Flintlock Dilemmas and Wants

[Wild Ed]

I have been looking for a small caliber flintlock for some time now and have run across a few deals but none were really just what I want.  I really want a .36 but would settle for a .32 or .40.  I want around a  36 inch barrel or just a little shorter.  I would like something that looks like a copy of a style and not a modern sidelock.  I am looking at a .45 right now, but it is not really what I want.  I don't have the funds to order a custom at this time thus the watching for a deal.  I have thought about converting my Vincent but hesitate to mess with the only custom and best shooting rifle I own.  I have an Austin and Halleck .50 flinter so the .45 really doesn't get me down in caliber enough to justify the purchase.  I recently came across this cut down frontier rifle in a small caliber called the Frontier Carbine and I am thinking real hard about one of these in .36 caliber.  I am concerned about the patent breech of pedersoli frontiers and being able to use small charges of powder, plus the pain in neck of cleaning them.  The barrel is 8 inches shorter than what I really want but I have a Cherokee precussion in .32 with that barrel length that is a joy to shoot so I could live with the barrel length.  Your honest opinions on this rifle in .36 caliber would be greatly appreciated, good or bad.  I am posting this on another site to get opinions of as many of you guys with flintlock experience as I can.  Thanks,
Wild Ed 

[Hanshi]

It looks like what you've described that you're wanting.  Personally, I wouldn't worry about the patent breech.  I've owned several including a Pedersoli and never had a problem caused by this type breech.  My .36 is from TVM, very plain and I love it.  You can get a similar one in the white for well under a grand.  I have a Traditions .32 with patent breech and it's a favorite.

[Hawken50]

  I second the great Hanshi.GRAB it an have al ball wit it.I love the sleek looks of the frontier.Its basically the old hatfield rifle.

[crazell]

Go for it!! It's a nice looking rifle by the way!!

[flintboomer]

I haven't had much experience with the 36 but they used to have a really good reputation for target and small game work. They are less finicky than the 32 but don't take much powder or lead compared to any of the bigger calibers.

I like the 40 caliber but usually hunt with a 54 because I hunt elk and mule deer.