Suggestions on Flintlocks

[powdergun]

I'm looking to buy a flintlock. I would like to use it for hunting and range use and would prefer to shoot conicals or sabots. What would you reccommend as an accurate dependable rifle for $800 or less.

thanks for your input

 

[Skip]

Most of the Pedersolis - accuracy takes a while to work out. Personal preference is Lyman - Trade, Great Plains. Both Pedersoli (pricey) and Lymans have decent locksets. Thompson centre are favoured by some. Lymans are bored slightly oversize ( at least in .50 cal, so conicals sometimes get a little tricky, but it does make patch and ball a little easier)

 

[nessy357]

Well the heart of a flinter is the lock. You want one that will spark well,and have a fast lock time.
I would go with a Thompson Center.Very reliable,good locks, 1 in 48 twist. Lifetime guarantee.
I had one that I sold to Steppenwolfs brother,wished I hadn't now.Just my 2 cents.
Cheers nessy.

 

[nessy357]

Robinson's catalogue lists the T/C for $649.
Cheers nessy.

 

[A-zone]

I've got both a Lyman Trade Rifle (.54) as well as a TC in .50.

The Thompson Centre is definitely a better rifle. Both are fun, though.

 

[mooncoon]

I would suggest a kit using a Siler or L&R lock. To repeat what Nessy said, the heart of the gun is the lock and if the lock alone did not cost roughly $120 I would not even bother with it. While there are probably challenges in bringing a kit in from the US, I would check out a number of companies such as Pecatonica River and Track of the Wolf. By buying a kit, you can keep the price of a quality gun down to near your price limit.
I also would recommend a slow twist barrel and shoot roundball only; 1:68 twist which is very forgiving in terms of accuracy regardless of powder charge. Finally I would suggest buying a gun with a swamped barrel to get rid of weight.

cheers mooncoon