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Need recommendation on getting my first flintlock

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dew9lei

32 Cal
Joined
Jul 11, 2022
Messages
30
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12
Location
California
I am looking for a repro of a flintlock rifle during the American revolution war era. Something in full length (40+" barrel length) and 50+ cal. Can you pros give me some recommendations? It'll be my first flintlock rifle.

Budget is $1000 (or less) I'm open to DIY kits (less expensive) Thank you!!

Added: I'll be only punching paper with it.
 
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A Kibler kit would be your best quality, but is a bit over budget. For just production guns, a Pedersoli would be your best bet, depending on how period correct you want. Alternatively, you could keep a close eye on the classifieds and try to snag a used custom or semi custom gun.
 
A Kibler kit would be your best quality, but is a bit over budget. For just production guns, a Pedersoli would be your best bet, depending on how period correct you want. Alternatively, you could keep a close eye on the classifieds and try to snag a used custom or semi custom gun.
Id love to have a repro of what actually used in the war.
 
No sir. I'll be my first time touching a flintlock.
My suggestion is to handle and shoot a few flintlocks before buying one. I see you are in California, and that’s a pretty large state, however, there are a forum members that live in California, plus there are some clubs that shoot muzzleloaders. It would be great if you found an opportunity near you for a test drive, or to at least kick some tires. Now I am assuming you are wanting this gun to actually shoot it, but if it’s just look at or hang the wall, that could change things.
 
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My suggestion is to handle and shoot a few flintlocks before buying one. I see you are in California, and that’s a pretty large state, however, there are a forum members that live in California, plus there are some clubs that shoot muzzleloaders. It would be great if you found and opportunity near you for a test drive, or to at least kick some tires. Now I am assuming you are wanting this gun to actually shoot it, but if it’s just look at or hang the wall, that could change things.
Yes sir I'll be shooting it but it's not going to be my primary firearm. I've reloaded and shot other black powder rifles like Martini Henry, Springfield trapdoor, Swiss Vetterli and Mauser 1871. And I've shot a few percussions. So I am kinda sorta familiar with black powder unless I'm missing something here...I am willing to learn though.
 
I agree,

If you can find someone to let you get some trigger time and get a feel for it that would be a good thing. There is a thread that is semi-related that covers the same basic questions about stepping into the flintlock realm of things and has a lot of good advice in it. Lemme see if I can find it right quick...

Here,

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/do-i-need-a-custom-flintlock-rifle.149417/
Again, the NMLRA's website has a book for sale for newbys, The Flintlock, by Eric Bye. Has lots of good info on them, and isn't real expensive.
 
Id love to have a repro of what actually used in the war.
Probably the Kibler Colonial rifle would be the closest to a type of rifle used in the American War of Independence (AWI). There is no one specific rifle used. Any of them could come from many different schools of construction. If you have any wood working skills, then extend your budget to about $1,350 to afford the Kibler Colonial Rifle kit in 54 or 58 caliber (for weight reduction).
 
I don't think a kibler would suit your needs.

Might have to look at a pedersoli charleville or brown bess. French supplied muskets to the colonials so charleville would be a good choice.
 
Yes sir I'll be shooting it but it's not going to be my primary firearm. I've reloaded and shot other black powder rifles like Martini Henry, Springfield trapdoor, Swiss Vetterli and Mauser 1871. And I've shot a few percussions. So I am kinda sorta familiar with black powder unless I'm missing something here...I am willing to learn though.
I have Martini and Trapdoors, had a Swiss Vetterli and Mauser 1871 over the years; only shot the Trap live, others were never shot. You're on a good path!
 
Probably the Kibler Colonial rifle would be the closest to a type of rifle used in the American War of Independence (AWI). There is no one specific rifle used. Any of them could come from many different schools of construction. If you have any wood working skills, then extend your budget to about $1,350 to afford the Kibler Colonial Rifle kit in 54 or 58 caliber (for weight reduction).
I was looking at Kiblers too but my wood working skills is next to zero and very much likely I'll destroy the stock.
 
I don't think a kibler would suit your needs.

Might have to look at a pedersoli charleville or brown bess. French supplied muskets to the colonials so charleville would be a good choice.
Do you guys have a "go-to" website for ordering a Charleville? How much am I looking at for one in brand new condition?
 
Do your self a favor and get the Kibler Colonial. It is far beyond any commercial production type rifle you may find. We will be happy to help you get it assembled and finished. Just ask. If that still is beyond what you think you can do, get one, save a little more money and have someone else assemble and finish it for you.
 
@dew9lei wants a rifle not a smoothbore, so the military muskets are not on the desired list.
In fact I'm open to either.
Do your self a favor and get the Kibler Colonial. It is far beyond any commercial production type rifle you may find. We will be happy to help you get it assembled and finished. Just ask. If that still is beyond what you think you can do, get one, save a little more money and have someone else assemble and finish it for you.
I was looking at it too. Does the stock require any sort of woodworking other than painting it with perhaps wood stains and truoil (or tung oil) if not then I'm all good to go! Thank you sir!
 
Yes sir I'll be shooting it but it's not going to be my primary firearm. I've reloaded and shot other black powder rifles like Martini Henry, Springfield trapdoor, Swiss Vetterli and Mauser 1871. And I've shot a few percussions. So I am kinda sorta familiar with black powder unless I'm missing something here...I am willing to learn though.
Just had to ask when I noticed you were a forum member less than a month. The main struggle I have seen some folks have with flintlocks is the flash a few inches in front of their face. Sometimes it takes a while to work through it. Good luck in your search, currently somewhat limited availability and inflated prices, but be patient and you will find what you want. It can be addicting.
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