I finally got around to getting a flintlock. It's not a fancy, custom, hand built, period correct, rocklock but it should satisfy my desire to own one. It's a Traditions Pennsylvania rifle in 50 cal. I bought it online without seeing pictures or anything because it was "new in the box" and I was dealing with someone I trust and had dealt with before. I knew as soon as I opened the box that this was not a new rifle. The barrel was unfinished, flat gray, oxidized metal. They didn't even remove the barrel to strip the finish, it still had bluing all over the underside. The lock had been Case Colored at one time but someone attempted to strip the finish off the lock plate too. Lots of other things to be fixed too so I guess you could say I bought a kit gun instead of a new rifle.
I would have paid a bit more and got a Kibler kit had known I would end up doing so much to this rifle. At first I intended to put the rifle away for a while but I am too impatient for that so I spent a bunch of late nights getting it ready to shoot. Pics below show how it started out and what it looks like now.
Barrel sanded down to 600 grit and browned with Laurel Mountain Browning and Degreaser.
I did a faux Case coloring on the Lock plate, frizzen, cock and sights after sanding and polishing. Touched up the stock and refinished the ram rod which was red when I got it.
I plan to shoot it next week sometime, stay tuned.
Before....
And After....
I know the locks on the Traditions rifles are not held in high regard but the barrels are supposed to be good. It's not perfect or even sort of period correct but if it shoots OK I'll be pleased with it. I like the way it looks now.
