Coffins observes, build quality is a top consideration.

L&R is still in business, @Birddog1911, and there is little to go wrong with a Green Mountain barrel if it has been properly taken care of.

Since caliber is not a consideration, I would go see if the L&R lock is giving a nice shower of sparks (assuming that the flint is sharp). I would look at the sights to see if they are centered on the bore. Way off center would indicate that there is run out in the bore effecting on target accuracy.

I love my 36 caliber rifle with an L&R Manton flint lock.

 

[Kansas Jake]

I lean towards the custom also, if it is well done. The only other caveat would be to handle both and see which one fits you best. If one points naturally and on the other you have to work for a sight picture get the naturally pointing one.

 

[Birddog1911]

I lean towards the custom also, it it is well done. The only other caveat would be to handle both and see which one fits you best. If one points naturally and on the other you have to work for a sight picture get the naturally pointing one.

That's the problem, I can't handle either one prior to purchase.

 

[deerstalkert]

That's the problem, I can't handle either one prior to purchase.

walk away! i wouldn't make that requirement of even my brother in law!
at least have an inspection period with returnability.

 

[necchi]

That's the problem, I can't handle either one prior to purchase.

@deerstalkert is right.
Save yer monies, maybe add to the pile.
Then find someplace to actually handle some of the factory guns. A comfortable feel is vastly important when making an investment.
I can't shoot the T/C Hawken, it's a cheek slapper, Renegade is fine.
I can't shoot the Lyman GPR, it won't fit my shoulder. But an Investarms Hawken fit's great.
An olde Jukar 45 works, the CVA MR are fine
When you have an opportunity to experiment with those kinds of guns with the fit and feel,,
, then you have something to compare too.
That's the best I can offer ya, if ya want a good gun for you, figure out what feels good first.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

No lookee, no touchee, No buyee!!

 

[Kansas Jake]

I would buy from many members here but I also know some long guns just don’t fit me well. I see many complain about TC Hawkens being cheek slappers. Mine fit me very naturally. I found a good deal on a Charlieville kit at a gun show a few years ago but passed because it just didn’t fit me.

 

[Sun City]

Everybody wants a good rifle but want it at steal prices! I've got a few I'd sell but ain't gonna give 'em away!! Life's too short to die stupid!!

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Everybody wants a good rifle but want it at steal prices! I've got a few I'd sell but ain't gonna give 'em away!! Life's too short to die stupid!!

I agree, but the price should be the same as what YOU would want to pay for it.