Author Topic: Found a beauty today... (Read 651 times)

lakota · « **on:** November 07, 2005, 04:25:34 PM »

While out browsing the local shops for kits and fix er' upper front stuffers, I came across a real beauty. It is a used Austin&Halleck flint lock Mountain Rifle, fancy grade wood.It looks like it may never have been fired. This is hands down the sharpest rifle I have ever held. The stock and the metal browning job are first rate. It is a 1 in 66 twist. I foolishly put it back on the rack as I was looking for a kit.

I have a 24 hour shift tommorow, but I think I will go back on Wednesday and get it...unless someone talks me out of it in the next 40 hours!

Looking for opinions on these rifles,this will be by far the most I have ever spent on a front stuffer.

Thanks,

Scott

fffffg · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2005, 05:03:11 PM »

look at the flashhole and see if its centered in the pan and not too high or low. should be level with the top of the pan... take a 1/16 inch bit and make sure the flash hole is not much larger.. test the spark and try to see if its a rock crusher or not enough frizen tension or etc.. take the ram rod and put it down the bore then mark the rod with a pencil at the end of the barrel.. then put it down the outside of the barrel line up the mark,and see if the flashhole is at the back of the barrel or not anymore than 1 /8 inch up from the breach plug.. while your testing the spark make sure the gun doesnt have alot of creep or excessive heavy pull.. front and rear dovetails should be tight.. your in a great possition to buy a gun you can look at. take every advantage of this... look at the crown for dents or uneven (off center) crown job.. with a flash light look for chips in the barrel job.. it should not be chipped on the lands.. if anything doesnt look right get someone who knows what to look for look at the barrel that is.. i think you can tell if the rest is ok.. good luck dave.

Evil Dog · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2005, 02:46:46 AM »

I would seriously consider doing the ramrod check on the bore length first.... if the ramrod indicates that the bore is significantly shorter than you expect (like an inch or two) there is a real good chance the rifle might actually be loaded. Wouldn't be the first time.

lakota · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2005, 05:29:05 PM »

Well, I went back to get the rifle, and discovered the "too good to be true part", the barrel had a 1 in 28" twist, so I passed. If I buy a flint lock I want one that shoots patched round balls. Maybe I am just too old fashioned?

Oh well the search continues...

Scott.

kjg · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2005, 03:57:32 AM »

Lakota hey get it any way my green river 1-28 likes prb and off hand with a 90 grain charge of 3f goex, and a t/c bore butter lubed linnen patch does 3" minute of deer at 50 yards havent put it to the bench , but bet it would do better, if I was near ya I'd get it. kjg

slayer · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2005, 10:16:10 AM »

My NEF Sidekick will shoot roundballs pretty well up to 50 yeards with 60-70 gr. of Goex FFG. I don`t use that load for hunting, but very fun to shoot. Even 50 grains shoots fantastic, over 70 grains, it must jump the rifling, as it has alot of flyers. Jack.