Looking for my First Flintlock, have???

I've been a long time Muzzle loader shooter but always percussion. As I head into my "Golden Years", whatever that is, I've decided to get a flintlock rifle. I was going to go with a cheap used Jukar (CVA) to make sure I liked it before I spent the money for a better rifle. The more I thought about it, a cheap flintlock may be counter productive to making an informed decision. So, I feel it would be better to start with a better gun. I don't have the means for a custom build rifle so I'm looking at a production rifle. I don't want anything fancy as I will use this for small game hunting so I'm not looking for a safe queen. After much searching, I'm thinking about a Pedersoli Pennsylvania Flintlock Model in 32 caliber. I was also thinking about the Dixie model as I do like a little bling. What is everyone's opinion of this rifle? The function of the flintlock, finish of the gun, the closeness of the style to the originals and the accuracy of the Pedersoli 32 caliber. I will be using a round ball. Thanks for your help, Steve

I can't help you on the choice of Pedersoli or Dixie, but you will enjoy the 32. Cheap to feed and nice for short range work on rabbits and squirrels.

I was at the range today with a Traditions Flintlock in 32 today. It is one I picked up used a couple of months ago, but haven't had a chance to shoot more than a few round threw. Today I was doing some sighting in and range work to get it to be accurate enough for 25-30 yard shots at small game. I found couple of things I need to work on with it. I had to adjust the front sight a bit as it was shooting a 2-3 inches to the right at 30 meters (range is in meters). Also after 3-4 shots it became picky about going off even when I picked the touch hole. I'll probably drill out the touch hole a little bit as I've read that the hole in the touch hole line is a bit small on Traditions. All in all it was a good day.

I was unaware that Traditions made a flintlock in 32. What model is it. I know they make a percussion half stock in 32. Thanks, Steve

I can't help with the accuracy of the Pedersoli 32, but if it's like my two Pedersoli flintlocks a Pennsylvania in 45cal and a Blue Ridge in 54cal it should be very accurate with the right loads and dependable.

Got a Pedersoli .32 cap lock and it's a very accurate rifle. I believe it's well made and expect that a flint rifle would be as well made.

Nothing will make the flintlock experience unsatisfactory is to get a very cheap flintlock. The problems of poor geometry, soft parts, poor triggers etal will make most people give up in disgust.

So, spend the money for a gun with a quality lock, properly positioned touch hole and a good trigger and the experience will be first rate.

TVM muzzleloaders are a good choice. So are the offerings by Tip Curtis. There are other good makers out there that will build you a top quality gun. Go for the flintlock.

Same goes for my 50. Shoots better than me. Can only assume that quality translates to the 32 as well.

It is a Traditions Shenandoah. They no longer make it in 32 Flintlock. New they sell in the $500+ range and there are better guns for the money. I got this one second hand and got a good deal on it. I don't think it had ever been fired, but since I have it that is no longer the case.

Thanks Jake, I leave no rock unturned.

I would also advise to go high-ball rather than low-ball. Last year I bought my first FL, a Siler lock in .36 from TVM. A bit more pricey, but hey, I'm 71 YOA and I might as well get something to pass along and enjoy in my few remaining years. I got a .36 and reordered a .50, which should be here before I croak. (I hope. But if it isn't, I won't miss the money.)

TVM, Tip Curtis, Jim Kibler, all provide rifles in kit form and they are relatively easy, especially TVM, to build. Of course a finished rifle is available as well. I own several TVM rifles and can vouch for their quality. The other two have a splendid reputation and fine offerings. I have a great rifle built by Mike Lange (Mongrel) but unfortunately he no longer builds. Too bad as his prices were about the best bargain in custom rifles. Pedersoli makes the best imports but their prices are up there too close to custom. Check the adds in the various forums where you might find an excellent used flintlock.

There were lots of different styles of flintlocks depending upon where and when they were built. The Pedersoli is not a copy of any of them but an amalgam of different features. It is also not a 1700's flintlock but something perhaps from 1820 or later (the round back on the lock is a dead give-away). Also at ~$900, I'd be looking at having TVM build one for you or check out one of Tip Curtis' guns "in the white" (you have to put the finish in/on the stock). For perhaps an additional $100 you'll get a LOT more gun.

Also, I would re-think the choice of 32 caliber. That's a very small caliber for flintlocks. If you are going to use it for hunting squirrels, it's perfect. If you ever want to shoot deer or any larger game, it's not a good choice. In fact, it is illegal in most states to use a muzzleloader smaller than .45 caliber for deer hunting. So, I'd suggest at least a .45 and personally I prefer .50 cal.

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:
Dan

Hi Twisted 1:66, First I like the handle. I have two other percussion muzzle loaders, a 45 half stock and a 54 caliber J. Browning Mt. Rifle for hunting. The 54 is a beast with the recommended hunting load of 90 to 120 grains of black and a .54 round ball. It should be a crew served weapon! The .32 is for small game in the New England area. Plus I have 3 grand kids, soon to be 5, all boys so far. Anyway, I wanted a 32 for a long time. The information I been receiving is really been helpful and I'm leaning to a custom rifle. I wasn't surprised by the Pedersoli comments, even though it seems to be of good quality it doesn't really represent a specific period of time.

twisted_1in66 said:

There were lots of different styles of flintlocks depending upon where and when they were built. The Pedersoli is not a copy of any of them but an amalgam of different features. It is also not a 1700's flintlock but something perhaps from 1820 or later (the round back on the lock is a dead give-away). Also at ~$900, I'd be looking at having TVM build one for you or check out one of Tip Curtis' guns "in the white" (you have to put the finish in/on the stock). For perhaps an additional $100 you'll get a LOT more gun.

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DITTO...............marc n tomtom

I just looked at GunBroker to see what they had for sale and there are a number of Pedersoli flintlocks available right now. None in the caliber you are looking for, but numerous for under $1000.

My advice would be to avoid the seller WholesaleHunter because he has so much negative ratings. Check a sellers feedback and ratings before ever bidding on a gun.

Pedersoli makes a great rifle. I own the Kentucky in .45 and love it. Unless you plan on going to shoots where you are judged on the Historical correctness of your gun you can save money by buying a Pedersoli and just shooting it for fun and not being PC/HC. I don't dress up in PC/HC clothes and only shoot at the range so I don't care to spend the money on custom builds.

The money is yours and the decision is yours.

Something that nobody has mentioned is that production rifles usually have a straight octagon barrel. With a small caliber this can make for a rather front heavy rifle. The swamped barrels available in the semi-custom realm will make for a much better handling rifle. They cost more, but you are only concerned with the cost BEFORE you own something. Spend the money to get something that is right and you will never regret it.

You might be surprised at how cheaply some truly custom guns some times sell for if you keep your eyes peeled. Lots of times they sell for not all that much more than the cost of the parts. If you cruise garage and estate sales, some times a whole parts set (or partially built project gun) might be available as cheaply as $100-$150. Most heirs don't know what to do with dad's partially built hobby gun, and are happy to sell it for what ever they can get out of it.

I got a TVM Early Lancaster. Not all that pricey concidering it is a semi-custom.

seeing you're after a flintlock rifle.....go for a quality flintlock like a Chambers that has a valid "lifetime warranty". Starting w/ a questionable flintlock discourages many first timers and is responsible for the perception that flintlocks are too complicated...which they're not.

A flintlock rifle or pistol equipped w/ a good flintlock isn't much more complicated than a caplock.....Fred

Pete G said:

BEFORE you own something. Spend the money to get something that is right and you will never regret it.

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I repeat this gem of advise from Pete just in case you missed it.
Keep looking, bide your time & save a bit more coin.
O.