Not an expert by any means, I've had this rfle for a bit more than three months. I got it specifically for the PA flintlock deer season which requires"traditional" style FL with open sites. The Firestorm is anything but traditional but it has the shape of older weapons so it qualifies.
I like the T/C quality and that was a big reason for getting it. I also have an Encore. It is easy to take down and clean up with the removable breech plug. The trigger is a bit heavy, and I may send it back for some work. I understand T/C will lighten it under warranty.
I had it set up with 338 gr Powerbelt over 100 gr of loose T7. Sighted for an inch high at 5o yards which gave it the range I need in the woods where I hunt. The eyes aren't so good for any long shooting with open sites anyway. The only thing I don't like about this load is the cost.
Right now I'm playing around with 245 gr Buffalo Ballets which look like they may work out. Also have shot 370 gr maxi hunter which also seems promising. Bottom line is I haven't settled on anything yet.
I've not used pellets as I have heard they don't work well, and you need to duplex a bit of powder. Given that I didn't see the point.
I don't own one (wish I did in a flintlock) but know people that do. They report easy to clean because of the breech plug coming out, very accurate, and of course it has that Thompson Center warranty. I have a Hawkins instead.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
I just read a review about the TC Firestorm and it seemed interesting, and looks very nice.
To those who own it, how do you like it? What shoots well in it? Does it work much better when pellets are used?
Thanks.
I was considering buying a firestorm, but I talked to my brother and he said he would never have a FL rifle without a double trigger again. I really didn't know what he ment by that until last year when I hunted with one he put together for me from parts, it was a .45 Hawken with a double trigger. Well I like the double trigger, cause I am not that smooth yet on shooting flintlocks. That is the only thing I can think of against the Firestorm. It is easier cleaning because of the removable breech plug. I would just shoot loose powder in it since you gotta put a light charge in it anyway for reliable ignition, the pyrodex and syn powders take more fire to ignite. Also the gun is a bit modern looking for my likes for a FL, but that is really a cosmetic thing. I love the looks of the TC Renegade, black on the rich wood, not fancy like the Hawken. That is my take on the FireStorm. Chap Gleason Va
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Chapman Gleason
Purcellville Va
http://www.the-gleasons.com
double trigger does not bother me as long as the trigger that is on it is good. For instance, my Lyman Trade Rifle has a single trigger and it has to be one of the sweetest triggers on all my rifles. Very little creep, and when it breaks, its clean.
Now my Hawkins rifles have the double triggers as do my Renegades, and I can sure undertand how a person could get to like them. They are nice to shoot as well.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
I have a stainless Firestorm(flintlock) and think that it's OK. When I got the gun (new) it had a terrible trigger. I sent it back to T/C to be worked on and it came back a little better, but still pretty bad. I then gave it to a friend to work on and he did a great job on it , and now I have nice gun with a great trigger. (I have read on the Pa. Hunting website where some guys were sending their firestorms to a gunsnith in Harrisburgh Pa. and having double triggers installed)To be honest..if I had to do it over again...I would have just bought a Hawken or a Lyman Great Plains!
double triggers are nice but even a rifle with a rifle trigger thats adjustable will do. If it doesnt have an adjustable trigger and is a flintlock, i shop somewhere else.
I guess I forgot to mention that flintlock Firestorms(no matter what Thompson Center advertises) are much more reliable with real black powder than with BP substitutes...especially pellets! I found this out the hard way after ignoring this advise from many experienced Flintheads.
I think that anbody looking at Firestorms should also take a look at RMC's accusporter LTD Pro flintlocks.(RMCSPORTS.com) They have a removable breechplug, double set triggers,come in 1:28 or 1:48 twists and can be had with their own v-peep sights (for thoseof usthat have aging close focus-less eyes). They also come with fine L&R locks. A little more money...but alot more gun!
I think that anbody looking at Firestorms should also take a look at RMC's accusporter LTD Pro flintlocks.(RMCSPORTS.com) They have a removable breechplug, double set triggers,come in 1:28 or 1:48 twists and can be had with their own v-peep sights (for thoseof usthat have aging close focus-less eyes). They also come with fine L&R locks. A little more money...but alot more gun!
I would say a lot more money for a lot more gun. I considered buying one, but the price of over $500 was just too steep. Also I am sure TC will be in business in 10 years, but RMC I am not so sure of, so a lifetime guarantee would be worth nothing. I ended up buying a used Hawken on Gunbroker.com for $300 and I felt I got a good deal and a very good shooting gun. I like the firestorm concept, but I believe most flinters will be shooting realy BP and the removable breech plug is not worth the extra $200 just for that feature. I like the 1:28 twist in the RMC, cause you can then shoot long sabots, but Hornady XTP 300Mag work fine as do 300g Gold Dot Speer, most of my shots with FL are < 50 yards with open sights so no problem with these bullets. I think the RMC would be good for 100 yard shot with a proper sabot. I personally would not shoot a round ball at that range, but some on this forum because they parctice all the time, could take a shot that long with a PRB, with the 1:48 RMC rifle.
Chap Gleason
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Chapman Gleason
Purcellville Va
http://www.the-gleasons.com
Like your TC Firestorm?
