Author Topic: Good starting flint lock? (Read 762 times)

bowfish · « **on:** July 29, 2003, 08:58:39 AM »

Hello new to the fourm I started out with a inline then went up to the cap lock gun and now Iam ready to try the great challenge of the flint lock.Was looking for a gun with 1-48 twist not to long and not weighing a ton something with a good lock.Does such a gun exist? Was looking into a lyman deerstalker any help would be great Thanks for any info you have (also will post a bunch of questions after I get it hope i do not drive you all crazy......)

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The definnition of a good demolition man is a guy who knows how much blackpowder to put up a bulls nose to blow his horns off without bringing a tear to his eyes

1860 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 29, 2003, 11:52:03 AM »

Welcome, One of the Lymans would be a good start, they are generally well made and servicable, they also don't break the piggy bank. You mention the deerstalker, I have one, or atleast I have a deer stalker bbl. mounted on a GPR stock-same thing I guess. Mine will shoot roundballs very well up to 70grs of powder, after that the groups start to open. I feel the faster 1:48 twist is the trouble with higher charges, I also have a GPR bbl. in 1:66 that shoot way better than me with loads of 90grs fffg. I think if I had it to do again I'd shorten the 32", 1:66 GPR to 22-24", like you I like to shoot shorter lighter guns and especially like them for hunting. When I hunt with the Deer Stalker I use Buffalow Ballets and 90grs. of powder, I practice with the roundballs and 60-70 grs. Good luck

1860

pendennis · « **Reply #2 on:** July 29, 2003, 01:18:35 PM »

Bowfish, welcome to the brotherhood. I'm in agreement when it comes to the Lyman products. My preference is for the GPR, .50 caliber. I have one, and it shoots very accurately. At 50 yards, I get three shot groups inside a quarter. It opens up only slightly at 100 yards. I use a .490 ball, 70 grains of GOEX fffg, and a .015 lubed patch.

The Lyman is a great investment, and it won't break your pocketbook. It's one of the most authentic-looking factory rifles on the market.

mamaflinter · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2003, 04:51:05 PM »

Welcome to the forum bowfish. Lyman's are well made rifles and will serve you well. I have never shot the deerstalker but eh Great Plains Rifle is a nice rifle. Check out my website http://mamaflinter.tripod.com/ and you might find that alot of your questions are answered there. I built it so that person's new to the sport would have reliable information available to them. Good luck to you and feel free to ask your questions.

bowfish · « **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2003, 06:41:04 PM »

Thanks again to all of you.The lyman rifle will be the one I get and mamaflinter I like your web page.My wife and myself and our four sons all hunt together and we all shot blackpowder.Looking forward to being apart of this fourm .

mamaflinter · « **Reply #5 on:** July 30, 2003, 02:42:44 AM »

Glad you like the site. I'm also glad to hear that your entire family enjoys blackpowder sports. Not many women involved in it and it's always great to hear of more joining in.

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #6 on:** July 30, 2003, 09:37:21 AM »

Bowfish,

Here's my suggestion, no offense if you choose not to follow it.

Get a small bore flintlock to cut your teeth on. That's what I did. A flintlock .32 adds a wonderfull charm to squirrel and bunny hunting. I found myself looking forward to that as much as deer season.

On account of that, I thought, boy, if a flintlock can make squirrel hunting this much fun, what could it do for deer hunting? I then went for purchasing a semi-custom flintlock for deer.

Part of the reasoning for starting on squirrels is that they are more numerous. If you have troubles with your flintlock, and it doesn't fire, you just wait 10 minutes for the next bushy tail to show itself.

Not so with deer. Since the season is shorter, that deer in your sights may be the last opportunity until next season. If your flintlock fails you then, you may be more apt to turn away from flintlocking.

Then after some time of chasing squirrels with a flintlock you will develop enough familiarity and confidence that you can feel comfortable taking the chance on deer.

Some other decent flintlocks are Pedersolis. The Cabella's Blueridge is the same as a Pedersoli Frontier. If that's too long for you there is a Pedersoli Frontier Carbine. The Frontiers have always been on the high end >$400. Pedersoli also offers a Kentucky (that's what I've got) and a Pennsylvania Scout. These are both shorter than the full length Frontier/Blueridge. The lock on the Kentucky is OK. It's fast, and reasonably reliable. However, I often have to sharpen the flint. It's also not a good lock during inclement weather. But for squirrels and rabbits - it's just fine.

bowfish · « **Reply #7 on:** July 30, 2003, 01:01:16 PM »

I like your idea I never thought about a smaller caliber. Was talking to a gun dealer he said that T/C made there white mt. cabine in a flinter but they no longer make it. I have the cap lock white mt. carbine and love it does any one have one of the flinter models? And how do you like it and better yet anyone have one for sale or a lyman deerstalker? Thanks again guys and ladies for all the good feed back.....