Author Topic: In search of a large caliber flint rifle  (Read 980 times)

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Offline The deerslayer

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« on: August 28, 2005, 02:28:38 PM »
Could anyone help me out by telling me or giving links to manufactures that make a large caliber flint rifle. PA regulations don't allow the use of percussion rifles in their late season. Thanks for the help. I call a large caliber .58 or bigger. I don't mind building it if its a kit with everything you need in it .

Offline roundball

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2005, 03:22:47 PM »
TC makes them...you can call TC's Fox Ridge store...they make a .58cal TC Hawken (and Renegade) in both Percussion & Flintlock.

TC's website is   tcarms.com  and there will be a link to the Fox Ridge Store operation

The Fox Ridge phone # is 1-800-243-4570

FWIW, I have a .58cal and it's outstanding...my deer load is:
100grns Goex FFg
Oxyoke wonderwad
.018" TC prelubed pillow ticking
Hornady (or Speer) .570/279grn ball

I zero at 50yds and know that it drops 3" at 100.....the .58 is an extremely accurate caliber and carries energy a long way...enjoy!
"Flintlocks.......The Real Deal"
(Claims that 1:48" twists won't shoot PRBs accurately are old wives tales!!)

Offline fffffg

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2005, 06:01:42 PM »
i just put together a chambers mark silver kit in .62 cal.. i had a special order square bottom groove barrel made by getz.. it took 6 months to get the parts, but it is everything that i wanted and more.. round groove is for faster reloading a soot control or some such, the square bottom is more accurate but requires wipping on that big of bore and that much powder for top knoch accuracy..    the locks on chambers guns are second to none.   its a rifle for a lifetime, .   http://www.flintlocks.com/     .dave
montana!, home of the wolf,  deer,mtn goats,sheep, mountain lions, elk, moose and griz...

Offline PA-Joe

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2005, 02:06:45 AM »
For PA deer you do not need a large caliber. A 54 is plenty. 45 with sabots are good too.

Offline dodd3

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2005, 02:20:50 AM »
deerslayer go to www.restorationfirearms.com/ he does a copy of a gibs rifle in cals from .58 to .72 cal with a one turn in 104 twist i think they are us $1395 fore the finished gun they have a chrome moly barrel they look to be very well made.  
bernie :-)
if its feral its in peril

Offline dodd3

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2005, 02:25:01 AM »
ps i think he does them in flint as well.
bernie :-)
if its feral its in peril

Offline chickenlittle

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2005, 04:06:04 PM »
I'd agree that a .54 cal is a good size and it gives you many brands and models to choose from: T/C, Lyman, Investarms, Pedersoli and custom guns.  In production guns, though, there is just the .58 T/C Fox Ridge Hawken or Renegade.  

The likelihood of getting a custom gun built in time for this season isn't good but some builders might have one already built or a used one for sale.  But we're talking a significant cost here, not just $400-500 for the T/C.  If you really want a big caliber and the T/C isn't for you, call some local gun shops to see if they have any used ones available.  There might be some .58 or .62 cals out there just waiting for you.

Offline jeager106

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2005, 09:26:46 PM »
:)  Nobody 'need's a .58 or larger for an itty bitty whitetail.
It's a matter of desire.
I have an American Jeager in .58 with Colrain swamped round bottom rifling.
I doubt there is a man alive that can prove a round bottom shoots worse than a square bottom rifled barrel.
The round bottom does make loading a tad easier.

Offline lostid

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2005, 05:05:11 PM »
what jeager106 said. that's truth,,I don't like i'm,,but he knows
i'm a realist. i've not seen it all, but man ,,I've Been Around the block once or twice

Offline jvs

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Re: In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #9 on: September 05, 2005, 09:09:19 PM »
Quote from: The deerslayer
Could anyone help me out by telling me or giving links to manufactures that make a large caliber flint rifle. PA regulations don't allow the use of percussion rifles in their late season. Thanks for the help. I call a large caliber .58 or bigger. I don't mind building it if its a kit with everything you need in it .


Alot of guys use .50 & .54 caliber here in Pa.  If you are in the South Eastern part of the state a place called Dixon's Muzzleloading Shop in the Kutztown/Kempton area is one of the few places that is dedicated to that type of firearm.  They have a big store and they do have a large following.  If you want their number I can give it to you.

Caliber is only one of the things to consider when you want to buy a Flintlock.  Twist and Barrel length is also a consideration, depending on what type of ammo you want to shoot.  I own a .50 T/C Pennsylvania Hunter Flintlock that is exclusively spit Patch and Round Ball.   You also can not use scoped rifles in the late season.  The post Christmas hunt is open sights only.  

In the October Season you can use any muzzleloader, including scoped In-Lines.
 If you want to run with the Wolves, you can't Pee with the Puppies.

Offline slayer

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #10 on: September 06, 2005, 01:09:06 PM »
Maybe give TVM a try, great prices also, but yes, the T/C`s are great start as well. I was thinking getting a TVM of some sort in .54 or .58. Jack.

Offline hans g./UpS

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large caliber flinter
« Reply #11 on: September 11, 2005, 08:44:09 AM »
Take a look at Jim Gefroh[Ft.Collins,CO] offerings.He makes BEAST killers e.g. 8ga[.820]rifled flinters.I think if a critter looked at the bore of that,it would die of fright alone.They are pretty guns too.

Offline KING

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #12 on: September 15, 2005, 05:16:35 PM »
:-D I checked the site that was listed above.  Good looking guns for sure.  I really like the big bores but then again I have way to much fun with em.  You have to shoot what it is that you like or want.  My custom .58 is pretty strong medicine for about anything on this continent.  I also like my .62 and the .75.  A .54 is plenty for a whitetail of any size but would not go below a .50 for them but again.......that is just my opinion when shooting a roundball............stay safe.......King
THE ONLY FEMALE THAT I TRUST IS A LABRADOR.......AND SHE DONT SNOORE,AND DONT COMPLAIN ABOUT MY COOKING...THE ONLY GODS THAT EXIST ARE THOSE THAT HAVE ONE IN THE CHAMBER,AND 19 IN THE MAG.......

Offline JPerryE

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #13 on: October 12, 2005, 11:20:34 AM »
If you're going to hunt deer or even elk, the .54 should give you everything you need. You'll also have a better selection. I have a good friend here in Colorado that's taken many deer and elk using his .54 Hawken, 110 Gr Goex, and a patched round ball. I have another friend who just took a buffalo with his .54.  If you need to go after something larger than deer or elk, consider using the maxi conical or R.E.A.L.. Those conicals will shoot clear through a moose.

You may have your mind set on a .58 or larger. I'm just saying that it isn't necessary. The post about the Fox Ridge Outfitters TC in .58 would get one into your hands right away.

Offline slayer

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #14 on: October 12, 2005, 01:24:48 PM »
If you go with the T/C, especially for the price, I would choose the Renegade over the Hawken, but just for the comfort level as they don`t have the V butstock and that makes it more comfotable at the range. It is a hard choice, so I own both in .50 a flintlock Hawken and a caplock Renegade. i myself am looking to get a .54 or .58 in something, but the thing is, the .58 roundball isn`t much heavier than the .54 roundball, but the .58 conicals are much heavier than the .54  Since I usually shoot roundballs and Ball-Ets(not made in .58) I may just choose the .54 Plus you only get 50 roundballs per box with the .58 for the same price for 100 for the .54  Jack.

Offline roundball

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Re: In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #15 on: October 12, 2005, 01:42:35 PM »
FYI...I've been shooting TC Hawkens for 15+ years...several calibers including the .58...the curved buttplates have never been a problem for me at all...the Hawkens are more traditional looking than the Renegades, and hold a higher resale value.

TC's manual lists a suggested range for .58cal round ball charges from 80-120grns 2F.....the deer load I settled on in my Hawken for typical woods distances is:

100grns Goex 2F
Oxyoke wonderwad
.018" TC prelubed pillow ticking
Hornady or Speer .570/278grn balls

Zeroed for 50yds, it drops 3" at 100yds, the .58cal is a powerhouse...actually more gun than needed for Eastern whitetails at less than 100yds...shot two bucks at around 50yds and the heavy ball punched through them like butter...but the .58cal is a terrific rifle to have
"Flintlocks.......The Real Deal"
(Claims that 1:48" twists won't shoot PRBs accurately are old wives tales!!)

Offline slayer

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In search of a large caliber flint rifle
« Reply #16 on: October 12, 2005, 03:30:47 PM »
You are correct in that, but you have to shoulder the Hawken differently than the Renegade, but you adjust pretty quickly, I was just trying to help the guy out a little .Either way, I am still yearning for a .58  another choice is to find a used T/C Big Boar or if you already have a T/C New Englander or Renegade, you can get an optional .58 barrel form Green Mountain for it, that is what I may do in the end, plus a .32 for my Renegade. Not sure what I want the .58 on, the Renegade or NE :D Jack.