flint lock rifle kit

[cdet69]

any one have a descent flint lock rifle kit they could reccomend. i am looking for a semi skilled kit to start. after that will look at more difficult prospects.

 

[BCRider]

If you're after a semi skilled one for now then which ever you get make sure it has the lock inletting predone for you. Inleting the lock and opposite side plate is definetly an advanced skill that demands some excellent wood working skills and much patience.

Other than this hint I really don't have any suggestions but I'm in the same boat as you and would like to find something suitable up here North of the 49th.

 

[markallen]

Try here......
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(wphb2h450h1bfa45owmhlse5))/Index.aspx

Or Here.....
http://www.dunlapwoodcrafts.com/ihsets.htm

 

[messerist]

I personally recommend the Lyman's Great Plains Rifle. I built a flinter from a kit several years ago and had no problems, even with my ten thumbs and total lack of tools. I had to buy a few tools and some boiled linseed oil for the stock. The rifle shoots great and allows me to harvest a deer "almost" every year. Good luck

 

[arcticap]

This Cabela's Hawken Kit has been talked about lately because it's currently on sale for $319, but who knows for how much longer.


http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...ndexId=cat601141&hasJS=true&_requestid=122824


The Great Plains kit is another one that has been described in the following thread and is available at Midsouth.


http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=367339&highlight=lyman+kit

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.c...LELOADING RIFLES&dept3=50 CAL&dept4=LYMAN KIT

Dixie Gun Works also has some flint rifle kits:

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/default.php?cPath=22_162_193

 

[mykeal]

As far as factory kits go I recommend the Lyman Great Plains. It's a decent kit with all the inletting done; some minor wood and metal work is required and the skill set is fairly basic. No unusual tools are required. I recommend it because it's an excellent rifle when you're done.

If you want a semi-custom kit I recommend Sitting Fox or Tennessee Valley Muzzleloaders; both will work with you in terms of how much work is done before you get it and while you're working on it. Very nice people with great products.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I'd also go with a Lyman Great Plains. If you want a custom kit that takes a lot of skill, then go with Jim Chambers. His Siler locks are about the best and his quality control for his kits are excellent.

 

[Cosmoline]

I depends what you mean by semi-skilled. Any TOTW, Sitting Fox or other entry level non-factory kit is likely to be a notch more complex than the factory kits. You'll have to drill and tap, finish inletting and do quite a bit of fitting work. Some soldering and dovetail cutting is also pretty common. But if you pick a simple firearm like a poor boy or a trade gun and have some good books to hand it's something you can do with basic hand tools.

The more advanced TOTW, Chambers and other higher level kits are another matter and may require knowledge of engraving and a very sure hand with the chisel.

Inleting the lock and opposite side plate is definetly an advanced skill that demands some excellent wood working skills and much patience.

That's the truth. I mangled mine and ended up blocking the ramrod channel with the bolt ;-) A lot of this stuff you sort of learn by trial and error, but once you've done one you can see the whole thing in your mind's eye much, much more clearly. Barrel locates the lock, lock locates the bolts, bolts locate the sideplate, pan locates the hole, sear bar locates the trigger, then flaboom!

The most important tools seem to be a good centerpunch, a scribing tool, and of course quality chisels.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Here's another vote for taking a gander at Dixie Gunworks (Union City, Tn.). They've been blackpowder flint & cap sellers forever. And their printed catalog makes VERY good reading for the gun-afflected.

 

[4v50 Gary]

If you go the Dixie Gun Works route, look only at their kits. If you start buying parts and assembling it from all these different parts, you're going to have a rifle that isn't authentic to any period. So, if you go to Dixie, buy one of their kits.

 

[billnpatti]

Take a look at www.sittingfoxmuzzleloaders.com. They have some mighty fine looking rifles and kits at very nice prices. They offer kits that are an assemblage of parts, guns that are in "the white" and finished guns. Some of their finished guns have a beautiful faux damascus finish on the barrels that is a real attention getter. Take a look at all that they offer, you just may find exactly what you are looking for.

 

[Cosmoline]

They've got great customer service at Sitting Fox.

Wherever you go, spend the extra $$ for the better grade of wood. Some of the low end stuff out there is one step up from plywood. Modern steel has the old stuff beat hands down, but modern hardwoods are a very different story. Back in the 18th century they had the finest walnuts and maples to choose from, now those are all gone or used for veneer.

 

[blackpowder bob]

Check out Tennessee Valley Manufacturing. They have good prices and great customer service.