Post by: lefty41 on March 24, 2017, 03:24:24 PM
Thanks
Post by: RobD on March 24, 2017, 03:52:17 PM
you really can't skimp on a flintlock rifle because it's all about the quality of the lock and the overall components and build. and even then you need to learn the basics of making a flintlock work reliably. that's not at all difficult or hard, it's about getting a Good Gun and Good Information. there is good stuff to learn - components and processes. if you haven't already checked it out, read this article before you buy - About Traditonal Muzzleloaders (http://http)
for my money, and based on my trad ml experience, these dayze the most decent and reliable flintlock you can get for cheap are those built by the italian investarms company, rebranded as lyman, dixie gun works, cabelas, and others. an unreliable flintlock gun will send you running back to those cap guns, pronto.
so, i'm not saying yer friend's gun is bad in any way, but i am saying buyer beware and if you don't know what to look for and check out in a flintlock gun, get someone local who really does know to help ya out.
good luck !
Post by: Bigsmoke on March 24, 2017, 03:56:36 PM
It was discontinued in 1996 and the last MSR was $280.00. The book makes no differentiation between kit or factory rifle price wise.
Although it has always been considered kind of a cheap rifle, I have seen some of them that shot pretty well. IIRC, there have been a lot of problems with the mainspring getting weak or breaking.
Hope that helps some.
Also, I am not aware of any difference between the CVA rifle and the Traditions rifle of the same model. All made by Jukar.
John
Post by: amm1851 on March 24, 2017, 05:46:07 PM
Post by: James Kelly on March 24, 2017, 06:10:11 PM
Their flint locks do not have a good reputation. I'll try it, but likely buy a new L&R to fit from Track, about $150.
These guns have a lot of inauthentic styling details. But see the June 2011 post by Captchee on how he made a Silk Purse out of one.
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=15743&p=151526&hilit=Traditions+Captchee#p151526 (http://traditionalmuzzleloadingassociation.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=15743&p=151526&hilit=Traditions+Captchee#p151526)
I hope eventually to make mine into a Faux Leman.
I bought this rifle as I recall doing a metallurgical exam on an old CVA barrel, probably before your Dad had even thought about your Mom. Anyway it was nice, CLEAN low carbon steel. CLEAN = no sulfur additions to make the machining chips short & crumbly. Check out this video for how one survived miserable torture with smokeless (not don't try it, smokeless = fewer body parts) Skip the ad: Smokeless Powder in a Muzzleloader? - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en384qVqrug)
I used to look at these Spanish rifles with distain, for their styling, not such great locks, various other Squirrely Features. However I can fix most of these. It is about the only way I can get a rifle with a barrel of decent steel, other than buying Pedersoli.
No I do not want to talk about steel. See that Other longrifle site for more detail than you want to read or I wish to write again.
Post by: James Kelly on March 24, 2017, 06:12:09 PM
Post by: RobD on March 24, 2017, 06:34:21 PM
Quote from: "James Kelly"
I think Lyman made by the same Spanish company, probably just as fine a barrel, I only happen to have info on the Traditions.
no no no no - as i posted above: lyman, dgw, cabelas and others are rebranded INVESTARMS italian guns that i think are far better than the spanish guns ... and i've had MANY of both the spanish and italian guns. traditions is the cva of today, from the spanish jukar factory.
i'll say it again - IMHO the best value and quality in an offshore traditional muzzleloader are those guns from INVESTARMS. pm or email me if you need to hear more.
Post by: lefty41 on March 24, 2017, 07:11:11 PM
Post by: Bigsmoke on March 24, 2017, 07:44:34 PM
Sparky sounds like a pretty good one to keep.
The little .36 is kinda puny when it comes to long range silhouettes, but for close in work, not bad. Of course at Friendship, they have a special half scale silhouette range that is open to anything under .40 caliber. Is fun.
Enjoy!!
John
Post by: James Kelly on March 24, 2017, 09:44:31 PM
Did just open my new flint Kentucky, Traditions. Still looking for what MidwayUSA calls a "blemish". Managed to put a small flint in the cock & it made a few sparks, threw them somewhere near the pan. Maybe put on an L&R next month, see how it goes.
It IS a new toy!
Post by: RobD on March 25, 2017, 10:14:30 AM
Post by: Hanshi on March 25, 2017, 05:23:27 PM