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ugly old guy

40 Cal
Joined
Feb 18, 2019
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I'm thinking of getting a Traditions "Kentucky Rifle" kit in flintlock.
I had one of the near identical CVA percussion kits many years ago, before they upgraded to .50 caliber.

I cannot afford a Lyman GPR or a custom/semi-custom rifle.
(I doubt I could save up enough for one in the remainder of my "lifetime", with a spendable income of $100 a month after rent.)

How good are the Traditons flintlock arms?
Do they throw sparks the way they're intended/supposed to, without any lock or frizzen work?

In short, I know they are not HA/PC with that two piece stock, and their general over-all styling.
Since it is impossible for me to be HA/PC (most folks didn't reach my age alive) I'm not real concerned about that aspect.

I don't have any plans to participate at any Rendezvous, for example, since I am "too old" to be alive in that period ... not to mention I require a rollator 4 wheel walker to get around on foot now, and them didn't even exist yet back then.

Is the Traditions Kentucky Rifle in flintlock worth getting, or should I just forget about shooting a flint gun?



I'm going to guess the accuracy is good. I know my old percussion .45 caliber Kentucky rifle kit gun was accurate.
(of course I could see better when I had it. I didn't need bifocals back then.)
 
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My better half has a Traditions Hawken Woodsman in .50 percussion. She likes it and it shoots very well. A buddy bought the same rifle in a flint by mail order. He received it and the touch hole was not visible as it was so far below the lock. He did a few modifications and got it functioning, and it seems to spark ok and shoot well. I would suggest handling and inspecting prior to purchase but would be hard with a kit. Perhaps shoulder a finished one and see how they fit?? I cannot shoulder the Kentucky as my body wont align the sights with that gun, yet the Hawken of her’s is fine.
Not sure if that info helped.
Walk
 
A bud got one a few months ago. He likes it fine and I must say the lock throws a ton of spark. It fires as fast as my percussion Hawken.
I've never had any issues with Traditions. Had a few over the years. All were accurate ( WAY above their price tag) and reliable.
 
About a month ago I finished an uncompleted Traditions 50 Kentucky percussion that is shooting very well.

Started out.
20191009_132752.jpg

Ended.
20191018_102034.jpg
 
Over the years I have worked on a few Traditions flint guns. They were all very accurate and I felt that what ever else was lacking, they put a good barrel in them. The flint lock is a little weak but will produce spark with a proper size flint holding a good edge. Kit's are what you make them, take your time, enjoy the experience. Good Luck!!!!
Robby
 
Congrats on still participating in the ml madness. I probably have you beat in the age/health department and well understand shortage of funds. Can't answer your question directly as I have been fortunate and use a couple nice custom made rifle, don't know much about the factory made stuff anymore. Good luck and carry on.
 
I just joined this forum! Lots of good info. I just built the Traditions Kentucky percussion rifle. It only took me 2 days and about 5-6 hours with power tools. Only wish I had pre stain prior to minwax stain as finish is a little uneven. Barrel browning looks good. Tried to order the flintlock but the are out of stock. Good luck with your build!
 
I have the same CVA .45 calibre percussion rifle. It is a good shooting rifle and yes, they are just not HA/PC. But who cares? It works just fine for teaching those who are new to the sport of black powder. I use my rifle for teaching the ladies, the stock being a little bit shorter, making it easier for the women to reach the trigger.
 
The Traditions barrels are excellent and the kit should be an easy build. If the lock is cantankerous, That can be fixed. Mine was great; go for it.
 
In November I built a Traditions frontier and a trapper pistol, both flintlocks. The kits went together well and both shoot fine.
 

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