![Question :?:](./images/smilies/icon_question.gif)
I saw it in a local gun shop several weeks ago after an unsuccessful deer hunt, and I just can't stop thinking about it. It's a 44 caliber Euroarms "Kentuckian", with a 1-piece stock and a 35" barrel. Here are some pictures of a similar one that just sold on GunBroker for $350: Well, I can get the one I saw for $220 out the door, but I will have to replace the ramrod, as the original was a 2-piece deal (as shown in the pictures) and the one on it is broken off and missing the short extension. The condition of the gun is about the same as shown, with decent wood and trim lines, with nice bluing and a case-hardened lock. Made in Italy, some internet research suggests these Kentuckian's can be fine shooters with the right ball/patch combination, but the locks are good or bad. So some tuning of the lock, or hardening of the frizzen, may be needed.
I guess that what attracts me to this, is it could be a neat project gun in an area of the shooting sports that I haven't jumped into yet. My twin is into flintlocks -- and matchlocks -- big time, as he has over 6 or 8 of them from the French & Indian period, or earlier. I've shot his several times, but never got the bug to get my own until now. Here's a neat link to a Close-up of the Flintlock Firing Sequence that I added to one of Gunny Reed's post way back when. It's pretty amazing seeing that ball of flame going off so close to one's eyeballs...
![Surprised :o](./images/smilies/icon_surprised.gif)
To date, all of my blackpowder experience has been with a Ruger Old Army, 1861 Colt or several T/C sidelocks (a .45 Cherokee lately), using Pyrodex and percussion caps. Though lately, I have switched to using 777, as I can easily clean them at the bench with the Hoppe's milky BP solvent. Getting this flinch-lock
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
OK, so maybe I've watched "Last of the Mohicans" or "The Patriot" too many times, but I really like the long, slim lines of this Kentucky-type rifle. It handles really well, and although its accuracy and reliability are unknown and will be an adventure, I can picture myself trying to "Aim Small, Miss Small" with it at the range or in the woods.
So the questions to the forum are...
* Would you take a chance on an inexpensive flintlock like this to "get your feet wet" and see if you really enjoy the challenge and extra efforts?
* Or, would you hold out and spend 2X or 3X (and you could easily spend many X more!) to get a better quality flinter to get into the sport with?
It's odd that I can't stop thinking about getting that longrifle to play with... As it's still there in the shop and I've been mulling it over for a month or so now, I could really use some feedback from others here on what you might do in this situation.
Thanks! And keep your powder dry.
Old No7