This is really a two parter, so I probably should have divided it as such, but here goes.
The many fine people who use these threads were very helpful in my decision to upgrade muskets in the past few months, from a Indian '42, to a very nice Armi Sport 1842, and I am ever endebted to their advice. The new musket is a far superior arm. I thank you.
However, in looking over the many products sold by Dixie and others, I am confused by the strange pricing between the various makers (Euro, Pedersoli, Armi Sport, etc) and certain items.
Why are certain muskets, which seem to require the same basic amount of materials, labor, and craftsmanship, so much more expensive than others?Why is an 1842 Smoothbore less than half of the price of an 1816 Flintlock? Why suddenly are all flintlocks (Brown Bess, 1816s, 1795s, Charlevilles, etc) so bloody expensive? Is it the euro? Is it import laws? Varying demands?
Part Two: On the subject of flintlocks and early "civilian" percussion arms, why is it so impossible to find a reproduction that is not thousands of dollars (custom), or historical/fantasy (reproduction)?
Sam Dolan
The many fine people who use these threads were very helpful in my decision to upgrade muskets in the past few months, from a Indian '42, to a very nice Armi Sport 1842, and I am ever endebted to their advice. The new musket is a far superior arm. I thank you.
However, in looking over the many products sold by Dixie and others, I am confused by the strange pricing between the various makers (Euro, Pedersoli, Armi Sport, etc) and certain items.
Why are certain muskets, which seem to require the same basic amount of materials, labor, and craftsmanship, so much more expensive than others?Why is an 1842 Smoothbore less than half of the price of an 1816 Flintlock? Why suddenly are all flintlocks (Brown Bess, 1816s, 1795s, Charlevilles, etc) so bloody expensive? Is it the euro? Is it import laws? Varying demands?
Part Two: On the subject of flintlocks and early "civilian" percussion arms, why is it so impossible to find a reproduction that is not thousands of dollars (custom), or historical/fantasy (reproduction)?
Sam Dolan
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