Considering a Matchlock

[BLoar]

Considering purchasing a match lock musket, much like our Ancestors carried to Jamestown. I realize much of the vendors are in India. Any recommendations from members whom have purchased one of these, and if so are they satisfied with them?

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Well, my first one was a fishtail stocked 75-cal matchlock musket from Veteran Arms.

I had zero issues with it, build quality or otherwise. I proofed it myself, with a double ball load and double charge. Before that shot I measured every inch of the barrel, up 12”, to the 0.00010ths of an inch and there was no change.

I only sold it due the 75 caliber, not my first choice, and someone offered me more than I paid for it. They are now $750 I think. But I will be selling some 75-cal roundballs here soon, sized 0.730” & 0.735”. Track of the Wolf gets $82 per hundred and I’ll much less than 1/2 of that.

So go for it, the only caution is beware … “once you go to match”, you never go back. I am now building and making my own. They are faster in ignition than even percussion BP arms!

 

[BLoar]

Thank you. I purchased a 3rd model Bess from Veteran Arms and was satisfied. They may ultimately be my choice

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

The Indian matchlocks have the added benefit of less moving parts and much easier to repair over their more complex flintlock and percussion guns. There’s really very little to the matchlocks. I’d say your good to go. Veteran Arms is great to deal with.

 

[BLoar]

The Indian matchlocks have the added benefit of less moving parts and much easier to repair over their more complex flintlock and percussion guns. There’s really very little to the matchlocks. I’d say your good to go. Veteran Arms is great to deal with.

Thank you my friend

 

[trettie]

I bought my matchlock from Loyalist Arms and had no problems whatsoever. Excellent service.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Smokey,
The reasons you give are Exactly why they remained in service so Long!

Another thought is get a barrel and have at it, BLoar!
Nothing too complex, and bits of scrap metal will make all the parts.