• This community needs YOUR help today. We rely 100% on Supporting Memberships to fund our efforts. With the ever increasing fees of everything, we need help. We need more Supporting Members, today. Please invest back into this community. I will ship a few decals too in addition to all the account perks you get.



    Sign up here: https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/account/upgrades

Ugh, decisions decisions!

Muzzleloading Forum

Help Support Muzzleloading Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Birddog1911

40 Cal
Joined
Sep 8, 2021
Messages
434
Reaction score
496
I've got my eye on two lightly used flintlocks. One is a production in .54, the other a custom, but no known maker, in .36. Now, caliber doesn't matter for my purpose with these two, so that's out.

The production is a Pedersoli, in like new condition. The custom has a L&R lock, Green Mountain barrel, and pretty nice maple. I just don't know what to think about a rifle that I'd have no resolution with the builder if something was wrong.

What does the camp think?
 
The custom rifle sounds good to me. Great barrel and lock. If the lock ever has a problem, go to L&R for a fix. I have used Green Mountain barrels on two of my flinters with zero problems.
For general usage, like target shooting, I would go for the custom rifle, if the price is right.
 
Custom means to hand built, so this means did he have skill and knowledge. Good parts can be assembled into a fine rifle by someone who puts in the effort. Unfortunately the same parts can be made into a train wreck. As the buyer you must be able to judge the work.
 
Even if something breaks outside of your ability, there are gunsmiths that can fix most anything...as long as the gun is correctly assembled it can be repaired. Outside of accidental damage these things don't break very often -whether custom or production. So, as Phil Coffins said, build quality is a key consideration.
 
The custom 36 rifle is my first choice. But as @Phil Coffins observes, build quality is a top consideration.

L&R is still in business, @Birddog1911, and there is little to go wrong with a Green Mountain barrel if it has been properly taken care of.

Since caliber is not a consideration, I would go see if the L&R lock is giving a nice shower of sparks (assuming that the flint is sharp). I would look at the sights to see if they are centered on the bore. Way off center would indicate that there is run out in the bore effecting on target accuracy.

I love my 36 caliber rifle with an L&R Manton flint lock.
 
I lean towards the custom also, if it is well done. The only other caveat would be to handle both and see which one fits you best. If one points naturally and on the other you have to work for a sight picture get the naturally pointing one.
 
Last edited:
I lean towards the custom also, it it is well done. The only other caveat would be to handle both and see which one fits you best. If one points naturally and on the other you have to work for a sight picture get the naturally pointing one.

That's the problem, I can't handle either one prior to purchase.
 
That's the problem, I can't handle either one prior to purchase.
@deerstalkert is right.
Save yer monies, maybe add to the pile.
Then find someplace to actually handle some of the factory guns. A comfortable feel is vastly important when making an investment.
I can't shoot the T/C Hawken, it's a cheek slapper, Renegade is fine.
I can't shoot the Lyman GPR, it won't fit my shoulder. But an Investarms Hawken fit's great.
An olde Jukar 45 works, the CVA MR are fine
When you have an opportunity to experiment with those kinds of guns with the fit and feel,,
, then you have something to compare too.
That's the best I can offer ya, if ya want a good gun for you, figure out what feels good first.
 
Last edited:
I would buy from many members here but I also know some long guns just don’t fit me well. I see many complain about TC Hawkens being cheek slappers. Mine fit me very naturally. I found a good deal on a Charlieville kit at a gun show a few years ago but passed because it just didn’t fit me.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top