Post by: Charlie on March 05, 2014, 09:58:01 AM
I am currently shooting a Lyman GPH percussion. Shot my first deer in 40 years with it this year.
I have my family history from 1709 west camp NY up the Valley to the Mohawk in 1711-13 and far beyond.
I also have a news clipping from 1908 doing an interview of a 2nd grt aunt who remembered her brothers marching off to the war of 1812. She grew up around the Indians in upstate NY as her Father was a trader.
I need a decent entry level Flintlock to learn with. I will though be looking for a handcrafted flinter down the road.
I do love the look of the Jaeger rifles butt I need a smoothie to hunt dove with.
Any and all sage advice appreciated
I didn't know any of the family stuff before lol, I need to watch drums along the Mohawk again.
Post by: Hanshi on March 05, 2014, 12:01:00 PM
Post by: rollingb on March 05, 2014, 01:27:33 PM
Quote from: "Charlie"
I need a decent entry level Flintlock to learn with.That would probably be a Pedersoli "Blue Ridge rifle" as suggested by Hanshi,.... although if you keep an eye on the "Trade Blanket", sometimes a nice custom rifle will show up for practically the same price as something "off the shelf".
Post by: Charlie on March 05, 2014, 02:24:23 PM
Thanks for the advise.
Post by: rollingb on March 05, 2014, 03:33:42 PM
Quote from: "Charlie"
I will check the blueridge out, and I am of a mind leaning toward a custom gun. Get good quality to start makes the learning better.Getting a custom gun with good quality barrel, lock, and trigger/s, can also save you money in the long run.
Thanks for the advise.
Post by: Captchee on March 05, 2014, 07:49:15 PM
Post by: Charlie on March 06, 2014, 08:21:00 AM
Post by: Riley/MN on March 06, 2014, 10:58:02 AM
Post by: Hanshi on March 06, 2014, 05:32:42 PM
Post by: Charlie on March 06, 2014, 07:13:18 PM
Post by: Muley on March 11, 2014, 11:46:06 PM
Post by: Stormrider51 on March 13, 2014, 11:13:57 AM
Let's start with "properly built". This is where I add my vote to getting a custom gun. A custom builder has his name and reputation on the line every time he turns out a gun. The frizzen will be hardened properly. The lock will be tuned. The barrel vent (channel from pan to main charge) will be in the correct "sunset position". The pan will mate solidly to the side of the barrel. No gap to allow the priming to dribble down inside the lock. Metal to metal and wood to metal fit will be done right. Yes, there are manufacturers like Pedersoli who do a good job on all of the above but your gun will look exactly like thousands of others and the price of a Pedersoli is often as much or more as a custom would have cost, especially a used custom.
That takes care of the "properly built". It's all about the gun. The last two factors are about you. I think of myself as a "Servant of the Gun". "Properly loaded". With a percussion you pop a couple of caps before loading for the first time that day. Right? Why? To be sure the flash channel is open. Get used to the idea that you will need to make sure the vent channel on your flintlock is open for every shot. I've heard people say different but taking a second to pick the vent will pay off in reliability. So will taking a moment to wipe the underside of the flint and the surface of the frizzen. A friend of mine calls having a black index finger a "flintlock finger". Actually, I cheat and keep a rag tucked in my belt. However you do it, wiping the fouling away will increase reliability. It also gives you a chance to see that your flint is still sharp for every shot. More reliability. When you install a new flint, fire a couple of shots and then check to see that the jaws are still holding the flint tightly. Many years ago I was demonstrating the loading of a flintlock to an attractive young lady at a shooting range. I had changed the flint a few shots before. I confidently brought the rifle to my shoulder, came to full cock, and squeezed the trigger. I saw something fall away from the rifle at almost the same moment that I heard the flat "clack". She said "Your rock fell out." So did my chances of getting a date.
I'm going to hit "properly maintained" very lightly as I'm sure you are already familiar with the subject. There's nothing special about cleaning a flinter that I can think of. In spite of all the wonder cleaners on the market I still use hot soapy water for cleaning followed by dry patches and oil. Never had a rust problem yet and it has been something like fifty years.
Sorry for running on for so long. I wish you success.
John
Post by: RobD on March 15, 2014, 08:42:13 AM
commercial, off-the-production-line long guns will work just fine if you know what yer doing with 'em and you get a bit lucky.
a "stock" long gun will typically Never Ever be as "good" as a custom long gun which, if built by a knowledgeable and worthy gunsmith, will always offer superior quality of metal and wood, superior build and lock timing, much better ease of both use and reliability. it's a "pay me now, or pay me later" kinda thing. yes, a rifle built for you will cost two to four times as much as that offshore built firearm, but the difference 'tween them - once you understand long guns, and in particular flintlocks - is night and day.
there are MANY good gunsmiths that can assemble a most worthy flintlock long gun, my favorite is tip curtis.
(http://i.imgur.com/sdTU6lF.jpg)
Post by: Hanshi on March 15, 2014, 03:03:50 PM
Post by: Charlie on March 15, 2014, 04:52:34 PM
I want to portray a bit earlier than 1810 so I need to do it. Honest, it is a need, a need , keep telling her that. lol Thanks for the thoughts, now to get close enough to get my hands on something.
Post by: rollingb on March 15, 2014, 06:38:53 PM
Post by: RobD on March 15, 2014, 07:17:36 PM
Quote from: "rollingb"
All good advice here Charlie,... and the search for "your" flinter can be half the fun of getting one. :hey-hey
... and ya might need to float another mortgage. 8)
Post by: Auldgoat on May 15, 2014, 12:12:14 AM
Yes, my vote is also with Tip Curtis. You can't do better for the price or quality.
Post by: Charlie on May 16, 2014, 12:55:35 PM
Quote from: "Auldgoat"
The missus just pointed out that since my recent affliction by the flint virus, my fishing pox is in total remission!
Yes, my vote is also with Tip Curtis. You can't do better for the price or quality.
I picked up a TC renegade FL very reasonable on another board, that gives me breathing room with the Red white and blue at Cairo NE. the end of the month to really look around.
I'm giving fishing gear away
but my wood workin expendature sure stopped.
Post by: Kermit on May 19, 2014, 10:42:38 AM
Post by: Charlie on May 19, 2014, 11:06:12 AM
Quote from: "Kermit"
Buying a "production" flintlock carries a little of what buying a "preowned car" does. That up front price is not the end. They can be frustrating for first-timers. If you do go that route, you would do well to have someone take a little of your money to spend a little of their time tuning up the lock and trigger.
I do know and agree with that advise. I am not a total first timer to FL so paying under $180 shipped for a well kept old gun to see if I really want to mess with it at all is better than spending mucho dinero on a work of art and finding out I don't. :applaud
Post by: Captchee on May 19, 2014, 01:32:56 PM
she is in real nice shape , doesnt apear to have been shot much .
curly maple stock . 31 inch barrel , nothing real fancy , nice gun though
ill be puting her up for sale in the next week or so , barring anyone coming in and buying it first .