Considering buying muzzleloader for Christmas gift

[Stomper]

I prefer my Guiness in YOUR glass. I hate that bubblegum.

 

[Idaho44]

Draft Guiness is like a beer milkshake and oh so yummy!

 

[Andy54Hawken]

I prefer my Guiness in YOUR glass. I hate that bubblegum.

Annnnd.....
Just like that ....orygun was banned....
( Kidding here of course )
Andy

 

[User 1234]

I appreciate everyone's posts and private messages.

I am leaning away from giving a used muzzleloader as a gift in this particular situation.

I also appreciate the caution about going overboard with a really nice kit or an original when I have not seen proof he'll (we'll) stick with it.

Kentucky .50 Cal Percussion Select Hardwood/Blued R2020

The Kentucky Rifle matches classic beauty with outstanding performance. The octagonal barrel is rifled 1:66" for patched-ball loads. The long sighting plane between the blade front sight and fixed notch rear sight adds precision shooting accuracy. The color case hardened lock features a V-type...

www.traditionsfirearms.com

I am considering this as a compromise. It's definitely not cheap, but also not a four-digit plunge.

Ideally I'll find something similar with better sights.

WAC 220-414-060:

app.leg.wa.gov

It looks like both flintlock and percussion are legal for hunting. Is flintlock more fun that using caps? How would a flintlock perform in a rainy forest?

Thanks everybody.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Is flintlock more fun that using caps? How would a flintlock perform in a rainy forest?

Is a flintlock more fun...can be...I know I enjoy my Flintlock firearms.
I also enjoy my percussion guns.

That rifle shown...will have a coil main spring...not a favorite of mine at all.
It can make for a slow and sluggish lock.

A flintlock is a fine and fast firearm if....
You have a quality lock....
You keep a sharp flint...and clean vent ...

I have hunted in the rain and gotten game with a flintlock.
in fact the last elk I got was in the rain with a flintlock rifle...
My antique J. Henry Trade Rifle...circa 1800 -1820's.

J.Henry Trade Rifle Circa 1800-1820

• Andy54Hawken
• Dec 12, 2021

As far as a flintlock for a first Firearm....
Sure...however....
In my experience...I have seen more shooters turned away by starting with a flintlock...than with a percussion gun.
Flintlocks....especially off the shelf models...can be fussy.
Andy

 

[User 1234]

Is the V shaped mainspring a higher quality design?

 

[Andy54Hawken]

View attachment 2200938
Is the V shaped mainspring a higher quality design?

Yes...and easier to time and tune if needed...along with easier to replace.
And...historically correct.

Coil springs are cheaper to make....than a proper heat treated leaf spring.
However it does make for a weaker lock ( hammer throw ) ....in my opinion.
Andy

 

[Local Loader]

Well...that would depend on what you want.

The two Springfield "Trapdoor" rifles are antique....
One has been turned into a hunting rifle...the other is as issued...looks like a 1884 model based on the rear sight.
"Cowboy Action Loads" are available on store shelves for these.

The Enfield Snider conversion is also antique...would have to reload / make hand loads for this one.

If the Volunteer rifle was made by Parker Hale...I would call it an original rifle...since it was made on the old / original tooling.
If it is a Pedersoli , etc....then it is a well made replica.
A Lyman bullet mold would be needed to make the proper bullets for this rifle in either case.

The "Zouave Buffalo Gun" ...is a 1960's - 1970's ish fantasy piece...
A fine hunting rifle....but not historic at all.
.58 caliber...will shoot the Minie Ball Bullet ...some do well with round ball.

Can't tell much about the "Gibbs" rifle...other than I am sure that it is some sort of Italian replica....
Again...a Lyman bullet mold will be needed for the proper bullet.

The Austin & Halleck is a "Sorta Hawken Rifle"....got the right lines...but not the correct proportions of a historic rifle.
Some were made for round ball...some for Conicals....a well made rifle...but not very historically correct.

The Thompson Center Renegade is a well made hunting and shooting rifle...not a copy of any historic rifle.
Also it is missing the hammer and ramrod...easy to fix / replace.

Bore condition is everything here...as is stock condition on the antique firearms.
The two that are worth the most would be the as issued Trapdoor Infantry rifle...and the Snider conversion...
If the Volunteer Rifle is made by Parker Hale....put that one up there in price as well.
$800 - $1000 would be a rough guess here , without seeing the firearms in person.

$250 - $400 for the "Zouave Buffalo Hunter...
$200 - $250 for T/C ....needs some parts....
Not sure on the others...haven't seen 'em out for sale second hand often.
Again....all prices are a rough guess.
Andy

Edit to add....
Of all there...
I would pick the Volunteer Rifle if I wanted a Muzzle loader....nice rifle..always wanted one.
Or the Springfield Trapdoor Infantry Rifle if I wanted an antique rifle , I could shoot...these are getting difficult to find nowadays.

Made a sad discovery today about that collection. It belonged to a friend of my neighbors dad who unsubscribed from life saldy.