Beginner level flintlock kit

[gspgundog]

With retirement quickly approaching the long suppressed urge to build my own is rising. Any ideas on good kits for the Pa or Ky style long rifle that are pure beginner level?

[Yellowhouse]

There used to be lots of choices but the inlines have taken over the industry. You might look through the selections Track of the Wolf offers and sometimes you can find a lyman, TC, etc kit still floating around on gun auction sites like Gunbroker.

[Safeshot]

You might consider purchasing a (complete, finished, ready to shoot) muzzle loading rifle (either inline or traditional side hammer) from Walmart and then modifying it to suit your desires and add sights, scope or other accessories to suit your needs. Purchasing a used rifle that "needs some work" can be an interesting effort and challenge as well as having the potential of saving some money.

[StrawHat]

The Log Cabin Shop has been selling good kits for at least 40 years. Give them a try.

http://www.logcabinshop.com/

[nhrifle]

I've built a couple of the Traditions Kentucky kits. They go together pretty easily and make fine shooters and won't break the bank.

[Lead pot]

http://www.flintlocks.com/rifles.htm
http://www.avsia.com/tvm/
http://www.jedediah-starr.com/thumbnail.asp?cid=19
http://www.muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com/riflekits.html
http://www.possibleshop.com/rifle-kit.html

[gmsharps]

Make sure you look at the Jim Chambers kits. They are not cheap but they are correct period style and use the best lock and barrell out there. Nothing like getting frustrated with a flaky lock. He produces the siler locks and they are great. His kits are inletted and drilled for the lock so putting it together is easy enough you still have to final finish the brass furniture and brown the barrel and finish the stock. A lot of work but is duable without a lot of extra tools.
www.flintlocks.com
gmsharps

[waksupi]

I'm working on another Chambers at the time. My biggest complaint is, they take off too much wood in some areas, making problems to be fixed or worked around. I like their metal parts, but the wood work is questionable, and can be a problem for an inexperienced builder.
I think one of the nicest rifles I've put together the last couple years, was one I did for board member Maven here. It was the Isaac Haines, from Chambers. I would consider it a good beginners rifle, pretty straight forward in the building. These do have a Chambers lock.

[gspgundog]

Thank for your input got some good sites and advice.

[jsheyn]

gspgundog,

I have been wanting to do a flinter for a while, any chance you can keep us posted on the progression....I'd love to see a buildalong or a pictorial of the build as you go.

[Lead pot]

I just not long ago I bought a ready made early southern mountain rifle from Steve Losey that is a reproduction of a rifle J. Henry was building for trade rifles. The second rifle from the bottom just above the knifes I wanted a rifle that had iron furnateure and the rifle look that was used by most common folks back then; this rifle filled the book perfectly and it is a fine fast ignition and a fine shooter.
http://www.loseyfirearms.com/for-sale.php

[John Boy]

gundog -Dixie Gun Works is the place to buy your kit. And all Pedersoli barrels are super accurate. Their 45-70's are match grade

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/default.php?cPath=22_162_192

[FLINTNFIRE]

I do not advise the traditions . the one I did some years ago was a misfit at best ,and when I called them about it , was told we can send another brass spacer , no thanks , buy a track of the wolf pre inlet and take your time , oh get the gunsmith of grenville , and a few other books , great reading and a lot of help, dixie seems to be getting higher priced and why not buy a all american made set of parts and build your early america style of rifle , there are quite a few places selling parts made by chambers l&r davis and others , tvm makes a great kit and depending on what you feel comfortable doing , he will do or leave for you to finish . have fun .

[Lead pot]

Flintnfire's advice should be considered. I used Track of the Wolf and also Pecatonica River Long Rifle Supply. Dick Greensides is a great guy to do business with. http://www.longrifles-pr.com/
I'm getting ready to start a .40 Hatfield again and make a lot of wood chips :)

[waksupi]

Rule of thumb. any "kit" you buy for under $500 will be of marginal quality, at best. Expect to spend around $750+ for good parts.

[gmsharps]

I think one of the nicest rifles I've put together the last couple years, was one I did for board member Maven here. It was the Isaac Haines, from Chambers.

I built a left handed Isaac Haines and it turned out well enough for a first flinter. I did not feel confident enough to do any of the cavings but maybe next time.

gmsharps

[KCSO]

The Track Leman kit isn't a bad outfit and makes up into a nice rifle but it is a little more labor intensive. What ever you do do't get a cheap kit as it will sour you on flinters for the rest of your days. I hate to say it but Waksupi is right and you will need over $600 to get good stuff.

[Lead pot]

Even the best kit if your using one will not shoot well if you dont have the vent/vent liner in the proper place. Do some research on how to tune the lock and vent liner placement.

[Lead pot]

gspgundog,

I have been wanting to do a flinter for a while, any chance you can keep us posted on the progression....I'd love to see a buildalong or a pictorial of the build as you go.

Here is a Track of the Wolf kit being put together. This one is on update #10 one of the important steps building a flint.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcXmytm0CPI

[fouronesix]

:shock:
I was cringing before the drill bit touched the barrel. That had runout written all over it. Sure enough a "little high and to the right".

[Lead pot]

:) I saw that also. That's why I like to use a good stiff center bit.