I first got into muzzleloading with an inline because I didn't know if I was going to enjoy it. Well now I'm seeing myself wanting a flintlock. I was thinking of a percussion, but they seem too much like an inline. A flintlock would be more of a challenge, but I know that I would enjoy every second of it. What should I get? I was thinking about a kit form, but I'm not sure. Some of the other forums say to buy a Lyman Great Plains. I like Thompson Center, but for a flintlock it will run anywhere from $600 to $700. I don't want to go cheap, however I don't want the wife to kick me out of the house. The kit would save me roughly $100 dollars. Is it worth it? I see that Cabelas has a Hawken kit. Alot of people say to stay away from them. Traditions is kinda cheap and some people say they are the bottom of the barrel. So I'm just looking for ideas. I have the time for the kit cause I wouldn't want to hunt with it until next season 2011.
The Lyman Great Plains Rifle is a nice kit. It is not one where you have to be a master wood craftsman. Tradition rifles are nice but their kit is a cheap thing to get you into the sport. Some of their better rifles, like the Shenandoah and the Kentucky are good quality and they shoot well. I have a Traditions Flintlock in their Woodsman Hawkins series and it is a fast sparker and good shooter.
If I were going to get a kit, and did not want to break the bank, I would get a Lymans. Or I would get a hold of Larry Williams at http://www.earlyrusticarms.com/price...scriptions.htm and talk to him about his kits.
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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."
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My wife says I'm totally nuts, but I think I'm Semisane.
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I really like my Lyman flinter. It is a good no nonsense rifle that shoots well at 150 yards. Mine is the Deer Stalker. It shoots conicals and round balls into pretty good groups out to 150 yards.
If you take your time you can find a good used flinter. I also have one of the older Charles Daly. One of the ones that was imported from Italy by Kassnar. It is also one fine flinter. Mine is well over 30 years old and still works perfectly. I have seen them used from time to time for around $200. That IMO is a steal. Tom.
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West by God Virginia.
We need to stop using these terms today, "Sniper Rifle", "Tactical", "Assault Weapon".
I'm new to the flintlock game, so I'm not a wealth of knowledge or experience, but I picked up a T/C Firestorm and really like it. I'd love to get a more more traditional-looking one like the Lyman Great Plains someday, but the Firestorm is a great one to start out with. I did a lot of research, on the internet, talking with more experienced family & friends, along with various gun shops, and the majority of these sources suggested the Firestorm to me as a beginner for a couple of reasons: a) it's very convenient to clean with it's removable breech plug, synthetic stock, stainless steel barrel. b) ultra-reliable ignition. c) T/C makes a great product and backs it with a lifetime warranty. d) I found one with the stainless steel barrel brand new for $420. I'm thrilled with my decision to pick up the Firestorm. Although it's not as traditional looking as others, it'll be fun to play with for a few years until I can convince the wife to let me get another!! Good luck!
Another vote for the Lyman GPR flint gun. Very accurate. Good sparker. Mine rarely - very rarely - FTFs and it's always something that I caused, not a problem with the gun.
Oh yeah, did I say that it was accurate?
Pete
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"Only hunting and mountain climbing are sports. The rest are just games."
The Lyman Great Plains Rifle is a great rifle, you cannot go wrong with that one.
Something else you should be aware of, if you plan on shooting your flintlock at a public range, be prepared for a lot of looks and questions. I mean really, how often at a public range do you see someone shooting a flintlock? (a shame to!) Think of yourself as an ambassador for the black powder community when folks start asking questions. You never know who you are going to influence to go black powder.
Best of luck with the flinter - they are a lot of fun!
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What Flintlock?
