Thinking I need a flintlock

[TradLife406]

I need another hobby like a hole in the head. Between trad bows, my modern guns and family I don't have much free time.

But I grew up dressed up like Davey Crockett with a musket cap gun in hand in my back yard.

Then God help me if I watch a documentary on the history channel!

So in Montana we do not have a special muzzle season unless it's in a special sub-urban area. But we do have a lot of doe tags. Mainly be a deer and loper gun. I try and arrow my elk or bust. But I wouldn't rule an elk out.

I'm also working on moving to a place where I'll be able to shoot in the backyard, out the kitchen window or whatever I want to, God willing.

I've been poking around a little. Ive been looking at Pedersoli. I really like the PA rifle. I'd like a "pretty gun" with historical sentimental value. How's Lyman? Is Traditions the cheap brand?
Any custom/semi customs that are under $700?


What about calibers? 50 vs 54? Adjustable sights vs fixed rear.

Then is say 150 yards doable with a lot of practice?

What are the basic accessories I'd need like an upgraded ram rod and powder horn?

I really should save my money and buy an modern LR rig, but that four your old me says buy a gun like Crockett had lol

Any other random bits of advice if I decide to actually do this?

Thanks

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[sneaky]

There's a guy in Salmon, ID that builds custom flintlocks... but be sitting down when you see the prices. Gorgeous rifles though, but you would need to do a lot of Davey Crocketting to justify one lol.

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[Runningwater]

I've got a TVM Early Virginian in .54 that I enjoy the heck out of. I can't imagine putting adjustable sights on a flint, but I'm sure some do. Assuming with a flint you are shooting round ball a 54 has a lot more whoop than the 50 if elk are on the menu. Id say 100 yards is doable, not 150. They are great fun and learning to shoot a flintlock well will improve all your rifle shooting.

 

[Clarence]

Lyman is the only factory rifle worth while at this point probably. RMC Ox Yoke has some pretty cool stuff to check out if you aren't a pure traditionalist. I would stay away from traditions rifles. Their locks and springs are highly problematic. Even with a .54 caliber, with a round ball you would be running low on steam to punch a elk at 150 yds. It is a awesome tradition and a huge challenge. I would probably pick up a Lyman plains or trade rifle and see how you like the sport before spending a few grand on a high end custom. Enjoy the ride!

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[87TT]

If you want a Pedersoli, I'd look at the Frontier or Cabelas Blue ridge (same gun). I just built a .50 cal long rifle. A Southern Mountain Rifle . All steel and iron hardware instead of shiny brass.

 

[AgentVenom]

Flint locks are addicting. I had a unique one years ago I’m sad I got rid of. It was a Pedersoli Kodiak Safari in .72 Caliber. Yes I said flint lock someone had swapped the percussion cap system out for flint lock. The smith I had look it over guesses they used the mechanisms off the double shotgun by Pedesoli. Doubtful it was factory, I bought it from the bargain cave at the Washington State Cabelas for $700 ish.

So I had a double rifle flint lock in 72 caliber. Sadly in NY you can only use single barrel gun for any Muzzy season so I stupidly sold it, just cause I couldn’t justify it at the time. It definitely was a conversation starter. I’m half tempted to see if I could have some one duplicate it.

But for the question I’d go .54 caliber it’s the biggest easiest caliber to find in any number. A slew of kits and completed rifles out there for it. Once you go above .54 (flint locks) it is hard to find anything in a rifle.

 

[Fatcamp]

Flint locks are addicting. I had a unique one years ago I’m sad I got rid of. It was a Pedersoli Kodiak Safari in .72 Caliber. Yes I said flint lock someone had swapped the percussion cap system out for flint lock. The smith I had look it over guesses they used the mechanisms off the double shotgun by Pedesoli. Doubtful it was factory, I bought it from the bargain cave at the Washington State Cabelas for $700 ish.

So I had a double rifle flint lock in 72 caliber. Sadly in NY you can only use single barrel gun for any Muzzy season so I stupidly sold it, just cause I couldn’t justify it at the time. It definitely was a conversation starter. I’m half tempted to see if I could have some one duplicate it.

But for the question I’d go .54 caliber it’s the biggest easiest caliber to find in any number. A slew of kits and completed rifles out there for it. Once you go above .54 (flint locks) it is hard to find anything in a rifle.

Gonna have to dock you some man points for not only selling the double .72, but failing to post a picture of said rifle. Sorry, bud. We have rules.

 

[AgentVenom]

It’s been awhile since I moved back to Upstate and got rid of her. So pictures would be difficult without a Delorean. But picture this
With this mechanism:
Exactly like that

 

[TradLife406]

If you want a Pedersoli, I'd look at the Frontier or Cabelas Blue ridge (same gun). I just built a .50 cal long rifle. A Southern Mountain Rifle . All steel and iron hardware instead of shiny brass.
View attachment 192597

That's exactly what I'm looking for. I like that wood and the lower butt stock. Just looks super cool!

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[87TT]

That's exactly what I'm looking for. I like that wood and the lower butt stock. Just looks super cool!

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Mine's a Pecatonica kit build but the Frontier or Blue Ridge is similar only walnut stock and a little shorter but the stock shape is close. Over a hundred hours in the build.

 

[William Sublette]

Flinters are the antidote to the long range retardedness ruining hunting these days.

Go whole hog, and don't look back.


Bless you.

 

[FrontierGander]

i'd certainly go with a 54 if available. A lot less drop than a 50cal, especially if you plan on shooting 150 yards, which is very doable on deer size game. Stay away from that double barrel stuff.

 

[blackdog of vt]

Just keep it simple really. The production guns really aren't real nor what I would consider quality. But then again I've been building them for over a decade so my standards are quite a bit different. Round balls and paper cartridges are still heads over "modern" improvements, the old way is still the best in this case. A rifle just in parts is close to a grand to build so your ceiling is not going to make it on a custom. On the over hand a used one by an armchair builder can get you down there. As far as caliber goes I hunt with 58's and 62's, but 54 will shoot through an elk.

 

[Steve O]

I wanted to do this once, properly, so splurged a little.Take a look at Caywood Gunmakers in AR. This is an English Game Gun amd I have a .54 barrel for it along with a 20 ga with rule sights and a jug choke. It is a ton of fun.

 

[William Sublette]

An older used Lyman Great Plains Rifle, is affordable, and about as good as it gets, without building a custom.




And they'll shoot as good as any custom.

 

[Clarence]

Flinters are the antidote to the long range retardedness ruining hunting these days.

Go whole hog, and don't look back.


Bless you.

Agreed. What the trad bow is to archery.

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[William Sublette]

GunBroker.com - Error

 

[Clarence]

GunBroker.com - Error

Nice rifle at a fair price!

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[FrontierGander]

thats way to much for a used GPR flinter. $550 + $50 shipping and for $60 more you can have a 54cal BRAND NEW. Used lymans do not re-sell very well. Normally you can pick up a used one for around $325-400.

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[FrontierGander]

Even better, pedersoli built lyman that is coming out. I'd go with the kit and really personalize it.

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