Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2012 8:45:42 GMT
After stumbling across this article I discovered that there's functional replicas of flintlock/wheelock firearms out there, something that I didn't expect. I'm not seriously considering getting one yet, but I am very interested in learning more about them have some questions in case there's someonehere that has some experience with them. 1. The article mentions that the recommended range for firing a pistol of that kind in combat is around 15 feet... but I don't think that's near the distance one would be able to do while standing still. Is this something that I would be able to take to a firing range, or would it be too inaccurate (I.E. could the bullet hit come out at a dangerously odd angle and hit the ceiling, floor or wall somewhere down the range)? 2. Safety... where can I learn to properly load, fire, and aim such a weapon? Besides not having any modern safety features, are they any more dangerous than a modern firearm? One thing that concerns me is the lack of fit and finish on review gun (I'm looking for something around the $400 mark). The aesthetic things are okay of course but the loose parts are a whole other issue, that kind of quality control on a gun just doesn't seem right... but I'd imagine that in the U.S. they couldn't even begin to risk selling a gun that would explode in someone's face when used so is that something I should even worry about? 3. Where are some good resources for ammunition? Black powder I could probably get at a gun store but the lead balls seem like they'd be bit trickier. I probably have some misconceptions about the accuracy and integrity of these weapons, lol. Hope that it's not too terrible.
|
|
|
Post by ShooterMike on Feb 2, 2012 19:05:38 GMT
You seem to be asking about two distinctly different types of firearm. The wheellock was a much earlier design than the flintlock. The article you linked to was concerned with a flintlock design. If that's really the only type you're interested in, then yes there are many reproductions of many different types of flintlock firearms. Some are extremely high quality, and some are less so. It's very much like the reproduction sword market that way. Larry Jordan has at least one high quality flintlock rifle he may wish to post about. But there are a number of sources of production pieces. Checkout these manufacturers and vendors: Cabela's Blackpowder section[urlhttp://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/traditions-pennsylvania-flintlock-rifle.aspx?a=264886]Sportwman's Guide offers several[/url] One good way to go about looking is to simply Google "flintlock". You should be able to shoot a quality blackpowder replica at any outdoor range. But most indoor ranges prohibit them because of the massive quantities of smoke they generate.
|
|
|
Post by Alexander on Feb 2, 2012 20:20:03 GMT
1. While the old muzzle loaders arent as accurate as most modern pistols . I think the inaccuracy is not as bad as some might think. With the proper load, powder, patch, keeping 5 rounds on an 8" paper plate @ 20yds is very doable. This is for the single barrel smooth bores. Colt and Remington repos can very accurate. I have a Remington repro with the proper load will cut almost a one hole group at 25yds.
2.As for how to load and operate I would ask around to see if someone might help. Try your local sporting good shop. Getting them to fire is easy, getting them to fire well always isnt. Safety wise I think the crappiest modern repo is miles ahead of just about any original. The metallurgy of firearms has come a long, long way. As Mike said wheellocks and flintlocks are two completely different ignition systems, stick with flintlocks. Much easier to use and are more reliable.
Mike suggestion of Cabelas is a great place to start and anything they sell will be of decent quality.
Muzzle loaders are a lot of fun, especially those true to the originals.
|
|
|
Post by Larry Jordan on Feb 2, 2012 20:49:07 GMT
I've been favorably impressed with the quality of the fit and finish of the Davide Pedersoli black power rifles sold by Cabelas. I own a Blue Ridge rifle in .45 cal and a Kentucky Rifle in .50 cal. Both are caplocks. My flinters are all custom made. You might consider the following rifles, if time and money are an issue: Cabela's Kentucky Percussion RifleCabela's Kentucky Flintlock RifleThey are $600, not $400. The flintlock may need some work to properly tune (hardening the frizzen, and properly shaping the flash hole for fast ignition). See one the reviewers for the above flinter. Have you visited a local outdoor rifle range and seen who is shooting blackpowder? My experience is that BP shooters are a friendly lot, and want to encourage new shooters to join the BP brotherhood. I'm sure someone would show you how to properly load a muzzleloader and what tools you may need--e.g. ball puller. (Cabelas offers many such aids.) You can also try a local bookstore (new or used) and see if they have any books by Sam Fadala such as this BP Handbook: Complete Blackpowder Handbook. It covers the whole gamut of BP firearms. BP is fun! If you enjoy shooting AND reloading, it is near perfection.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2012 23:16:17 GMT
Thanks for the information. I added "wheellock" as kind of an afterthought, I'm primarily interested in replica 17-18th century military pistols. Something like this
|
|
|
Post by Larry Jordan on Feb 2, 2012 23:46:02 GMT
You might be interested in some of these: Track of the Wolf: Flintlock PistolsThe first listed is a Model 1780 British Sea Service Pistol, .62 caliber 12" barrel, brass trim, belt hook, near new, type used by Russell Crowe in the movie Master & Commander - Far Side of the World Disclaimer: I have purchased parts from ToW, but never any finished (or almost finished) firearms. This one requires that you drill the "vent hole".
|
|
LeMal
Member
Posts: 1,092
|
Post by LeMal on Feb 3, 2012 0:03:09 GMT
Track of the Wolf also has a great (and big) doglock horse pistol listed. I have my eye on that one.
Fortunately, flintlocks are relatively common and many of good quality. And if your flintlock is tuned well, its ignition is actually faster than percussion, believe it or not. But they can be--and for me often have been--frustrating at times.
Unfortunately, wheelocks--which are quite a bit more reliable in ignition, just less durable and more fragile--are really, really hard to find much of the time. They show up intermittently, either as kits or assembled, and then seem to disappear as fast. (Low demand?) I know because since I was a teen at least thirty five years or so ago I've wanted one, especially since I have this romantic attachment to them being earlier.
Often scouring blackpowder magazines and later online. But ... every... single... time ... I see one and start saving up for it, by the time I'm done ready to order that maker/vendor no longer has it.
Someday I want a big bore wheellock horse pistol, which I'll use at close range and get a whitetail with. (I'm used to the restriction; I hunt with recurve and try not to take a shot beyond twenty or twenty-five yards as is.) Just to finally get this monkey off my back about how fitful the search has been!
(I went through something similar with the 80lb Wham-O Powermaster crossbow. Couldn't justify it in those days, the late 70s, because they weren't allowed for hunting where I grew up in Minnesota. When eBay took off a couple decades later and I found them listed, I bought a couple. Just because.)
|
|
|
Post by Moe on Feb 3, 2012 0:35:06 GMT
I absolutely love black powder firearms! I agree with the other posters about Cabelas being a good vendor to purchase from. I would also recommend www.dixiegunworks.com. They have the widest selection of black powder replicas of any place I know. Safety should not be a problem as long as the particular firearm you have is in good repair and you follow the proper procedures. I would recommend you buy new from someone reputable and not a kit that someone who may not have known what they were doing put together in their garage. I'm not sure if indoor ranges would allow firing BP. You may need to find an outdoor range and check their rules about what is permitted. Lead balls and substitute black power like Pyrodex can be found at most gun shops or outdoor stores. True black powder can be difficult to find, but is available online. My last bit of advice is to do your research before going to the range and be safe!
|
|