rstickle

There are a few gunsmiths out there that still specialize in flintlocks. I think now for a good built from scratch rifle you can plan on a starting price of $1.5 to 2K.

The one I use cost me $1100.00 about 10 years ago.

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Rick

EOD - Initial success or total failure

SammyIamToday

Thanks for the link!!

So, does that mean that the cheaper DIY kits are crap? Or did you just want a really really nice one? 1k+ is a little out of my budget for a starter muzzleloader I think.

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...He suggested that "every American citizen" should own a rifle and train with it on firing ranges "at every courthouse." -Chesty Puller

buckeyeLCPL

Sammy, sometime when you are up around Cincy take a look in Bass Pro shops, they have some kits there, like this one:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...003000_400-3-1

Traditions I believe are Italian, (at least my 1851 Navy from them is). But they are not 1k+, and my 1851 has held up fine. I have been toying with getting one of these kits myself, unelss the people on here say they are a POS, in which case I would look elsewhere.

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rstickle

They are not necessarily "crap", it depends a lot on the kit. Granted a good gunsmith will get you a better rifle. A well tuned lock will fire almost as fast as a modern day rifle. You also need talent, which I am totally lacking to get a good looking finished rifle.

I currently have two flintlocks, the second one is an Italian made, mass produced rifle, and there is no comparison. I'm also having a rifle made (don't know what the final cost will be) that is a replica of one made by one of my ancestors, who was from a famous Pennsylvania gunsmithing family back in the late 1700's.

Here is a web site: http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(nms...81&styleID=280
These folks sell "firelocks" on consignment, you can see some interesting weapons on this site!

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Rick

EOD - Initial success or total failure

SammyIamToday

Thanks for the info guys! It looks like I have a lot of research to do before I get a kit. I really want to build this on my own and I think it has to be a Kentucky Long Rifle for obvious reasons. :)

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...He suggested that "every American citizen" should own a rifle and train with it on firing ranges "at every courthouse." -Chesty Puller

rstickle

I meant to post this for you earlier. For flintlock kits, one of the best places to go according to most reenactors is Jim Chambers Flintlocks. He has both rifle and fowler kits. He has a web site at:

http://www.flintlocks.com

Hope this will help you out some.

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Rick

EOD - Initial success or total failure

sojourner

Dixon's Muzzleloading is a great place to get kits, parts or completed rifles/handguns. Plus they are absolute experts in the field of muzzleloaders. The go to place in my neck of the woods in PA if one wants to get into muzzleloading.

I got a lyman trade flint in 50 cal for late flintlock season here in PA. It came completed. I could have bought it as a kit and put it together , but decided on the complete gun.

Magua

About 25 years ago bought all the parts and a walnut blank from Track of the Wolf. Spent about a month putting the trade rifle together and still enjoy it. At the time we made friends with two gents from Grand Forks, Al and John, who taught an evening course at the local college on how to build a flinter. they gave me one piece of advise that I still use today. IF YOUR NOT IN THE MOOD, MAD OR DISTRACTED. DON'T GO NEAR YOUR PROJECT. SAVE IT FO ANOTHER DAY.Have fun.....Bob

rstickle

I agree, if you are going to try and gather the parts yourself, and not use a pre-assembled kit from someone Track of the Wolf is probably the best place. I think most would agree better parts that Dixie for the most part.

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Rick

EOD - Initial success or total failure