flintlock question

[Johnny Reb]

Hey Everyone
I would like to know who makes a good reliable flintlock rifle without spending a lot of money. I've had others tell me me in order to get a good flintlock I should buy a custom gun, they say traditions,pedersoli and lyman don't have very good locks. I own all percussion guns and would really like to try out the flintlocks. All my cap guns are great shooters, my most expensive one only cost me $250.00. I really don't want to spend a 1000.00 dollars on a custom gun. my budget is around $500 if I can't get one for that I don't mind sticking with my cap guns. Thanks in advance for all you input.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I really don't want to spend a 1000.00 dollars on a custom gun.

I doubt if you could find a custom gun for that price....try 2.5x that, and you might be in the ball park.

I was bit by the flinter bug a few years ago and bought a trade musket. I've had some difficulty getting it to go off (look in my past posts re: squirrel hunting last fall). Since then, I've played around with the flints and my success (at least on the range) has been better.

Others here know much more about flinters than I, so I am hoping that folks like Adam & Gil will chime in. I think that you can get a good Hawken reproduction with flint ignition for that price, or if you wanted something more in the lines of a Pennsylvania or Kentucky type long rifle, Cabela's "Blue Ridge" line might be of interest (although they are in the neighborhood of about $750)...these guns come in 50 & 54 cal and have a 1:48" twist (I think it might be a bit slower in the .54). They are nothing fancy....no wire inlay, brass patch boxes, ect., but they look like they would be suitable hunting weapons.

Anyway, good luck with your quest......I hope to be trekken' for squirrels in a few weeks.

[Gil Martin]

There are a lot of very good quality flintlock rifles available that will not cost a lot of money. The prices of new flintlocks tend to give me chest pains. I shop the used gun racks and have found Lyman Great Plains Rifles in .50 and .54 caliber for $188.00. I also found an excellent Lyman Trade rifle in .54 caliber for $200.00. The Thompson Center Hawken and Renegades in used condition sell for about the same money around here maybe a bit more. I have all of these flintlock and like them. In my opinion, the Lyman Trade Rifle in used or new condition is the best flintlock value for the money. A word of caution, if you shop the used gun racks examine any muzzleloader very carefully. Pay close attention to the bore because a lot of muzzleloaders may not have been properly cleaned and may show signs of rust or pitting. Good luck and let us know how you make out. All the best...
Gil

[Skinny Shooter]

I'm also going to refer you to the Lyman Great Plains or Trade rifle.
Stay away from the Cabela's junk and T/C.
Do you want a Pennsylvania rifle or a smoothbore?

Custom guns can be had for $1000.00.
There are numerous new builders who don't charge high dollars for their guns.
If there is any way that you can go to this place: http://dixonmuzzleloading.com/
you will find about 30 or so custom guns to choose from in addition to the Lyman-type guns.

[Adam Helmer]

Johnny Reb,

You have gotten some good responses.

I own several T/C and two Cabela's flintlocks and are all are reliable. A flinter takes a bit more attention to detail than a caplock for reliability. I suggest you use sharp flints, polish the frizzen with crocus cloth to keep it smooth, put two or three drops of oil occasionally on the lockwork and use a paper clip to keep the touch hole clear for reliable spark transfer to the main charge. My experience has been that T/C and Cabela's flintlocks are reliable commensurate with attention to detail.

Hope this helps.

Adam

[Catfish]

To shoot a flint lock you must be able to keep the lock in working condition. It`s not tough, but you have to know why it`s not working when it`s not working. If you have a T/C Hawkens you should be able to buy a flint lock conversion for it.

[Johnny Reb]

Thanks Everyone for all your help. I will take a good look at the lyman GPR and trade rifle and I Will keep ya posted on what I decide.

[new guy]

I have killed many many deer with a T/C renegade in .54cal durning Pa.'s muzzelloader seasons over the past 30 yrs.Very dependable and not to much money. just remember when you pull the trigger keep aiming till the gun goes off.

[Adam Helmer]

new guy,

Welcome to the Forum; I see this is only your third post.

I have a .54 caliber Renegade and like it very much for PA deer hunting. Again, welcome to this site.

Adam