Looking for a flinter...

[astrix]

Howdy,new member here at your wonderful board.I've been shooting a
caplock this year(T/C Renegade .50)and now I want to get into a flinter.
I don't think I can afford a custom rifle and will have to go with
something factory.Any suggestions on what to look for in a rifle in order
to make a wise selection which I will be happy learning with.I think I
want to stay with a .50 unless anyone has good reasons to consider other
calibers.Rifle will be used for Whitetail hunting as well as just plain 'ole
fun shootin'.Thanks in advance for any help in getting steered in the
right direction.
Gary

[filmokentucky]

What price range are looking in?

[astrix]

I would say in the range of $500 to $800.

[filmokentucky]

Check Track of the Wolf's web-site. In that price range you can find some very nice used custom or semi-custom rifles. The best rule is to buy the best gun you can, even if it hurts a little at the time. The quality lingers on long after the memory of the price has faded away.  The folks at Track are great to do business with, too.

[Birddog6]

For that price I would watch on here. Some nice rifles for sale in the   "Items for Sale" part.  You can get a real nice flinter for the top area of your price indicated and have seen lots of them on here for that money.

http://www.americanlongrifles.com/forum/default.asp[/url]

[astrix]

What would I be looking at to get into something new with
quality parts(Chambers or Siler lock,etc.)I really would like
to treat myself to a nice new rifle,even if it means I have
to wait a while longer and save more money.I really want
to do it right the first time with this one.Any links to semi-custom
builders I can contact would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Gary

[Birddog6]

That all depends on the builder & his prices, & what the rifle specs are, wood, barrel, lock, etc.  Rifles I build all start at $ 1450. and go up from there. The min. price being a standard rifle with good wood (not the plain low end but a decent piece of wood) and a swamped barrel & Chambers Siler os Siler lock & etc., Davis single or double set triggers, brass or iron trim.  
IMHO, any builder worth his salt will have a backlog. If he don't have a back log, I would sure be uneasy as to why he don't have one.........

If my work should interest you, you can look at some of it at my web site.  
http://www.custommuzzleloaders.com and I would most happy to talk to you about one.  Terms are negotiable most of the time. References available upon request.

As said on here before, you can go to TOW site & see lots of rifles, just remember they are marked up about 30-35% so if you find one from an individual it will could be priced lower.

  Also, TVM sells some nice semi-custom rifles & they are a decent price for what ya get. If you are close to Friendship in June, there are lots of dealers there with built rifles priced decently, and some nice ones. Not custom made for you, but you very well could find one that fits you quite well.
If you are within a days drive of Nashville TN, just north of there is Tip Curtis Frontier Shop & he will have some rifles in your range or possibly a "In the White" rifle that you just have to finish... He is in Cross Plains TN, and his tel# 615-654-4445  I would call before I go as to be sure he will be there. Well worth the trip as he has a boatload of parts & will most likely have 20-40 rifles built.

Hope ya find what you are looking for..

Birddog6

[filmokentucky]

Birddog has given you some good advice. Add to that your willingness to wait until you have a little more money and you have a chance to get a truly fine rifle, one that will become a family heirloom. The difference between a $600 factory built gun and a handmade one is like the difference between night and day. In looks, feel and balance there is no comparison. Factor in pride of ownership and historical accuracy and the custom rifle becomes the true bargain. The custom will appreciate in value if cared for while the machine made gun will be fortunate to even retain its value. It really is comparing apples and oranges and yet often the initial costs aren't that far apart.  I suppose if you really need to get a rifle right away, you could buy a cheap one and start saving for something really nice, but if you can wait, buying the best rifle you can possibly afford is the way to go--at least in my not so humble opinion.

[astrix]

Thanks guys,great advice.I think I'll wait and save for awhile
so I can go after something I'll be proud to own and shoot.
My capper shoots real well,so I won't miss out on the fun
while I wait.Thanks again and I'll check back in with more
questions when I'm ready to have something built to fit
me :-)

[robin_du_bois]

Astrix

Listen to Filmokentucky and the others.  I recently entered into the flintlock world and went through the same questions with myself.  I looked at several factory guns and they just felt cheap.  I went to Track of the Wolf and found a beautiful Roy Gillis and, as some of the others have pointed out, the difference in balance and warmth was night and day.  And if you get a well built gun you'll never curse the thing for not working -- do your part and the gun will always do its.

good luck

[Birddog6]

Here is something that may interest you. Not a Chambers lock but for the $ it may be a good buy & possibly worth investigating. I doubt it will be there long.

http://www.americanlongrifles.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4202

[astrix]

Thanx for the pointer :-)

[Black Jaque Janaviac]

I spent a tad over $800 for a TVM Early Virginia about 4 years ago.  It wasn't their base-model.  I requested a Colerain bbl and a Jim Chambers Roundface lock.   I kept the $100 and ordered it In The White.  I charcoal blued all the iron pieces, and finished the stock.  I'm sure my finishing job is not as nice as it would have been had I spent the $100, however, I kinda wanted a somewhat crude looking gun as I intended it for hard use.  Oh, I also replaced their stock touch hole with a Jim Chamber's White Lightning.  

I enjoy that gun immensely.  

My point?  If you go with TVM you should be able to get the features you request and stay within your budget.  However, if you are looking for something with engraving - you might want to save a bit longer.