Which rifle for a first flint lock?

[pepperbelly]

I have a percussion TC Hawken. It is a great rifle but everyone seems to agree it isn't really a copy of a real historic rifle.
I want to get a flint lock sometime soon. Which would make the best choice considering I can't afford to spend a thousand dollars on another rifle?
I think I have narrowed it down to either a Lyman GPR, a Cabela's Blue Ridge or a Cabela's Kentucky. I am leaning toward the Blue Ridge.
I want a full stock longrifle, but I don't know the subtle differences between the Pennsylvania, Kentucky, or other longrifles.
Does anyone have other suggestions for rifles for me to look at that are around $500.00?

Maybe build a kit? I haven't built a rifle before- how hard is it?

Thanks,
Jim

 

Well, it depends on whether or not "historically correct" is important to you [you alluded to the TC Hawken not being that]. If it is not, why not just get a flint TC? Roundball seems sold on them. Actually none of the rifles you mention are historically correct to purists, although each do fit into various periods OK. The main problem is using them in the wrong period--such as the blue ridge being used for Rev War...it would be OK for parts of the 19th cent, for example. Alot of folks like the blue ridge and similar offerings from Pedersoli. For a couple hundred more you might find a better rifle in kit form or a used rifle or a Tenn Valley Arms rifle in the white and finish it yourself...there are alot of choices and few of the better ones are factory rifles...

 

[CoyoteJoe]

AS Mike Roberts said, no factory built rifle is 100% "right" for the purist. The Lyman GPR is not a bad representative of a mid-nineteenth century percussion rifle, but not quite right in flint. The various "Kentucky" types are generally very thin and frail looking, OK for a late era percussion squirrel rifle but not much like any original flint. Of those mentioned I prefer the Blue Ridge. The buttplate is unusually short, top to bottom, but it is not far different from some originals. I have a Blue Ridge flint .45 that I've rendezvoused with for 15 years or so and it is still my favorite flint rifle. The lock is very good and the lock is the heart of any flint rifle.

 

[tnlonghunter]

You mentioned the possibility of a kit. That might be a good option if you are experienced with tools. I built a Chamber's flint rifle last year. It was my first build, and went pretty well. I've done a good bit of other kinds of wood working, and while that experience really was important, there were lots of things I did for the first time on that build. The thing is that sometimes getting a kit that really isn't too tough to build can get expensive too. I haven't built any more, but I hear Chamber's kits are among the easiest. They are definitely worth the money, but are a bit more expensive (about $750ish). Other places sell them for less, but you'll have more work to do.

If you really want a rifle that is historically correct, you'll probably have to spend more money. If you're like me, where it's something that would be nice but not a big deal, your options open up quite a bit. You could check out midsouth shooter's supply. They've got the Lyman GPR kit in flint for $300, which is a really good deal. That's likely to be my next kit, simply for that fact. Ultimately, I'd say decide what is most important, then get the best you can reasonably afford. You do tend to get what you pay for. Good luck!

 

[Mike Brooks]

I think I have narrowed it down to either a Lyman GPR, a Cabela's Blue Ridge or a Cabela's Kentucky. I am leaning toward the Blue Ridge.

None of which are any more of a historic copy than the TC Hawken.

 

[Gemoke]

I have a Blue Ridge in a 36cal. and like it a lot but I only use this gun for hunting.I don`t know if you know this or not but all the Blue Ridge rifles that I have handled have a 14 1/4 inch trigger pull, I like mine but one of these days I going to shorten the lop on it

 

[J.D.]

If you are interested in a 'historic rifle", as one that is reasonably close to one that was made in the 18th century, you will have to go with a semi custom or custom gun.

The problem with production flint guns,other than the TC and maybe the Lyman is the locks leave a LOT to be desired.

There is nothing as discouraging as trying to learn to shoot a flintlock with a lock that is little more than junk.

You mentioned a kit. Some kits are nothing more than a set of separate parts requiring LOTS of work to build a gun. The plus side of kits is the locks are better quality than most production guns.

If you decide to go with a kit, I suggest that you rent the DVD "Building the Jim Chambers Kit rifle" from smartflix to get an idea of what you will be getting into. Though the kit illustrated in the DVD is a Chambers, the same basic techniques are used to build any and all kits on the market.
[url] http://smartflix.com/store/category/75/Kits-Scratchbuilt[/url]
scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are on a budget and/or have few skills with hand tools, I suggest looking at something from Early Rustic.
[url] http://www.earlyrusticarms.com/pricesanddescriptions.htm[/url]

Their KY barn gun, Cumberland fowler, the Cumberland smmoothbore or rifle,or the Colonial rifle or smoothbore might be good choices.

If you can afford higher quality and have some skill with hand tools, I suggest the Chamber's parts kits.
[url] http://www.flintlocks.com/[/url]

Good luck with whatever choice you make. The folks on this forum can offer advice during the build, so don't hesitate to jump in and "git 'er done."

J.D.

 

[Desert Ratxx]

I don't have personal experience in dealing with these guys but I like some of the stuff they have.

Sitting Fox

 

[pepperbelly]

Thanks for the replies.
My biggest problem is that I haven't decided if, or what, era I want a rifle from. I know what looks nice to me- the fullstocked longrifles, and generally the shape of the buttstock. I want a rifled barrel- nothing against smoothbore shooters.
I don't/haven't attended a rondy, and I doubt there are any near Ft.Worth, so that's another snag.
This rifle would be mostly for fun, maybe a little hunting.
I thought about a flint TC Hawken, but I really like the looks of the longrifle- I think the Pennsylvania, but again, I am not set on one style.
I don't really understand the differences in the locks.

Maybe someone could sell me on one style or era?

Thanks for everyone's help,
Jim

 

[tnlonghunter]

As far as which style/era, that's mostly just what appeals to my eye. For instance, I really like the lines on the Allentown/Bethlehem or Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania rifles because of the curvature of the butt. I like the southern mountain and Tennessee rifles b/c of their slim profile and the simplicity (and because I'm from TN, so it's a bit of a home town pride thing). Others I like are the earlier-period Lancaster and York style Pennsylvania rifles. Just do some internet searches for different styles and see what appeals to your eye.

As far as locks go, I'm definitely no expert. But the locks that come on TCs, Lymans, and other production guns usually have coil springs for main springs, the steel isn't as good a quality (which is especially a necessity for the frizzen). The good locks like Jim Chambers, L & R and a few others have flat springs (which don't wear out or break nearly as easily) and really good steel.

 

[Billhuntz]

I just bought my first flintlock this year. I bought a kit from Tip Curtis. It was an "in the white" kit which means most of the inletting is done and all you need to do is finish the wood, the barrel, and do any of the carving or whatever you want to do.

I am not real worried about 100% PC and was looking for a hunting/range rifle. I bought an Isaac Haines left handed kit from Tip. From what you described you like this might fit your needs. Got it quick, and took my time finishing it (not hard at all) and I had never done this before.

First trip to the range and I was amazed! It was like shooting a center fire, I pulled the trigger and it went off. I was expecting a whoosh..bang, but got a BANG.

Tip doesn't have a website but if you call him he will send you a catalog. I don't have his number handy but if you search here you'll find it.

 

[pepperbelly]

One thing I am thinking about is the Cabela's Blue Ridge rifles sell for about $550.00. It seems that I could buy a rifle closer to a correct style for that, or at least a kit.

I also like the curved butt style menationed in a reply above. They just appeal to me. I also want a full stock.
Dear Santa, I also like curly maple! :grin:

While I can't afford an entirely correct rifle I would like to get as close as I can afford, if that makes any sense.

Jim

 

[Billhuntz]

If you do a search on my name you'll see some pictures of the rifle I built.

I think I paid about $750 or $800 for the kit but I bought some options. I got what I would call a nice piece of wood, and the rifle is close enought to PC for me.

Look around though, there are lots of choices....

 

[tg]

Early Rustic Arms has some good prices on their guns, there are often some very good deals on used guns on the various forums, you can often find a completed gun for the price of the parts set.

 

[jercon]

Forget the TC'I'm like you I have alotof the TC.
But I stll want the 42 inch fullstock Long rifle.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Get a chmabers kit, you'll never go back to store boughts.

Muzzleloader Supply may be able to do you a tad cheaper, but there will be a wee bit more wood work to do.

 

[DrTimboone]

Well for less than $1000....not much less you can get a Chambers kit... for about the same you can get a gun in the white from Tip Curtis... Depending on your skill you probably won't make a Chambers kit any better than the Curtis gun. They both use very good parts. Tip has some styles Jim doesn't. In either case you would do well...
On the other hand I suggest that you look into a kit from Mike Brooks if you like his guns, or from any of a number of fine builders such as Jim Klein...

Look at lots of pictures of originals and see what you like..its your choice!!