Is there an affordable flintlock out there?

[GoodOlBoy]

I am considering saving up (wife is outa work right now so won't be immediate) for a "starter" flintlock rifle. I prefer something along the lines of a 50 caliber Hawkins style rifle, although I have thought about a 32 or 36 caliber squirrel rifle.

Any suggestions?

GoodOlBoy

[Mr. 16 gauge]

GOB;
How 'traditional' do you wish to go? Reason I ask is there is the Traditions deer stalker, which runs around $300, that has a flintlock ignition, but has a synthetic stock, and personally, I find it butt ugly!:eek: However, it may fill the bill for you.
Some of the Lyman Great Plains rifles, ect, are a little more expensive, but they have a bit more traditional look......if your handy and feel like a project, they also make a kit version you can put together yourself.

I've never ordered from these folks, but they seem to have pretty good prices.....caveat emptor!;)

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/deptsearch2x.asp?dept=MUZZLELOADING&dept2=MUZZLELOADING%20RIFLES

[GoodOlBoy]

I think I want to go pretty darned traditional (IE wood) otherwise I would just buy an inline, and I am not really interested in that at all. I think I am going to have to just start saving up and see about buying a used flintlock off of a pawn shop if I ever find another good deal on one. IE I don't want to pay the price of a brand new cartridge firearm (or more) for a flintlock. I spotted one this morning that was a beautiful hawkins reproduction 50 and emailed the person who had it for sale (on another site) He wanted $1200 for it. I am sure there are those that would pay that much, I just ain't one of them.

GoodOlBoy

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Then I would suggest you check out the Lyman great Plains rifle, if you want to be more historically accurate.

However, there are literally TONS of used Hawkens on the market, at least here in MI....most are caplocks, but everyone is tradin' 'em in for in lines, so there is a lot to choose from.....but again, caveat emptor! I would say 90-95% of these bores weren't cleaned properly, and are corroded......some mildly so and usable, and others horribly so.
Also keep in mind that you can have muzzleloaders shipped to your door....no FFL required, so if you see something on gunbroker or guns america, you can usually have it shipped to you without having to have a middle man with an FFL. You might want to check sellers out of PA, as, IIRC, they have a muzzleloading deer season that reguires the use of a flintlock.
Good luck......keep us posted on what you find!:)

[Adam Helmer]

GOB,

Mr. 16 gauge nailed it as far as I can tell. Flintlocks are not as popular as formerly and there are many Hawkins on the used gun racks. Here in PA we have a flintlock after Christmas deer season, so flintlocks sell well and prices are about 75% of retail. I have seen some great yard sale flintlocks last summer. I will keep a look out and see if I can find you a .50 Hawken flinter in your price range.

Be well.

Adam

[GoodOlBoy]

Thanks Adam. I have looked at the lyman great plains rifle several times. I still consider it off and on. I am not looking to shoot conicals at all I just want a slow rate of twist 50 caliber hawken to be able to shoot cast round ball with. But like I said it may be a bit as the wife is out of work.

GoodOlBoy