Looking to buy my first flintlock, don't honestly now where to start.

[ChuckKY]

I am new to this forum, so not sure if I am asking about this in the right forum or not. I have been slowly over the years getting more into the older guns to hunt with. I used to deer hunt alot with the bolt guns and compound bows, bird hunt with Beretta autos and enjoyed it greatly. I still enjoy these guns,but find myself using my 99s and model 12s and A5s more all the time. I was deer hunting with my Knight muzzleloader this year and could not get over the feeling that something was just missing. I have taken a couple of 160" deer over the years and just enjoy watching deer in general more than all the work and hype involved in trying to one-up my self every year. I still enjoy taking a good deer as much as ever, just the hunt is getting to be more of the "experience" more now than when I was younger. I really would like to get a good quality flintlock to hunt with. I would like a nice piece of wood to enjoy looking at and hunting with, but don't really care for alot of brass furniture-prefer good finished iron instead. As you can tell I don't now a great deal about buying a flintlock. I have hunted with a .32 and .50 caplock for several years. The .32 TC caplock is deadly accurate, but the .50 TC has a 1 in 48" twist and doesn't really shot ball or conical very well. I would like a 66" twist to shoot round balls. Question is, could someone advice a novice as to where to start looking for gunbuilders. I am not able to afford $4000 guns, but more closer to $1000-$1500 gun at this point in my life. I know a really good gun isn't cheap, but this is where I am starting. Am I out of touch or is this a possibility. Please forgive my complete lack of knowledge on the subjest, but I have to start somewhere. I have been looking at the website of Gobbler Knob Longrifles and like what I see, but don't know enough to really be confident about much at this point. I truly would appreciate any advice from the more knowledgeable flintlook shooters here.  Thanks, Chuck

[gibster]

Welcome to the forum Chuck.  There is a nice iron mounted .45 caliber flintlock listed in the For Sale section that falls in the price range you are looking for.  It's not mine and I won't gain anything from its sale, but it is worth taking a look at.  If you scroll through the For Sale section, there may be others.  I don't think you will have trouble finding a decent used flintlock for what you are looking to spend.

[Bill of the 45th]

You might want to check out www.contemporarylongrifleassociation.com  There is a nice unfired Virginia in .54.  Many of the members here are members there.  You also might want to check out Tip Curtis for a rifle in the white from him.Tip Curtis Frontier Shop
Cross Plains, TN 37049,
(615) 654-4445.
No web site, he's old school, probably has 75 or so rifles in stock.  If you give him a call, be prepared to talk at least an hour.  Time well spent.  Doesn't take credit cards either, so cash , check or M.O.  His prices will meet your budget.

Bill

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Well look at the guns for sale on Track of the Wolf as well.... many are underpriced..... be careful and if you order a gun be sure to set clear expectations for returning it if when you receive it it doesn't meet your expectations.

You could always buy a beautiful barn gun from Don Getz...... might be at the high end of your budget or a little more but it will be not only a good hunter but a collectors item as well.....

[SCLoyalist]

Decide if there any particular style of gun or period of history or locale that appeals to you.  I'd start out looking at Track of the Wolf's offerings, also TVM, Caywood, and Chambers,  the ALR For Sale forum, and the rifles listed on Contemporary Longrifles Assoc website.   That should give you an idea of styles of rifles available (new, used, or kit) and prices.  (And Tracks, ALR and Contemp. LR offerings change almost daily, so keep checking from time to time).

Another option open to you, depending on how historically authentic you want to be, is a TC Hawken or Renegade with a drop in barrel with twist more suited for roundball. 

Good luck, SCL

[flintriflesmith]

I am new to this forum, ... I have hunted with a .32 and .50 caplock for several years. The .32 TC caplock is deadly accurate, but the .50 TC has a 1 in 48" twist and doesn't really shot ball or conical very well. I would like a 66" twist to shoot round balls. ....  Thanks, Chuck

This isn't an answer to your question but I can assure you that a 1 in 48 twist will shoot round ball very well. I think it was Don Getz that pointed out that 1 in 48 seemed to be the most popular twist in period rifles he had measured. If the TC won't group I think the problem is not the twist.
Gary

[Steve-In]

I was deer hunting with my Knight muzzleloader this year and could not get over the feeling that something was just missing.

  Once you use a flintlock to harvest you will wonder why you did not start sooner.  You should have no problem getting a good flintlock in your price range.  For deer hunting I would go with a .50 or larger.
Since you are just starting with a flintlock I would suggest you look where the others have told you.  I would recommend you get a gun with a Chambers, L&R, Davis or another known maker LOCK.  Also with a Getz, Rice, Rayl or Green Mountain barrel.  No order preference.  These are popular and members will be able to help you with any problems you may have.  When you get the rifle oil those caplocks up and get to know your new friend.  Shoot it often and a lot.  There are tricks to keeping one going off reliably.  It will build your confidence when it comes time to harvest that deer.  I also would get a nice horn and bag to compliment your rifle.  It will carry all of your gear in one spot.  At this point don't worry about being PC (Period Correct) just have fun and learn.  This forum is the greatest resource for sidelock muzzleloaders on the web, don't be afraid to ask questions.

[Dphariss]

I have hunted with a .32 and .50 caplock for several years. The .32 TC caplock is deadly accurate, but the .50 TC has a 1 in 48" twist and doesn't really shot ball or conical very well. I would like a 66" twist to shoot round balls.

You might find a completed rifle on Track of the Wolf's Web site.
.trackofthewolf.com/index.aspx
And there are competent makers here. Good rifles are investments and do not depreciate in most cases,  even with use.

Don't blame he 48" twist. One of the most accurate rifles I ever owned was a 50 caliber with a 48" twist barrel. I would have not the slightest hesitation in using this twist in a 50 or even a 54 caliber.
J&S Hawken, for example, used this twist exclusively. But TC was not always able to make it work
Dan

[IKE]

Check out the CLA site some vary nice guns on now. I am not trying to sell you something but I do have a 54 on the site.
GOOD LUCK!
Jerry Eitnier
Eitnier rifles
Iron Mounted Southern Guns

[Bob Roller]

Bill Large said the early T/C barrels were button rifled and whle they were shiny,they were also too slick and whoever made them know nothing about a round ball muzzle loader.
The best shooting round ball gun I ever owned was one I made with the first barrel Bill made in the new shop (1958)and it was 58 caliber with a 1 in 44 twist and eight grooves. We both thought the button rifled barrels were a bad idea and then when we found out that a lot of novice shooters were pouring extreme loads into them (180+grains) into 50 caliber guns we knew then that not all the problem was with the barrel.
I once had an Alex Henry barreled Whitworth with a 1 in 18 twist that when loaded with a tight patched 445 round ball and 40 grains of DuPont 3fg would make a one hole group at 25-40 yards. "Load it lightly.patch it tightly" has been the rule for a very long time.

Bob Roller

[J. Talbert]

Chuck,
It looks like you're from KY.  What part?
I'm in northern Ky, but I know a lot of flintlock shooters scattered around the state.
Send me a PM if you're interested.  Maybe I can help.

Jeff