Current production American-made flintlocks?

[Wisco]

Who currently makes the best American flintlocks?

Nothing against the blackpowder imports, they seem well-made, but I'm looking for something made here in the U.S. in the style of the late 1700s for both a rifle and pistol.

I'd like to shoot and display them, so vintage guns are not what I'm after.

I am after quality and craftsmanship, but have no idea where to start.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Crawdad1]

These guys;

http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/

Have at it.

 

[totallyeftup]

http://newtownemusket.com/

http://www.flintlocks.com/

http://www.gobblerknoblongrifles.com/

http://williamsflintlocks.com/

http://www.customflintlock.com/rifles.php

MODERN HUNTING RIFLES - www.knightrifles.com

WORLD WIDE, NOT JUST ITALY OR SPAIN - http://www.militaryheritage.com/muskets.htm

http://vaflintlocks.com/guns-for-sale

http://pumpkintownprimitives.com/dg1_005.htm

http://www.markwhelandrifles.com/

CUSTOM LOCKS, TOMAHAWKS, OTHER - http://redaviscompany.com/products.html

WEIRD AND VERY COOL - http://northamericanarms.com/

I am definitely up for any American product, but these videos are why I would buy anything that Pedersoli makes. The twin .58 howdah pistol, with shoulder stock is in a league by itself

Pedersoli videos
******************
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrq0rwp0vbQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOo-muzMRp0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqVfeR31Row

 

[Wisco]

Thanks so far! Lots of looking to do.

Does anyone have a Williams? They have many great looking rifles and pistols.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Best modern made American flintlock I've seen is the one made by Wallace Gusler. He had a relief carved frizzen and lockplate. The stock was relief carved and highlighted by both gold and silver wire inlay. The inlays were tapered to a point where they met. I think he sold that piece for at least $50k. I suspect it is much higher as it would have taken over a year to do that type of work.

 

[EljaySL]

You should also just keep an eye on the flintlock section of track of the wolf. There are some good makers who list project guns there and some of them are very interesting. Gary White as an example.

 

[Will5A1]

"Who currently makes the best American flintlock?" Hershel House, hands down, if he will take an order, and it would probably be a 5 year wait. Maybe longer.

There are a lot of fine builders/makers/artists working now, consider attending some shows and meeting and speaking with current makers, Dixon's Trade Fair comes to mind, there are others. The Log Cabin Shop has a show in October, I have not been to it but I am told it is worth the trip. As you see actual examples of the different schools and styles you will narrow your choice of makers.

 

[swathdiver]

Get yourself a subscription to Muzzleblasts and Muzzleloader magazines.

There are dozens and dozens of fine artisans across America who make exquisite long rifles, fusils, muskets, you name it. Some have off the shelf guns while others will build what you commission them to build.

 

[Crawdad1]

Here is an example of a late 1700's rifle by Hershel House:

http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-09-24T07:03:00-04:00

 

[Wisco]

It's always fun to start with an idea about something I know very little, but think is worth exploring, only to find out I knew absolutely nothing!

There are more to choose from than I thought there would be - this is more like finding a good craft beer than choosing from the established name brands...the possibilities are almost endless.

I know my budget for both a pistol and rifle is less than $10,000, so that eliminates a few makers.

I got a very prompt response from Williams Flintlocks after inquiring about this pistol and a rifle. The pair would be well within my budget and is very close to the style I was originally seeking.

 

[DoubleDeuce 1]

That looks pretty dang good! Pictures of the finished product when you get it would be nice. Best of luck with your selection and build.

 

[midland man]

who makes percussion rifles? I want a 32 cal squirrel rifle??

 

[Will5A1]

Look at Don Stith's squirrel rifles, if you like what you see talk to him about a builder.

http://www.donstith.com/muzzle_loading_rifles.html

 

[jgh4445]

Midland, ever shot a .32? The reason I ask is that while that is every bodys idea of a fine squirrel rifle caliber, it does have its drawbacks. That hole is awful small. Doesn't take much to foul it, maybe two shots before cleaning/wiping is required. Kinda limits you to only small game. A .40 on the other hand is a bit more forgiving in the fouling department and yet while it is small to hunt squirrel,rabbit etc., it is large enough to shoot deer in some states, mine being one of them. Shoots flat and fast and is a really accurate caliber. Why, none other than Ol Dan'l Boone hisself killed many a bear with a .40. When I figured this out for myself, my .32 got its tiny self sold.