I want a flintlock

[HSmithTX]

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have decided I want a flintlock, 50-62 cal with preference being 58-62 cal, and since we are here on LRH I want a LONG RANGE flintlock LOL. A kit would be great, metal and wood work are within my abilities, bullet and ball casting are within my capabilities also. I will shoot deer with it but my primary goal is to have a nice flintlock to shoot and enjoy. It will have to have a good barrel and a good lock.

I did a search and it's been a while since flintlocks have been discussed, so what's out there that you know of?

 

[Rick Richard]

For a KIT rifle, you might want to look at Kibler Longrifles.

 

[HSmithTX]

Thank you Rick, that looks like a very high quality option!!

 

[Rick Richard]

Thank you Rick, that looks like a very high quality option!!

Yeah, if your going to spend your time building one then do it right. Just my opinion.

Here is my custom and matching custom knife.

 

[Rosebud]

Be ready for some serious frustration! The statement keep your powder dry is very well worded. Big seven point. Clack, check pan, no powder? I know I put it in! Thirty minutes later, Big does and four pt. Clack, fizzzzz! No boom. Sold it two weeks later.

 

[HSmithTX]

Yeah, if your going to spend your time building one then do it right. Just my opinion.

Here is my custom and matching custom knife.
View attachment 410146View attachment 410147

Gorgeous!! the knife too! What sort of accuracy potential do you see out of your rifle? It's been 30+ years since I went to a rendezvous or really had any exposure to 'real' muzzleloaders so I am not really sure if the increase in accuracy we have seen in common rifles has had any parallel in the muzzleloader world?

 

[Rick Richard]

Gorgeous!! the knife too! What sort of accuracy potential do you see out of your rifle? It's been 30+ years since I went to a rendezvous or really had any exposure to 'real' muzzleloaders so I am not really sure if the increase in accuracy we have seen in common rifles has had any parallel in the muzzleloader world?

My eyesight is not the best so I shoot mostly at 50 yards with the iron sights. With that said, it will cut a ragged hole with patched ball at that distance. By the way, that is a percussion lock. I just could not get use to a flint lock.

 

[HSmithTX]

Thanks for the info Rick. I don't see as well as I used to either, I have been thinking about trying to fit a spare set of sights, fiber optic front if not front and back, to mine for hunting, then I will be able to tell if they fell off or not at least. I don't know if I can get along with a flint lock or not either, I shot one a couple times as a kid and I really enjoyed it but the percussion was definitely more predictable.

 

[jstumbaugh]

I have a Lyman Great Plains that is fun to shoot. I suck at it but it is fun. Getting used to the flash without flinching is something I am not sure I can overcome. Max PBR is about 30 yards for me.

 

[longrangehunterII]

Smoke poles are a lot of fun. Here in Idaho we have to use a traditional muzzleloader in .45 for Deer, and .50+ for Elk with iron sights, and musket caps, or flintlocks. Some of them have rain gutters, and hold the powder well...... pouring rain not advised, wet heavy snow a little less. That said there's ways to deal with the bad weather.

During these times at least with a flintlock you don't have to worry finding #11 percussion caps! Not a single one available in the US except of GunBroker for a Kidney, and maybe a Lung....... 4f/3f in the pan and you're GTG.

 

[HSmithTX]

Thanks! I grew up in CO and traditional muzzle loaders were required there too, and I think that it's a good thing to make it a primitive weapon season. I am going to scratch this itch, it's just a matter of when and how much. Knowing me it will be soon. The rifles Rick recommended I look at are stunning, visually and from what I see in construction as well. They seem expensive when you pull up the site, but the kit costs about what one good LR centerfire barrel does all said and done, add some elbow grease and go shoot. From that perspective they aren't terribly expensive. Lots for less out there but lots of castings in the locks and who knows barrels? Time to make some phone calls I guess. I appreciate everyone's responses!

 

[zerosprk]

Kibler Longrifles. Their kits are fantastic! Ask me how I know...

 

[Chadp82]

I have never shot a flint lock, but tried my hand at Colorado muzzleloader with a Thompson Center Hawkin. Was kind of fun to learn to shoot.

Definitely humbling and took me back to the basics. I started at a 6" group at 50 yds, got that down to 3-4" at 100 yds by the season. It was still a little frustrating having groups that large at 100, but knew open sights was certainly a limiting factor.

Good luck on the endeavor!

 

[birddog 68]

My wife purchased a kit from cabelas for me probably close to 25 years ago. Can't remember who made them but I believe it's a Italian company. The quality probably doesn't compare to the Kibler but for a entry level flintlock it's quite nice and accurate as well as I can shoot a flintlock.
They are fun to shoot on a nice day but can be very aggravating when the weather turns. The cleaning is another chore and absolutely needs done shortly after firing. I used to enjoy going out on our late season flintlock season but decided I prefer archery and my flintlock hasn't been hunting or shot in 15 years.