Where to buy flintlocks?

[Tribunal Power]

I need some advice on where to go to buy flintlock pistols and, to a lesser extent, flintlock rifles.

I've seen places where they make them custom for you, but it costs $1k+ and I'm not looking for something so particular. They don't have to be custom buit, they don't have to be actual antiques from the period or any such thing.

Google thinks it's clever-- it won't give me anything but replicas. ~_~

Little help?

[Dave_M]

There are a lot of kits out there. I've heard of this place but have no personal experience:
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categorie ... x?catId=13

I personally have no desire; if I wanted an archaic weapon, I'd buy a 1911.

[doc66]

If you wanted to drive, The Log Cabin in Lodi, Ohio is the premiere place to buy them; they've been in business since the 50s. I bought my flintlock Kentucky Longrifle there as well as my Plains rifle. They're gunsmith is a great craftsman. You will pay for the rifle, but it is worth it.

[maddmatt]

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/default.ph ... 92_186_190

[northernxposure]

MadMatt's got the link - Dixie has just about everything.

I've got both a TC and a Lyman percussion - the TC is a much better rifle IMO. When I get around to getting a flint it'll be a TC.

NXP

[AgentBlack]

The Possible Shop! the have a fair collection and good prices. They carry the rifle I want too.

http://www.possibleshop.com/pistol-pedersoli.html

[Tribunal Power]

So far, I'm really liking the Possible Shop. I'm looking at getting my pistol there as well as a Flintlock Starter Kit. My next question:

Is there anything the starter kit does not contain that I absolutely need (black powder excluded)?

[AgentBlack]

Is there anything the starter kit does not contain that I absolutely need (black powder excluded)?

Did'nt see a touch hole pick in the starter kit. And I know the starter kit comes with a box of round balls. Once they run out (instead of buying more) get a ball mold, dipper, melting pot, and bulk lead.

[TheLastRifleMan]

My Dad like Track of the Wolf for a lot of his stuff. they are pricey, but they have it. The Possible's is also very good, with Dixie Gun works next. Last few times I ordered from Dixie I was disapointed becuase my order was wrong. They fixed it, but it took extra time and money.

Why flintlock? Not criticizing, just curious.

Here is the last one my Dad built:

viewtopic.php?f=109&t=70234&hilit=rifle+build+old+school

From start to finish. Thie is the 10th or 11th one he has built.

[maddmatt]

My Dad like Track of the Wolf for a lot of his stuff. they are pricey, but they have it. The Possible's is also very good, with Dixie Gun works next. Last few times I ordered from Dixie I was disapointed becuase my order was wrong. They fixed it, but it took extra time and money.

Why flintlock? Not criticizing, just curious.

Here is the last one my Dad built:

viewtopic.php?f=109&t=70234&hilit=rifle+build+old+school

From start to finish. Thie is the 10th or 11th one he has built.

After the world ends there may be a shortage of caps?

[TheLastRifleMan]

Very true. But the flint's also wear out or break. My Dad's oldest rifle, built in 1989, finally had to have the frizzen re hardened in order for the lock to spark. So yes, they do wear out, but that was a rifle that had probably 5K or better rounds put through it.

[Tribunal Power]

Why flintlock? Not criticizing, just curious.

I've always had an interest in flintlocks. I'm very attracted to antique arms and armor, and have a particular interest in the Elizabethan and Victorian age. I'm also very interested in early American history and the arms and weapons involved.

I've always wanted a flintlock pistol. but having grown up in Illinois, for most of my life I really believed having a gun was illegal. The more I grew, the more I learned; I eventually moved to Kentucky and started up my little gun collection, and with my birthday coming up, I recalled my long-time want for a flintlock pistol.

Also, it will go great with my pirate costume. Ren Faires and TLAP Day need convincing wardrobes, imo.

Thanks for all the guidance. I've got a lot of research to do and a lot of stuff to buy.

ETA: That is a work of art, by the way. I remember looking at that thread before. Your dad does some amazing things.

[TheLastRifleMan]

Thanks! Means a lot.

Flintlocks are very interesting from many points of view. Looks like you have some good reasons for wanting one. After all, the flint lock mechanism itself was in use longer (over 200 years!) then we have used percussion systems or metallic cartridges. And it still had to use a piece of stone in order work! Amazing to me.

Let me know if your have any other questions and I will try to find an answer.

[MIKE_the_MILITANT]

I've done a bit of Rev War reenacting, and wanted to get a gun or 2 but they tend to be a bit out of my price range. I have found this site http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.com/index.shtml their pretty cheap for flintlocks, they have a bunch of pistols too. I haven't bought one yet. But for the price I would say their made in India.

[AgentBlack]

One thing to remember about modern muzzle stuffers. As lock works go, just about any percussion lock will do a fair job. But, when it comes to flintlocks a cheap lock is just that, a cheap crappy lock that will wearout on you. Some guys will buy a cheap rifle and change out the lock with a nice custom works. But I have had good luck with cheap locks just using good maintenance practices (keep it tightened, lubed, clean, and adjusted). Plus I'm too cheap to buy a custom lock!

[TheLastRifleMan]

One thing to remember about modern muzzle stuffers. As lock works go, just about any percussion lock will do a fair job. But, when it comes to flintlocks a cheap lock is just that, a cheap crappy lock that will wearout on you. Some guys will buy a cheap rifle and change out the lock with a nice custom works. But I have had good luck with cheap locks just using good maintenance practices (keep it tightened, lubed, clean, and adjusted). Plus I'm too cheap to buy a custom lock!

This is very true. A quality lock is a must. My dad likes Siler locks since he has had a lot of experience building them from kits. I have an L&R brand lock in a .62 smoothbore pistol that works really well.

[Tribunal Power]

Well folks, I placed my order. I purchased the Kentucky Flintlock pistol in .50 by Traditions from The Possible Shop, along with the .50 Starter Kit. It was one of the more inexpensive pistols, but I'm okay with that-- I wanted to start out small just to be sure I don't spend a ton of money on something I end up being 'meh' about.

I know there are a few odds and ends I still need, but there's one thing I can't put off: I need some good ol' black powder.

So, do you folks have any reccomendation? It looks like I'll be needing FFFg, and I've been told it's wise to simply crush down your FFFg for priming powder rather than spending the time and money to track down and buy some FFFFg.

What is a good, reputable brand of FFFg powder that won't cost a buttload of money? Bear in mind I have to order online, and there's a $25 fee for shipping hazardous materials, so I'm looking to keep this cheap. I need a good compromise between the powder's performance and price.

[TheLastRifleMan]

Well folks, I placed my order. I purchased the Kentucky Flintlock pistol in .50 by Traditions from The Possible Shop, along with the .50 Starter Kit. It was one of the more inexpensive pistols, but I'm okay with that-- I wanted to start out small just to be sure I don't spend a ton of money on something I end up being 'meh' about.

I know there are a few odds and ends I still need, but there's one thing I can't put off: I need some good ol' black powder.

So, do you folks have any reccomendation? It looks like I'll be needing FFFg, and I've been told it's wise to simply crush down your FFFg for priming powder rather than spending the time and money to track down and buy some FFFFg.

What is a good, reputable brand of FFFg powder that won't cost a buttload of money? Bear in mind I have to order online, and there's a $25 fee for shipping hazardous materials, so I'm looking to keep this cheap. I need a good compromise between the powder's performance and price.

I have used FFg in the pan with no trouble. If you get some FFFg, you will be good for the gun and the pan, no need for two powders. For hunting situations, my Dad tends to like FFFFg since it does seem to catch a spark a bit easier and has perhaps a little hotter flash. But FFFG is really only good for one thing and that is priming. You could grind down some FFFg, but I would only use a stone of ceramic mortar and pestle. This will eliminate any chance of a spark from grinding and friction.

I think there are some good companies that make replacement locks for that gun. Something to think about later on. Also, a round ball mold, so you can make your own bullets, is something to think about. These run about $25.

[NC5thcav]

Track of the Wolf has some amazing flintlocks. The prices can be pretty high, but they are a work of art, not just a weapon. A friend of mine here in NC builds nice custom guns and some of his stuff shows up on Track's site. This is one of his rifles that they have now.

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categorie ... um=AAJ-472

[Tribunal Power]

My stater kit was shipped seperately, so I can't take her on a date to the range until that comes in. I still need some advice on my black powder-- any particular brands, or stores to buy from? I'm out of my element here (which is actually kind of exciting)!

[Shudy]

See if you can find a local blackpowder shooting club or local reenacting group. They usually buy blackpowder in bulk and may sell cheaper that buying it yourself. I use GOEX powder and really like it. The more you shoot your pistol the easier it will be to clean. A good cleaner is warm soapy water and or glass cleaner just dont use dawn use like Ivory soap. Dry the barrel and use a good rust protectant. Id stay away from using petrolueum oil products though. Another genral rule of thumb is FFFg or FFFFg for priming and FFg for calibers .54 and up. Good luck and enjoy your flintlock. A quality flintlock is extrememly reliable through all kinds of conditions and weather if properly maintained.



Shudy

[PackLemming]

I am reconsidering this p.o.v

[doc66]

Pyrodex or 777 the argument over which reigns supreme is old as the hills and largely irrelevant

You can of course make your own Black Powder with readily available resources. The concoction is basically idiot proof so long as you take sparking hazard safety into consideration during your combine.

75% Saltpeter, 15% Charcoal, 10% Sulfur

Your grain size if starting with a home made batch will need to be uniformed. This can be accomplished by turning your completed combine of Black Powder in a rotary while spraying the mixture very lightly with alcohol, this will cause the powder to clump together as it is turned on itself, kinda like the process of folding bread dough. The rotary will be much like a cement mixer. To make your own rotary simply take one inexpensive bucket preferably thin walled and light, drill a hole in its center and poke a spindle through and tighten it. Connect your spindle to your electric handrill and now you can turn your Black Powder mix till kingdom come and then sieve your granules according to the desired size.

It will not be uniform and will not burn evenly if you stop here. The next step in the process is running the powder through a collection of sieves with different sizes of mesh to separate the powder into more uniform sizes for more consistent burning and accuracy. Making your own powder can be dangerous. Be sure to read up on it a little more.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

Isn't there a chance of the rotary or grinder making the powder go BOOM!? PopScience said there is. I just thought that that part of things should be in there somewhere: WARNING: MAKING YOUR OWN BLACK POWDER MAY KILL YOU!