Looking for a gun smith in Westchester NY

November 07, 2019, 03:53 PM

Green Highlander

A friend of mine just picked up a flintlock pistol from 1836. It looks to be in good condition but I want him to get it checked before I teach him how to shoot it. Any recommendations for a place to get it evaluated?

"You know, Scotland has its own martial arts. Yeah, it's called Fuck You. It's mostly just head butting and then kicking people when they're on the ground." - Charlie MacKenzie (Mike Myers in "So I Married an Axe Murderer")

November 07, 2019, 06:31 PM

Cookster

Hi GH,

I grew up in Westchester County NY in a Liberal Jewish Democrat household and was certainly not allowed to have guns (but I have since been able to do a good bit of 'catching up') so I do not have any personal knowledge of gunsmiths in that Progressive stronghold. LOL!

That said, Dixon's Muzzleloading Shop is practically legendary in the muzzleloading community in this region and a call to them may yield some good referrals in NY.

Good luck!

Rob

__________
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotomy."

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_{Sliced bread, the greatest thing since the 1911.}

November 07, 2019, 09:15 PM

P210

While you didn’t provide info to as to model or manufacturer, presumably it has some value based on age alone, and I assume it’s in decent shape if he’s considering firing it, so I question why?

Springs and small parts may be brittle and should they break it’s value would drop. His call but I think it would be better to buy a modern reproduction of it or something similar if he wants to experience what it’s like to shoot it but if he’s determined to see if it works, consider loading it with just enough Pyrodex to push a patch out. Using eye protection and a thick leather glove, give it a shot then call it a day.

As far as gunsmiths go, to my knowledge all the ones in Westchester who were any good at the antiques are retired.

November 08, 2019, 06:24 AM

Cookster

I asked a friend who escaped upper Westchester NY several years ago (to PA) if he knew of any good gunsmith's in the area, and although he does not he said that "L&L Sports" in Harrison, NY has a good reputation.

__________
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotomy."

_____________________________
'I'm pretty fly for a white guy'.

November 09, 2019, 12:50 AM

RNshooter

The best gunsmith I knew in NY was John Blauvelt, in Walden, I think. No idea if he does flintlocks but I would trust his recommendation.
Email me if you want contact info.

Bruce

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November 09, 2019, 07:37 AM

sourdough44

If you/he shoot it, the cleaning part afterwards is important. After that, an oil coat to protect the metal. I realize you sound versed in the drill.

If serviceable & inspected by a black powder shooter I’d move forward with a light charge of Pyrodex powder. It’s already a lower pressure powder, then back it down more.

November 09, 2019, 10:28 PM

Green Highlander

Thanks for the replies. I will pass this on to him. I told him if it was me I wouldn’t shoot it and offered to take him out for a Range day to shoot blackpowder rifles & pistols, the M1, some pistols and the MCX. We’ll see what he decides.