Guidance for the next build

[Jerry V Lape]

Time to order custom barrel for the next build.  Have decided I want a smaller cal ( .36 - .40)  flintlock as I already have a couple .54s.  I prefer keeping the total weight down to approx 7lb or less.  (I have a couple granddaughters and daughters and want them to be able to handle it as well).  It will be used for plinking and probably hunting for small game and predators.  I think a York style rifle with a B wt 38 inch swamped barrel in .40 caliber might be about right but I am sure some of you have pursued similar needs and would like to hear your ideas.   

[Gene Carrell]

For a  lightweight  small game rifle, I would go with an  "A-Weight"  40cal  of  42  or 44"  length. I have this  in a N.C. style and  44"  (bbl from  Rice) and  it is a nice slender rifle, even with a  Dale  Johnson  lock.  A 40cal "B-Weight" may be a load  for a youngster,  even at 38". My hunting rifle of  choice is a 50cal, 38" b-wgt.  A 40 is  going towards  target weight. Just my  opinion.

[flehto]

The first question that needs to be answered....are you all about the same in size so a certain LOP would fit  you all?.....Fred

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

I just built a .36 York rifle with a 42" B profile barrel and I'm wishing I had used an A profile. I guess that's an excuse to build another for myself.

[David Rase]

For a  lightweight  small game rifle, I would go with an  "A-Weight"  40cal  of  42  or 44"  length.

I concur with Gene,  I am finishing up an 'A' weight  44" .40 caliber Gillespie rifle.  The gun is well balanced and not too heavy.
David   

[Long John]

In some states there are maximum calibers that are permissible for small game, especially here in the east.  Check that before you decide.  Here I use 36 caliber because that is the maximum allowed for small game by states over here.

JMC

[JDK]

I agree with the "A" weight over the "B" if weight is a concern.

Why not consider going with an octagon/round rifle barrel.  You can keep the muzzle weight down for the youngsters yet leave it long....as it should be.

Enjoy, J.D.

[bgf]

My son wants a flintlock in a year or two (well, he wants it now, but he'll get it when I say so), so I've been looking at similar barrels.  A-weight Rice Transition (38"/3.1 lbs).40 or .36 (4.14lbs -- I have a .40, so he will too, most likely) is the most interesting one I've come across so far.  Probably other makers can provide a similar barrel.  If he doesn't like or gives it up someday, I can probably use it for offhand in my old age when my shoulder finally gives out too much to shoot my current .40!

[Majorjoel]

I just finished up a flintlock rifle using a 40 cal. Green Mountain A wt. 38" barrel. It is a very light and dainty piece to be sure. My 8 year old grand kids (identical twins) are bugging me to build another just like it!

[Pete G.]

I have a 40x42" A weight built in the Valley of Virginina style. The slender barrel allows for a really good looking slender rifle, but it is a little "twitchy" for offhand shooting. If I were going to pay money to compete this rifle would not be my first choice; not that it is any less accurate, but it is more difficult to shoot accurately. For my style of informal target shooting it is just fine and a pretty gun is always more fun anyway. If I had it to do over I would probably go with either an A weight in 36 or a B in 40.

[Bentflint]

The last 2 40s I built where both 44" A weights from Rice. They hold very well. Both weigh under 7 lbs. I have been thinking about one with 46" or 48", talk about a long lean rifle.

[Robby]

Same here. Rice .40cal., "A" weight, 44" barrel makes for a very light, nice handling, off hand gun.
Robby