for your first flintlock id recomend something along the lines of a TC hawken.....its a good gun....good lock.......and itll make smoke......some of the other brands make cheaper flintlocks.....but thats what they are....cheap....once you get used to the hawken and get the black powder bug you will soon think about a CUSTOM kentucky long rifle.....or even builing one yourself..........thats the boat im in.......soon as i get outa college thats one of my firsts on my list when i get the cash.......i got a 50cal tc hawken flinter and love it......shoots great........goes off every time......good gun....price aint bad.......now i want to build a custom kentucky long rifle in 32 or 36 cal and build a real traditional looking hawken in 54........this black powder stuff is addicting.......and hunting with a flinter......man......makes me feel diffrent.......carrying a possibles bag....pan charger.....feel like a pioneer or mountain man!.....love it.......before long ill probably give up centerfire all together and flintlock hunt only........good luck with what you choose.......i just think you can make a kentucky long rifle alot prettier then the ones they sell.........thats just my opinon......making flintlocks from a kit isnt all that hard from everything ive read......thats just the route im planning on taking.........but the price of a good kentucky long rifle new is probably more then ill spend when i make mine.............