Looking for first flintlock rifle

[sactobill]

I have black powder on my mind and have decided to get a flintlock rifle.

Does anyone have recommendations as to makers or vendors? Any dealers in the great Sacramento area?

Thanks.

Bill

[6mmintl]

Try imbert and Smithers in San carlos,
They had one a month ago and quite a few in lines and a few percussion rifles and pistol.

If you were interested in percussion I have a few for sale.
Zou Ave. 58 and a Peterson Tyrone .50

[CPT Hello]

You can't beat North Star West ( http://www.northstarwest.com ) or Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading ( http://www.tennesseevalleymuzzleloading.com ) if you have the coin to spend. Rifles and smoothbores are generally made to order, and the level of detail and care looks amazing. North Star in particular tries to do things the traditional way as much as possible. Buttplates are secured by square head nails and front sights are soldered on. They also guarantee their guns for life.
If you're looking for a more economical entrance into the world of smokepoles, Cabela's has sales from time to time on their percussion and flintlock guns. I have heard good things about the Pedersoli's in particular.

[DennisCA]

You can also try these guys:

https://www.muzzle-loaders.com/

(You can buy ML's online and have them shipped directly to your home )

Pedersoli's will you run big bucks

[CPT Hello]

Pedersoli's will you run big bucks

True, they can. "Economical" is definitely a relative term. The makers that I linked will run about 1.4-2K for a finished gun while a Pedersoli on sale at Cabela's can be had for around $500 (which is still a fair chunk of change).
If you're looking for a gentle (on your pocketbook) way to get started in the world of smokepoles, kits are available from the Traditions brand. But most of those that I see are percussion.

[Eljay]

The problem is that cheap flintlocks don't work very well and are very frustrating. It's sometimes possible to debug them but not as a first timer.

I'd either get something nice like a Pedersoli or TVM (mentioned above) or I'd just punt and stick with percussion.

If you would be up for considering a smoothbore musket the Pedersoli Brown Bess is a very reliable flintlock and Cabelas often has good sales on them. They're still around a thousand bucks though. But if you're only shooting out to about 50 yards you won't miss the rifling and having a .75 caliber long gun is a good time.

[sactobill]

Thanks for the info guys.

Does anyone have any experience with the Lyman Great Plains rifle?

[Eljay]

The percussion version is kind of the standard starter muzzleloader. Some recent reports of fit and finish not up to their historic standard but nothing too serious. I don't know anybody who has the flintlock version.

[Cheezle56]

Pedersoli has problems with the depth of the case hardening on their frizzens. Also, if you go with a Pedersoli, shave down the springs to about 1/2 to 2/3 the factory width because Pedersoli springs are wayyy to stiff. It will have the side effects of a slightly loghter trigger pull. And most importantly, your flints will last longer and your frozzen won't get gouged. Plus, hot having to replace or adjust a flint every five shots makes the rifle have more reliable ignition.

[pitfighter]

I read the post wrong, I thought you were looking for "the" first flintlock rifle!

I wonder what it was, of where it appeared from - ?

Anyway good luck, depending on your experience level, I would recommend a flintlock pistol first, it's further from your face when it touches off that pan of light grain powder, you can learn to experiment a little safer

[Forley]

Thanks for the info guys.

Does anyone have any experience with the Lyman Great Plains rifle?

I have both the Deerstalker and a Great Plains Hunter (1 in 32 twist). Both in .54 Flintlock. I added the optional peep sights to both. Front sight on Deerstalker would not fit (I contacted Lyman about this, their response was both curt and unhelpful); a gunsmith opened up the dovetail. I bought both via mail order, right to the front door.

Both work well.

Best flints I've found are the English flints from Track of the Wolf. I use only real blackpowder, FF in the barrel, 4F in the pan.

My Deerstalker:





My Great Plains Hunter:

[Eljay]

Anyway good luck, depending on your experience level, I would recommend a flintlock pistol first, it's further from your face when it touches off that pan of light grain powder, you can learn to experiment a little safer

I have a Pedersoli Kentucky pistol in flintlock and it's fantastic. Has a total "pirate pistol" vibe.

[SoloDallas]

You can't beat North Star West ( http://www.northstarwest.com ) or Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading ( http://www.tennesseevalleymuzzleloading.com ) if you have the coin to spend. Rifles and smoothbores are generally made to order, and the level of detail and care looks amazing. North Star in particular tries to do things the traditional way as much as possible. Buttplates are secured by square head nails and front sights are soldered on. They also guarantee their guns for life.
If you're looking for a more economical entrance into the world of smokepoles, Cabela's has sales from time to time on their percussion and flintlock guns. I have heard good things about the Pedersoli's in particular.

Captain,
even I (flintlock guy for years) wasn't aware of Northstarwest. What a place. Ordering that trade pistol right now.

Many thanks.

[Alan Block]

Northstar west produces great trade muskets. If you want a rifle based on a historical example try:
Flintlocks.com - Jim Chambers
Trackofthewolf.com - Track of the Wolf
TVM in above post

[Army]

I've a gorgeous Pedersoli Tennessee .32 capper, that I dearly love. It has never let me down, and will keep most shots at 2" at 50yds (25grs FFF, .310 ball, .020 patch). However, for serious shooting, my .54 Great Plains cap gets the nod.

That's me, back left (red undershirt) with the .32


Oh yeah, that's one thing you gotta watch for, that you may start dressing odd, and talking strangely...