Where to buy muzzleloaders?

[claytonp]

Looking for insight on where to shop for antique muzzleloaders. I know of online sights such as midway USA, muzzleloaders.com and other various sites. With that said, buying new rifles can be expensive and also a hassle to obtain (I very unfortunately reside in Illinois). I was perhaps looking for insight on where to look in Illinois, maybe gun shows or local mom and pop shops (I am located in the tri-state area near the Mississippi River). I am also wishing to stick with a percussion rifle rather than flintlock as I am new to muzzleloading. A very easy kit might be ok, but I’m on the fence as I am not very patient (I swear it’s hereditary). With that being said what is everybody’s recommendation for a first rifle and what to look for when buying one? Wanting to go with a 50 caliber or possibly a 54 if conicals/bullets are readily available as I plan to hunt with it. I’m a fan of the Lyman half stock rifles with long barrels or a beautiful full stock rifle, just not an insanely long one. Any pointers and advice is appreciated! Sorry for the terribly long post!

Thank you in advance, Clayton

 

[Omahkapi'si]

I have 3 Pedersoli Frontier model rifles all .50 caliber. I've had good luck with them, fit and finish is great on mine. 1 flintlock in maple, 2 percussion, one in walnut and the other maple. I like that they came ready to shoot and did not break the bank. There are other options and others will chime in shortly I'm sure.

 

[JohnBHM]

I had never shot a muzzleloader until a couple of years ago when one of my sons told me he wanted a flintlock. I told him to research and get a good kit and I would build it for him. He ended getting an old Thompson Center kit for me to practice on and a Kibler Woodsrunner in 54 cal.. I knew nothing of flintlocks but have not had any problems and have no interest in percussion any more. The Woodsrunner kit can be put together into a functioning rifle in a matter of hours and lets you do as little or much as you want to personalize your rifle.

 

[poker]

There are as many options as you care to look thru. Your major problem appears to be the Illinois thing requiring you to pay an ffl also for a transaction. That would really suck.

 

[longcruise]

With that said, buying new rifles can be expensive and also a hassle to obtain (I very unfortunately reside in Illinois).

Examine the law in Illinois carefully. It may not apply in every geographic location. Don't know that for a fact but should be worth looking into.

 

[French Colonial]

Looking for insight on where to shop for antique muzzleloaders. I know of online sights such as midway USA, muzzleloaders.com and other various sites. With that said, buying new rifles can be expensive and also a hassle to obtain (I very unfortunately reside in Illinois). I was perhaps looking for insight on where to look in Illinois, maybe gun shows or local mom and pop shops (I am located in the tri-state area near the Mississippi River). I am also wishing to stick with a percussion rifle rather than flintlock as I am new to muzzleloading. A very easy kit might be ok, but I’m on the fence as I am not very patient (I swear it’s hereditary). With that being said what is everybody’s recommendation for a first rifle and what to look for when buying one? Wanting to go with a 50 caliber or possibly a 54 if conicals/bullets are readily available as I plan to hunt with it. I’m a fan of the Lyman half stock rifles with long barrels or a beautiful full stock rifle, just not an insanely long one. Any pointers and advice is appreciated! Sorry for the terribly long post!

Thank you in advance, Clayton

The last time I bought a BP gun online, (Uberti 1851) Midway would not ship to an individual but Dixie Gun Works would and did. So you might want to check with Dixie (Yes, I also live in Illinois, unfortunately)

 

[Daveboone]

You initially say you are looking for antique muzzleloaders, but then talk mainly of a modern ML. You cant go wrong with a Lyman Great Plains Rifle. Well built, as historically authentique cosmetically as is practical, easy to care for with the patent breech (barrel removes with pins). Certainly the learning curve with a percussion over flint helps. You can also upgrade the sights quite easily. They are quite frequently found used in great shape. Last year I found one in like new condition in .50 cal. with a target aperture rear sight for 300.00. That was a great deal. If you arent in a hurry, you will find them. They show up on this site for sale quite frequently.

 

[claytonp]

I have 3 Pedersoli Frontier model rifles all .50 caliber. I've had good luck with them, fit and finish is great on mine. 1 flintlock in maple, 2 percussion, one in walnut and the other maple. I like that they came ready to shoot and did not break the bank. There are other options and others will chime in shortly I'm sure.

Thank you for the response

 

[claytonp]

I had never shot a muzzleloader until a couple of years ago when one of my sons told me he wanted a flintlock. I told him to research and get a good kit and I would build it for him. He ended getting an old Thompson Center kit for me to practice on and a Kibler Woodsrunner in 54 cal.. I knew nothing of flintlocks but have not had any problems and have no interest in percussion any more. The Woodsrunner kit can be put together into a functioning rifle in a matter of hours and lets you do as little or much as you want to personalize your rifle. View attachment 375982View attachment 375983

Thank you for the response and the beautiful photos! Them Kiblers are very beautiful and have caught my eye before.

 

[claytonp]

There are as many options as you care to look thru. Your major problem appears to be the Illinois thing requiring you to pay an ffl also for a transaction. That would really suck.

Yes it does. Wish the gun laws weren’t stupidly strict

 

[claytonp]

Examine the law in Illinois carefully. It may not apply in every geographic location. Don't know that for a fact but should be worth looking into.

Great idea! Thank you!

 

[claytonp]

The last time I bought a BP gun online, (Uberti 1851) Midway would not ship to an individual but Dixie Gun Works would and did. So you might want to check with Dixie (Yes, I also live in Illinois, unfortunately)

Thank you for the response! I will look into that. And nice to meet a fellow Illinoisan haha

 

[claytonp]

You initially say you are looking for antique muzzleloaders, but then talk mainly of a modern ML. You cant go wrong with a Lyman Great Plains Rifle. Well built, as historically authentique cosmetically as is practical, easy to care for with the patent breech (barrel removes with pins). Certainly the learning curve with a percussion over flint helps. You can also upgrade the sights quite easily. They are quite frequently found used in great shape. Last year I found one in like new condition in .50 cal. with a target aperture rear sight for 300.00. That was a great deal. If you arent in a hurry, you will find them. They show up on this site for sale quite frequently.

Thank you! Yes I should’ve specified a little better (antique/new/used reproductions). I’ll make sure to keep my eyes open on this site and with any luck I’ll find a deal as good as yours!