Stoeger Flintlock

[tlivin]

I have a Stoeger made in Belgium flintlock musket smoothbore does anyone have information on these guns or know where I can find information. Any help would be appreciated.

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

In addition to this forum, there is a Pre 1899 forum on www.antiqueguns.com where non American guns are often discussed.

[TPH]

The guns available from the Stoeger Company in their store as well as their catalog back in the '40s through the early '60s were not made by them, they were mostly left over trade guns from Belgium as you probably know. Some may have been made specifically for the Stoeger Company but almost all used French pattern Belgian surplus military parts - buttplates, triggerguards, locks, etc. If you find one of their catalogs there will be a small section on the selection available that year with general information on shooting black powder guns. Bags and horns and, I think, moulds were available as well.

[frogwalking]

When I was a teenager, Miller Lamb had one of these, back action flintlock, in 4 gauge.  Chuck and I just had to shoot it but we could not make the lock spark. Therefore, a piece of firecracker fuse held in place by the frizzen.  One of us held the gun while the other lit the fuse.  After it has summarily knocked each of us down and provided great entertainment for Miller, we were done with the 4 gauge.  Miller said it was a Stoeger African trade elephant gun.   This gun did not apear to be very old back in the mid 60s, so do not really think it is a genuine antique. 

[TPH]

Maybe yes, maybe no on the "antique" thing. Some of these had been in storage for years in Belgium before they found a market for them in the US post WW2. But they started making them up from parts once sales opportunities reppeared.