Starting a collection: "Kentucky" style

I am quite intrigued with the Kentucky style pistols (both percussion and flint). I am looking for my first one but just looking online I am really confused by price ranges: I see some can be had for $200 all the way to $600, So what should I be looking for? I want a shooter, not a wall-hanger.

Many thanks.

Can you be more specific?

This was my first one, .54 Pedersoli Kentucky flintlock. Nice You just have to look around for best price.

Colorado Clyde said:

Can you be more specific?

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Like this:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/sho...cky-flintlock-cal-pistol/1783126.uts?slotId=9

Perdersoli is a well respected brand....I don't own a Perdersoli, so can't offer anything further on that particular gun....
But I have dealt with Cabela's, My list of good experiences won't fill one hand....while the bad experiences will fill the back of a pickup truck.

For starters, we have a Cabelas within driving distance, but I have not bought anything from them in years.

I do have a really good gun shop that I have dealt with since the late 90's. I'll go to them first, even though I could mail order anything I need (black powder wise). I like to support my locals if I can. They were always good to me.

There's gun shows too. I bought a CVA Kentucky percussion pistol, which appeared to be unfired, last spring for $100.00. Probably could have gone cheaper had I been more of a haggler. I'm sure it's not as nice as the Pedersoli, but it shoots well and has been more fun and less money than one family meal at a nice restaurant.

Briefly, stay with a known brand. $600 isn't close to the top end if you add custom made pistols from one the good makers. The old CVA pistols are usable, even though from Spain. Pedersoli is probably your best commercial choice. They have a number of options in walnut and traditional maple. There are several 'presentation' options and a Navy Moll, a name I've never figured out, which appears to be just a Kenturcky with higher grade finish and butt cap. Check around, no telling what you may find. Your local shop may also me able to get options you can't find at a place like Cabelas. Good luck. :thumbsup:

I have a Pedersoli Harpers Ferry flintlock. The locks have a bad reputation for not being reliable and mine was no exception. I sent it out to be worked over and now it seems reliable but slow. A friend bought a Pedersoli flintlock rifle kit, his lock works better but still has more misfires than any of my other brand locks including a very cheap Japanese lock.

Now the lock on this pistol may be better but every Pedersoli lock I have seen seems to have the same geometry.

Just something to consider.

Just like anything else, you get what you pay for.
Just for starters on a custom build.... barrel $80-125, lock $175, trigger, guard, side plate, thimbles, another $100 (conservatively), wood $25 to $250 depending on your tastes.
Then about 40 to 150 hours labor, again depending on styles, and tastes.
Can a reliable shooter be had for $300? Sure.
If authenticity is your first concern, ..... No.
So you just need to decide what's important to you, and you can spend accordingly.

years ago had a cheapo .45 ky flinter. I liked it, went off as designed and was accurate enough. Likely got at cabelas or basspro. Not sure why I got rid of it, maybe cuz BP became so hard to find. :idunno:

I say start cheap then save for the best

I see you are in Pennsylvania and said you are within driving distance of Cabelas. If that is the Hamburg store then you are within driving distance of Dixon's which is the best muzzleloading store I have ever been in. Might want to try them as well. I have dealt with Cabelas for years and have not had any bad experiences.

Dave

It's hard to read people on the web so I'm going to suggest you start with a good pistol and work up from there. Almost any "inexpensive " pistol could be a wall hanger but a shooting gun is never cheap. Doesn't matter if it's a center fire or muzzle loader! Rather then having a half dozen Spanish chain store specials that take extra effort to keep working go for as much quality as you can and you will always have pride in them.

steve-in-kville said:

I am quite intrigued with the Kentucky style pistols (both percussion and flint). I am looking for my first one but just looking online I am really confused by price ranges: I see some can be had for $200 all the way to $600, So what should I be looking for? I want a shooter, not a wall-hanger.

Many thanks.

Click to expand...

If you want a shooter, its all about the lock. It has to have the good geometry for the flint to properly strike the frizzen to spark well. The lock parts need to properly fit to function reliably.

The problems in getting the cheap versions to be good shooters have turned many people away from shooting flint lock firearms. The wall-hanger is likely in the $200 price range. The shooter will be closer to $600.

Thanks for the helpful replies.

Man..you are in the BP capitol of the world. Have you been over to Dixon's Black Powder shop in Kempton. If not, go!!!!

Someone else mentioned, the CVA. I bought a CVA from a pawn shop for $50. I don't think that it had ever been fired. It shoots with the best. Not a pretty thing to look at, but reliable and good shooter. I have way more expensive and even custom built pistols, but none shoots any better than the CVA.

I keep saying that I'm going to redo the CVA, but never get around to it.

Hi,
On February 2 and 3 is the 18th Century Artisan show in Lewisburg, PA. There will be many pistols on display and for sale there.

dave