Kentucky Rifle Purchase

November 15, 2022, 02:57 PM

leonidas211

Experts,

I am interested in purchasing a Kentucky rifle. A solid historical example. I don’t need. Museum piece but certainly want something authentic.

What should I be looking for ?

Price is 2/3 thousand bucks.

November 16, 2022, 06:31 AM

sourdough44

We actually have a U.S. Gov’t issue Civil War M-L, stamped 1863, 58 cal. I don’t have the specifics right here, it was made under contract, ‘Springfield’ model.

With any M-L/black powder gun the 1st area of concern is bore condition. As most know, any gun shooting black powder takes special care. If looking in person, I’d try to drop a ‘bore light’ down the barrel.

Of course with anything, price & intended use factor in. If the price is right, a few minor negatives may be OK.

Just as a price reference, our M-L from the 1860’s in rather decent shape was about $2100. Yes, we’ve shot it, did fine.of course I cleaned it well after shooting.

November 16, 2022, 08:02 AM

cas

It's funny, when I saw this thread I immediately knew my answer! A rifle I came close to buying (having built). And now for the life of me I can't remember the make. lmao

I backed away from the idea when I realized my eyes were not up to the task anymore.

I guess my eyes aren't the only thing going.

November 16, 2022, 08:15 AM

MikeinNC

Mrs. Mike bought me a kit when I was recovering from surgery. It was a Jim Chambers Rifle. I absolutely love it.

The key with a flintlock is using real black powder. The other stuff doesn’t light up as quickly as real BP does.

http://www.flintlocks.com/

"Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor.” Robert A. Heinlein

“You may beat me, but you will never win.” sigmonkey-2020

“A single round of buckshot to the torso almost always results in an immediate change of behavior.” Chris Baker

November 16, 2022, 12:05 PM

mesabi

Hunting? Target shooting? Hanging on the wall? Flint? Percussion? Any particular region or school?

First, I would recommend going to the Track of the Wolf website just to look at the pictures of the guns for sale in order to get a better idea of what you might be interested in.

Second, go to the American Longrifle Forums website and join. You'll be able to ask questions of guys that have experience building, hunting, and competing with authentic longrifles, as well as seeing what's available in the "for sale" section.

With the budget you've listed, you'll be able to get a quality piece IF you know what quality looks like.

November 16, 2022, 01:26 PM

leonidas211

quote:
Originally posted by mesabi:
Hunting? Target shooting? Hanging on the wall? Flint? Percussion? Any particular region or school?

First, I would recommend going to the Track of the Wolf website just to look at the pictures of the guns for sale in order to get a better idea of what you might be interested in.

Second, go to the American Longrifle Forums website and join. You'll be able to ask questions of guys that have experience building, hunting, and competing with authentic longrifles, as well as seeing what's available in the "for sale" section.

With the budget you've listed, you'll be able to get a quality piece IF you know what quality looks like.

I very much appreciate all the advice especially this detailed.

The use will be limited. Probably a wall hanger BUT it’s going to be shot once in a while.

I will look into these resources.

November 16, 2022, 02:11 PM

mesabi

There's a very nice rifle built from a Kibler kit that was just listed on the ALR forum.

I'm constantly tempted by the Kibler kits. The level of inletting brings a whole new meaning to "pre-inlet".

November 22, 2022, 04:00 PM

YooperSigs

My experience with the Kentucky is limited shooting my friends. It was a .36 flintlock and amazingly accurate. His was a custom made gun but I cant recall who built it. It came with a mold for bullets (round ball) that was matched to the barrel. For me, I had to learn to deal with the slow lock time and holding steady through the shot.