Buying a Flintlock Pistol, need suggestions.

IMBLITZVT · Jan 27, 2016

While guns are my hobby, lets just say blackpowder is not my normal side of it. That said I am a big fan of any enhanced rock throwing with fire! As my collection grows, I try to have an example of each area in my collection. A long while back I added a Cabelas repro Percussion cap Kentucky Rifle and a Cap and Ball revolver. Since then I have wanted to add a flint lock, as even having fired 10s and maybe 100s of thousands of rounds in the decade plus I have been shooting, I have never once fired a flint lock gun and I think its well over due!

So I think I have settled on what I was looking for a BP Pistol, however finding one has not proven overly easy. First, obviously, must be flint lock. Second I want over 50 Caliber, really over 60 caliber. Next I would ideally like that British/Pirate, simple look. Kind of like this:

What I don't want is junk or a collectible. Money is not a huge issue but I am not looking for a target gun, collector gun or anything to fancy. I want a good shooter that I don't have "quality" thoughts with when I pull the trigger. This will get shot and needs to be at least average quality or better. I guess I would not rule out something original or partially original. However repro would be fine for me. So what would the experts recommend?

IMBLITZVT · Jan 27, 2016

http://piratefashions.com/products/british-heavy-dragoon-pistol

You know its funny, as I posted this I found this. I have no idea of the quality here but other than it being sold out, this is as close as I have come to finding what I was looking for... assuming the quality was good enough... I don't see a manufacturer which always makes me worry...

Melnic · Jan 27, 2016

I built mine from a traditions kit
http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=178888

IMBLITZVT · Jan 27, 2016

Melnic said:
I built mine from a traditions kit
http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=178888

Do you know of any in the 60+ caliber range? If so, that might work perfectly.

rseymorejr · Jan 27, 2016

IMBLITZVT said:

You'll never get 500 rounds per minute out of that!

Blacksmith101 · Jan 28, 2016

Since you are new to Rock Locks here are a couple of resources for you.

Track Of The Wolf good people to deal with, get the print catalog the pictures of the components they sell are shown full size so if you are trying to match something on an old gun you can just take measurements.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/

Dixon's Muzzle Loading Shop. They sponsor a Gunmakers Fair every year which has everything related to front stuffers with a lot of flint locks.
http://www.dixonmuzzleloading.com/

John from MD · Jan 30, 2016

Before I spent the money on a Traditions Pirate Pistol, I would purchase a Pedersoli Kentucky flintlock. Dixie Gun Works has it on sale for $375.

The quality on the Pedersoli Italian made pistol is night and day over the Traditions Spanish made pistol. Spend the extra money and only spend once.

John

Pale Ryder · Jan 31, 2016

If you can wait there is always the Antique Arms show in March. Not sure if they sell repos though, maybe just originals. What John said, as there is really no way to know how strong the Traditions steel is as they do not proof AFAIK, you are probably safer going with the better quality of Pedersoli

http://baltimoreshow.com/

John from MD · Jan 31, 2016

Do yourself a favor and google for traditions quality and you will see for yourself.

John

IMBLITZVT · Feb 3, 2016

John from MD said:
Do yourself a favor and google for traditions quality and you will see for yourself.

John

John, not seeing anything over 50 caliber anyway... from either the Italians or Traditions.

John from MD · Feb 3, 2016

Dixie sells 54 caliber Pedersoli Kentucky. $395

Their web sight sucks. You need to scroll down through general merchandise, guns, muzzleloading pistols, percussion to get to it.

John

IMBLITZVT · Feb 3, 2016

http://www.therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/english_pistols/(567).htm

Anyone ever hear of these guys?

Blacksmith101 · Feb 4, 2016

IMBLITZVT said:
http://www.therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/english_pistols/(567).htm

Anyone ever hear of these guys?

I don't know them but their lock prices are high compared to the name brand locks at Track of the Wolf.

Their lock finished is $295.00 vs a Deluxe Siler lock by Jim Chambers for $175.00 or a John Bailes lock by L&R for $133.00, they are available in both right and left hand versions in case you want to make a double barrel pirate pistol. Their lock parts are also high for unfinished castings.

Horseman308 · Feb 5, 2016

I've come across the Rifle Shoppe before , though I've never handled any of their guns. But I've got a little experience with Jim Chamber's locks, and love them. You can pay more, but I doubt you'll get much better. Then again, BP folks can be pretty opinionated!

Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk

linkstate · Feb 6, 2016

IMBLITZVT said:
While guns are my hobby, lets just say blackpowder is not my normal side of it. That said I am a big fan of any enhanced rock throwing with fire! As my collection grows, I try to have an example of each area in my collection. A long while back I added a Cabelas repro Percussion cap Kentucky Rifle and a Cap and Ball revolver. Since then I have wanted to add a flint lock, as even having fired 10s and maybe 100s of thousands of rounds in the decade plus I have been shooting, I have never once fired a flint lock gun and I think its well over due!

So I think I have settled on what I was looking for a BP Pistol, however finding one has not proven overly easy. First, obviously, must be flint lock. Second I want over 50 Caliber, really over 60 caliber. Next I would ideally like that British/Pirate, simple look. Kind of like this:

What I don't want is junk or a collectible. Money is not a huge issue but I am not looking for a target gun, collector gun or anything to fancy. I want a good shooter that I don't have "quality" thoughts with when I pull the trigger. This will get shot and needs to be at least average quality or better. I guess I would not rule out something original or partially original. However repro would be fine for me. So what would the experts recommend?

You mentioned money is not a huge issue and while I have no personal experience with the following company, they are regarded pretty highly on a couple traditional muzzleloading forums I am a member of.

http://www.northstarwest.com/products/trade-pistol

Note they only make/sell smoothbores. From their site: 28 ga (.54 cal.), 24 ga (.58 cal.), and 20 ga (.62 cal.).

IMBLITZVT · Feb 6, 2016

Pale Ryder said:
If you can wait there is always the Antique Arms show in March....
http://baltimoreshow.com/

Yeah I might have to go to that.

linkstate said:
You mentioned money is not a huge issue and while I have no personal...

http://www.northstarwest.com/products/trade-pistol

Note they only make/sell smoothbores. From their site: 28 ga (.54 cal.), 24 ga (.58 cal.), and 20 ga (.62 cal.).

That does look pretty good. I could do 62 Caliber. I will look more, thanks.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I have been checking out each suggestion.

StantonCree · Feb 10, 2016

http://www.armslist.com/posts/48375...-for-sale--cva-colonial-percussion-pistol-kit

it's not an exact match but I'm gonna throw it out there for you anyway. I don't know CRAP about these but looks like a cool project.

Melnic · Feb 10, 2016

mpdc4511 said:
http://www.armslist.com/posts/48375...-for-sale--cva-colonial-percussion-pistol-kit

it's not an exact match but I'm gonna throw it out there for you anyway. I don't know CRAP about these but looks like a cool project.

I saw that at the HoCo show. It was tagged $125.
Old CVA is going to be better than a current Traditions
Lock seemed a bit stiff.
It appeared to have all the parts as I could tell.
Yes, I've built several muzzle-loader kits. Not an expert but not a neophyte.

Augie · Feb 14, 2016

You could also wait until July and go to the Dixon Gunmakers Fair, you should have your choose of many guns at this event, well worth the trip.
http://www.dixonmuzzleloading.com

John from MD · Feb 14, 2016

+1 for Dixons Gunmaker Fair. You can also ride the steam train they have in the town while you are there.

John

Buying a Flintlock Pistol, need suggestions.

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