Shooting Traditional Muzzleloading Rifles ...

[Andy54Hawken]

So as some of y'all have guessed , I'm really into original and traditional muzzleloading guns.
I just wanted to put out some of my thoughts on shooting with these guns.
None of this is meant to paint me as some sort of expert. I am not a expert of anything.

First find a rifle that fits you. I'm not talking just about fitting your build or historical interest.
But finding a rifle that you connect with , one that suits your style of shooting or just plain "feels good". It dosen't have to a full blown custom job or original . I've seen plenty of great shooting with a off the shelf model.

Get a routine down of how you load , shoot and clean your rifle. Sick with it until it becomes second nature.
I try to load and clean just like the guys did in the 19th century. No fancy lubes , just spit or bear grease and or tallow , real black powder ( some substitute powders do not well with flintlocks ) , cotton / linen patches , lead round ball and cleaning with soap and water followed by a oily patch to prevent rust.

Practice often. Remember your rifle is not just a "rendezvous toy" . For hundreds of years people have been fed and protected by muzzleloaders.
Take your rifle on a "woods walk" or hike. Try shooting at that small rock or pine cone.
Shoot in different weather and at different times of day.
Using these practices , has helped me become a better shot. I have fed my family , won many a match , prizes and not to forget to mention , out shot some folks with a modern rifle and scope on more than one occasion.

In closing many folks , even those who like muzzleloading , sell their rifles short so to speak.
You have a lot of money and time invested in your rifle , use it to the fullest.
Andy

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[MountainBear]

Now add another rifle I need to buy to my list...

 

[Bigbaddude]

I keep thinking of buying a kit and try my hand at building one.
What kit would you recommend ?

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Thats what I'm here for MountainBear , just fueling the addiction lol .

Bigbaddude,
Track of the wolf has some nice kits.
Their version of the Leman Trade Rifle is a good build for the first time builder.
The Great Plains Rifle kit by Lyman is a good place to start as well.
Another option is finishing a rifle that is sold in the "white" .
If you have some wood working and metal finishing experience behind you , getting the parts you want piece by piece is a good way to go as well.
Are you near Springfield Oregon? Joe and Suzi Williams own The Gun Works and they are excellent folks to deal with.
Andy

 

[etrain16]

Just curious on your thoughts about more modern black powder rifles - like those by CVA, Traditions, etc. I'd like to try some black powder at some point and, at least to start, I like the idea of using 209 primers or caps in a more contemporary rifle. They also have the benefit of having a decent entry price while being plenty accurate at 100 yards +. Do you think that's a decent way to get an introduction in to black powder shooting?

 

[Bon Sauvage]

I keep thinking of buying a kit and try my hand at building one.
What kit would you recommend ?

Consider this flintlock kit. When the income tax return comes home I will get one in 40 calibre.

It has a Chambers Late Ketland Lock and a 40 calibre is legal deer medicine where I live.

<broken link removed>

 

[Andy54Hawken]

etrain16
To my mind , modern muzzleloaders are "muzzleloaders" in name only.
With that being said , I understand about the convenience of using powders other than the hard to get at times and places black powder , 209 primers etc ...
The styling of stock being almost the same as a centerfire rifle , can be more comfortable to some.
As for 100 + range I have shot gongs at 200 yards and hit them enough to know that I could hunt at that range with my Hawken copy. I would not do that where I hunt however as most shots are 100 or less.
Entry level price is a tough argument to beat. Most traditional rifles are $500 or more new .
I would recommend a Thompson Center "Hawken" in .54 or .50 caliber percussion rifle if you wanted to get your feet wet as it were.
While not in the "inline" style , you can get a lot of after market items for it. You can use real black powder or a substitute powder , bullets or balls etc ...
Plus those rifles if taken care of tend to hold their value , so you can resell or trade it off , without much loss if you want.
Andy

 

[Bigbaddude]

Those Kibler kits are a little out of my price range for my first build but they sure are nice looking.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Maybe you find someone's kit or project gun they gave up on.
That can be a more affordable way to go Bigbaddude...
Andy

 

[Bigbaddude]

That's the plan cause I do like the high end rifles.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Well if you have any questions ... let me know.
Having built or restored a few guns I'd be happy to help.
Andy