Recommendations? 50 cal flintlock

[Franco]

I used to muzzleloader hunt many years ago and have 2 old hawkens (one cabelas and one T/C). Both are "ok" guns but have been used considerably and the cabelas' trigger doesn't work reliably. So, I want to get back into it and I'm asking for recommendations for a higher quality flintlock. I'm hunting mostly in heavily wooded areas (western PA) so most shots are quick and limited to 100yds for the most part. I'll be using round balls w/ patches. Quality is my first consideration followed by weight and then length. I've been out of the loop for too many years and I don't want to just go buy another T/C or cabelas hawken and get mediocre quality. Any help out there? Money isn't really an issue (within reason). Keep in mind, it has to be flintlock and heavy duty/quality is foremost. Thanks in advance. (I would also appreciate any recommendations on loads using FF or FFF powder as I don't recall what I used to use!)

 

[mykeal]

Ok, if cost is not a major issue, the finest quality flintlocks are those made by custom builders. One of those with a very good reputation is Jim Chambers:http://www.flintlocks.com/. You cannot do better than his guns, in my opinion.

There are many other custom builders who do very high quality work. Just one of many would be Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading: http://www.avsia.com/tvm/
They do beautiful work.

 

[Prairie Dawg]

Why not just get an L & R replacement flint lock for your T/C

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(lm.../partList.aspx?catID=14&subID=148&styleID=577

--Dawg

 

[arcticap]

Everyone raves about Dixon's Muzzle Loading Shop in Kempton, PA.
Many long gun builders travel there from far and wide to attend their annual gunmakers fair in July to display their guns, wares, kits and new builds. If you did wait until then to buy there's a chance that you will find the gun of a lifetime. Or just go and check out the fine offerings that they have waiting on the rack.

http://dixonmuzzleloading.com/

Another well known muzzle loading shop in your neck of the woods is The Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, Ohio.

http://www.logcabinshop.com/

Many builders consign their guns to Track of the Wolf for sale online. They have quick turnover so check them out often.

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/SubList.aspx?catId=12

 

[mykeal]

+1 to what arcticap said. I've been to both a number of times. Great people in both places. You'll learn a lot of very useful information; problem will be making up your mind.

 

[Franco]

Thanks all. Lots of information! I'm in no rush so I think I will take Arcticap's advice and attend the Dixon fair in July. In the mean time, I'll check out the links everyone has posted. Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[Hanshi]

If you don't come up on one you like I can vouch for TVM. They build top quality custom muzzleloaders for not much more than some otc guns. They also build them in-the-white if you want to finish it yourself. They also furnish the easiest, most completed kits on the custom market. I'd suggest a phone call; you will never talk with nicer or more helpful folks.