traditional BP guns at BassPro Shops

[BlackJack]

I've been thinking of getting a traditional muzzle-loader, with a flintlock, to learn more about them and shoot for fun. The best guns in this field tend to be hand made or custom rifles that go for quite a chunk of change.

However, I was at Bass Pro today where I saw a Traditions Pennsylvania rifle with a flintlock, in .50 cal and a 1:66 twist barrel. It is pretty much exactly what I want and not to expensive at $430. The fit and finish were very nice with lots of brass trim in the wood. The blued 39" barrel made in Spain.

I don't have the experience to know the difference between a mass-produced rifle like this and a custom made rifle, but the $1000 price difference hits me right away. I'd appreciate any information the veterans on this board would care to share about why the extra expense of a custom rifle is worth it, and I'd like to know if anyone thinks the Traditions rifle should be avoided and why. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

 

[Ed]

I think th emain difference is the quality of parts and wood. The more expensive, custom, riflrs are stocked, generally in curly maple, I just bought a piece for over $200. The locks are around $80 and up and the barrels are $100 and up. And these are basic, you do the work parts. I have a Thompson center Hawkin and it is a great rifle, shoots straight and is fine. But my hand built flintlock costs probably 3 times as much. A traditions would be a fine rifle as far as I'm concerned, for hunting, shooting and whatever....Pardon the rambling... I guess the main differences are if you look and research the traditions is farther from an authenic reproduction than some care to have. The custom rifles usually are as authenic as can be made and hand built which cost more. In responce to your question. It would be a fine rifle to have as far as I am concerned. I have never shot one but they seem to sell a lot.

Ed

 

[sixgun_symphony]

You will have a good entry level rifle.

There is alot to learn about flintlock muzzle-loading rifles. As you become proficient you can then start saving for that custom rifle.

 

[BigG]

I have had the Thompson Center Hawken flintlock and it is fully adequate to learn to make the bugger go off with regularity which is one of the first lessons you'll need to learn with a stone powered firearm. Accurate as all git out, too.

Some shooters go in for authenticity and since most original hunting style muzzleloaders were hand made, a mass produced rifle will not appeal to them. I was just out to shoot and the T/C was perfect for me.

Have no experience with Traditions muzzle loaders but do have a Traditions O/U shotgun imported from Italy that I think is in no way inferior to some of the high priced O/Us you see on the skeet range. Price was $499. Judging from that I would think their muzzle loaders would also be a good value.

 

[guy sajer]

Traditions offers a very good quality firearm . I would recommend their products without hesitation . We sell 125 -150 Traditions rifles every year .

Mitch

www.oldeenglishoutfitters.com

 

[foghornl]

I haven't fired it yet, but I received a Lyman Trade Rifle .50 Flintlock as a gift. I have everything I need, except the 4Fg powder for priming the frizzen. Looks like it will be a real "hoot" to load & fire.

The Traditions brand seems to have good quality stuff at a reasonable price. Thinking about picking up the .50 flintlock pistol to have a matched caliber set................

 

[1911]

ck out tvm!