Author Topic: Looking for a nice AFFORDABLE flintlock (Read 1382 times)

SoloKane · « **on:** February 05, 2004, 11:28:04 AM »

I am looking for a nice Pennsylvania style flintlock. Can anyone recommend a custom gunmaker that does good work and won't cost me both arms and legs?

How about Tennessee Valley Muzzleloaders? Does anyone own their rifles and are you happy with them?

olduvai george · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2004, 12:23:58 PM »

Sir: Mr James Klein of Michigan, who advertises in Muzzle Blasts has made several custom rifles for me that have been most satisfactory. His work is excellent and he is full time, so you don"t wait so long. Regards. George

lonewolf5347 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2004, 01:35:56 PM »

http://www.huntingpa.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=177221&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1
I seen this add f/s flinter pa 50cal.

tommy4toes · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2004, 02:09:05 PM »

check out the Chambers kits....

t4toes

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2004, 07:17:22 AM »

TVM is alright. I've got one of their Early Virginias and love it. The Avances' are nice people to work with.

I had some special requests like a swamped barrel and a different lock than what they usually use. It's possible that because of this, Mr. Avance had to be more involved. He's got good skills and the fit is good.

Price is generally lower than others, or at least it was when I bought.

SoloKane · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2004, 01:59:44 PM »

Thanks for the advice, gentlemen! Black Jaque, I do appreciate the feedback on TVM. That's what I'm drifting to, maybe one of their Penn rifles in curly maple, swamped barrel, German silver fittings and a Durs Egg lock.

Norseman · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2004, 09:42:48 AM »

Hey Jaque,

I'm kinda in the same boat. I am looking at the Dixie Gun Works Tenn Mountain rifle in .50 flint as well as TVM. The early Virginia rifle is another one of my choices to check out. How much are we talking for the TVM, and how does she look and operate, accuracy, good lock, workmanship etc? :?

Good time Charlie · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2004, 05:01:49 PM »

I have been looking at Dixie guns . 32 cal Kentucky they have it in kit and ready to shoot gun. While not cheep at least to poor folk, it is as reasonable as I have seen in a pretty good flintier.
Charlie

Bob/FLA · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2004, 06:14:16 PM »

My wife bought one from cabelas for me. What a great little rifle. Fast ignition and accurate. You might look at one.

bowfish · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2004, 03:35:27 AM »

Solokane, I just ordered a early virginia 54cal with a 38" swamped barrel the top end maple stock, one inlay at the top of the wrist with my wifes "pet"name I call her all steel hardwear,and the barrel and siler lock are to be done in antiqued finish, sling swivels davis set trigger and a handmade sling made by Matts wonderful wife.I will order the barrel my self and the lock and send it to them this will save me a 11% tax on the gun if they use some of your parts. The gun delivery date is in oct of this year if everything goes ok but do not hold them to the date they give ,it could take longer or shorter. With the barrel and the lock and all of TVM work the price so far is $1145 this is with shipping also.But if some of the prices of material goes up so will the final price.Trust me I called a "BUNCH" of gun builders and they(TVM) are the best and if you call them and talk to Toni you will swear she has known you all your life can not say enough good about her. Good luck Iknow what you are about to go through......

FDemsEMT · « **Reply #10 on:** March 27, 2004, 11:48:57 AM »

A few year back my wife bought one from cabalas for me in .45 cal ,, I had no problems so far ,, It shoots the best with the english flints,, I have put about 500 shots thru it no problems

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2004, 12:02:27 PM »

Norseman,

Very sorry to be so late in responding to your post.

I really like my TVM. There are a few quirks, but they aren't really functional flaws.

Fit is fine - very tight wood-to-metal fit.

A few things that are drawbacks: Since it's D-weight the breach end of the barrel sits quite high in the stock. This puts the torch-hole liner low on the flat. It also makes for a tight squeeze between the lock bolts and the ramrod. Because of this the ramrod has to be tapered to fit underneath the lockbolt. That taper (read "sharpened point") is a bit uncomfortable when you need to really palm the rod to seat the ball. I suspect that because TVM is not really familiar with D-weight swamped and Roundfaced locks, they goofed a bit when placing the lock bolts? I think the lock comes without bolt holes. Thus, if TVM put the holes in for the bolts, they made it too close to the mainspring. Some of the mainspring had to be filed to make clearance for the bolt. Again, I'm not sure this is TVM's fault or what.

Anyway, I just spent a paragraph raking on my gun. I do that to be honest. Other than the pointy ramrod, these flaws have not affected the function of the gun at all. What I really like about this gun is it is just so damn easy to please. It just seems to group well with anything from 50 to 100 grains. I prime with 2F. Type of lube doesn't seem to matter, except that grease lubes require 'tween swabbing every few shots.