Any good flintlock/caplock rifle kit recommendations?

[RugerFan]

I've always wanted to build a Kentucky-style flintlock rifle similar to the one my grandfather had (which was stolen when I was 12), or at least something from the flintlock or caplock era.

I've looked at several offers on the internet, but was wondering if anyone here has any recommendations.

FYI my gunsmithing experience is limited to cleaning my guns, tweaking my 10-22 and building out an AR lower, though I do have extensive fine woodworking experience.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[rseymorejr]

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Category.aspx/588

Check out this website. I don't have any personal experience with their products, but they sure look good!

 

[DennisCA]

Muzzleloaders.com

http://www.muzzle-loaders.com/rifles/traditions/kentucky-rifle/kentucky-rifle-kit-KR52206.php

I recently purchased a kentucky pistol from them; very happy-happy with it!

Personally I would get one all ready to go for a bit more.

 

[Blacksmith101]

Track of the Wolf sells good products I highly recommend buying their catalog as a good start. In addition to kits they sell individual parts most of which are shown with full size color pictures in the catalog.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/303/1/CATALOG-18

Another recommendation is to attend the annual Gunmakers Fair in Pennsylvania. They have lots of vendors and seminars to help the builder. Here is the information from last years fair this years hasn't been posted yet:
http://www.dixonmuzzleloading.com/index.php?section=gunmakersfair

A third resource is Jim Chambers Flintlocks in NC.
http://www.flintlocks.com/rifles.htm

 

[Drakos]

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Category.aspx/588

Check out this website. I don't have any personal experience with their products, but they sure look good!

Yep, TOW...but be prepared for a lot of work, these are more like raw parts than a bolt together kit...top notch, but expect to put at least 200 hours into the build...check out this series on you tube...best I have found on building...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivTWnV_rwJ0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[Don H]

I bought a York rifle kit from Cabin Creek in Hellem, PA. I took it home and realized I was in way over my head so I took it back and had them build it for me. They did a beautiful job and I am very happy with it! I have built two other rifles, a Thompson Center Hawkins and a CVA Kentucky, both reasonably easy builds.

http://cabincreek.net

 

[Vic]

TC, CVA, Cabela's, etc. Most are good. I have a TC Hawkins that is 35 years old. Still shoots great and looks great.

Vince

 

[iH8DemLibz]

This a .50 caliber Tradition's brand Kentucky rifle kit I built from Bass Pro. I believe it was 250 bucks 5 years ago. The lock has never failed to work and the rifle is accurate with patch and ball. It's a well balanced rifle and a lot of fun to shoot.

It is a "good" kit. Meaning all the parts are there and they function. A lot of hand fitting and tweeking of parts in relationship to other parts was required to get her put together correctly, but that's the fun of one of these kits.

No M-L kit is a quick, slap together project and if you aren't really handy with tools and have some metal working skills, I suggest just buying one. I've known quite a few folks who thought it would be fun until they dumped 50 ill fitting parts onto the work bench.

The great thing about building your own M-L is that you can design it the way you want and have a one of a kind rifle when you're finished.

Dive in and have fun.