Flintlock rifle for a beginner.

[Craig Lister]

So, I have been having a preliminary conversation with @Andy54Hawken and in the course of events, though I was looking to buy a Kibler kit to finish and use, I stumbled upon a no-named maker Flintlock from The Gun Works in Springfield, Oregon.
It is used, but not abused and should at least help me from getting involved in something more expensive until I can decide whether or not this is something to pursue in the last years of my life.

Specifications:

.45 caliber
Siler lock set
double set triggers
40 inch barrel
57-58 inches overall

I have been reading the forum and thought that now, that it is in my possession, I should post something here and some pictures and let the forum join me (and Andy) in the journey of a Beginner.
Not a total beginner, because in 1973 I purchased and assembled and shot a T\C Hawken in .50 caliber, but I haven't messed with muzzle-loaders since I let the old Hawken go in 1977.
So here are a few picture, I chose the ones that best show it without getting to into the close-ups and such.

Let me know what you think and tell me, is there a Muzzle-loaders group in Klamath Falls or Lakeview?

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[Nosferatu]

Looking good. I've had a similar tingle that's starting to turn into an itch to add a flintlock to my life.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Great looking rifle @Craig Lister
.45 is a good caliber , useful for small game and deer...some states limit elk and such to .50 caliber or better.
Bethlehem is the styling of the rifle or "school" ...named for county in Pennsylvania where it would have originally been made.
Every county had a distinct styling...as well as states.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about this rifle.
Andy

 

[Harleysboss]

I finished a Kibler Colonial in a 58 cal smooth bore over the winter. That is hands down the fastest lock/ignition that I have experienced in a flintlock. I will admit that I'm no flint expert but the Kiblers are high quality locks and rifle kits. The Siler lock on the rifle that you are considering should also be high quality. Slow ignition will frustrate a new to flint shooter.

 

[Member 55555]

Very very nice rifle; well done!
I, too, built a flintlock mountain rifle in the 70s. Connecticut Valley Arms, .50 caliber; still have it.
I'm getting the itch to build another one; this time from "scratch". I've got a full stock curly maple slab and a nice .45 caliber barrel in the white.

Please share with us how it shoots.

 

[1911Fanatic]

I want to get another .54 cal Lyman Great Plains rifle. Flintlock. It was probably the most fun I ever had shooting a rifle. I gave it and all the accoutrements to my son like 20 years ago. I'm gonna wait until spring though.

 

[Member 55555]

For those planning a "project" a good place to find parts is at a gun show; we've got one coming up early in December here in Klamath Falls.

Looking at just the lock they're running between 200 and 300 dollars.