Beginner Percussion Rifle

Dustin.b.1776 · Dec 7, 2024

Howdy, I am an aspiring traditional hunter and a huge enjoyer of history with a recent love for the 17th and 18th centuries. I am in search of an heirloom quality percussion muzzleloader that can with practice be used to take up to Black Bear sized game but will mainly be used for target shooting and Whitetail Deer hunting. I have started to realize that it is not a good time to be looking to get into the hobby, with most posts on this site on the subject pre dating Covid. Thompson Center no longer makes traditional rifles, and the name brands that do still make them have quality control issues. I have narrowed my options to a brand new Traditions, Lyman/Investarms depending on stock, or Pedersoli. I would also entertain building a kit from Kiblers Long Rifles or other manufacturer, or buying a rifle second hand. A T/C Renegade or Hawken would actually be my first choice if I can find a good one due to the ease of putting on a skinner peep sight. The most I’m looking to spend is $800 but I can stretch it to a grand if it’s truly what I’m looking for. I appreciate any advice given and I apologize if this was recently asked as I am still learning to navigate the site.

Loyalist Dave · Dec 7, 2024

I'd say either peruse Pawn or Buy/Sell shops, and gun shops, or keep your eyes peeled here in the classifieds. Here folks usually post a good photo of the bore. 1 on 1 you'll need a good bore checking tool, AND be sure to check the bore first for it being loaded. There are a lot of percussion TC, CVA, and other rifles that come out right now, as folks want some $$$ for Christmas, and you see a small surge in availability at the beginning of April as people need tax money. Gun auctions can also be a great place to pick something up, but again, check the bore.

LD

Dustin.b.1776 · Dec 7, 2024

Loyalist Dave said:
I'd say either peruse Pawn or Buy/Sell shops, and gun shops, or keep your eyes peeled here in the classifieds. Here folks usually post a good photo of the bore. 1 on 1 you'll need a good bore checking tool, AND be sure to check the bore first for it being loaded. There are a lot of percussion TC, CVA, and other rifles that come out right now, as folks want some $$$ for Christmas, and you see a small surge in availability at the beginning of April as people need tax money. Gun auctions can also be a great place to pick something up, but again, check the bore.

LD

I greatly appreciate all the information. I’m actually looking at a CVA that’s currently posted on the site. I’ve read here and there about issues with certain CVAs, would you consider a good quality CVA on par with a TC? Thank you for the advice.

Loyalist Dave · Dec 7, 2024

Dustin.b.1776 said:
I greatly appreciate all the information. I’m actually looking at a CVA that’s currently posted on the site. I’ve read here and there about issues with certain CVAs, would you consider a good quality CVA on par with a TC? Thank you for the advice.

No not on par with TC, but too far off, and there are several brands of modern shotguns that I'd not say are equal but the lowest version of them I'd still hunt and shoot with. CVA was the "bargain" brand of it's day when it was in company with TC, that's all. Caplocks are pretty much trouble free compared to flinters.

LD

Dustin.b.1776 · Dec 7, 2024

Loyalist Dave said:
No not on par with TC, but too far off, and there are several brands of modern shotguns that I'd not say are equal but the lowest version of them I'd still hunt and shoot with. CVA was the "bargain" brand of it's day when it was in company with TC, that's all. Caplocks are pretty much trouble free compared to flinters.

LD

That makes sense, thank you for your help and advice. It looks like I’ll be keeping my eyes open for a used TC.

longcruise · Dec 7, 2024

Dustin.b.1776 said:
I greatly appreciate all the information. I’m actually looking at a CVA that’s currently posted on the site. I’ve read here and there about issues with certain CVAs, would you consider a good quality CVA on par with a TC? Thank you for the advice.

What @Loyalist Dave says is correct but I'll add that the CVA and Traditions have excellent barrels and they are quite accurate once their preferred load is determined. Staying with percussion at least initially is a good starting choice.

fifty caliber is an all around good choice for target and hunting. A 50 caliber is fine for deer and black bear. Black bear die easier than is commonly thought.

The rifle linked below is one that has been in production pretty much continuously at least since the 70's by both CVA and Traditions. The traditions 50 caliber version in percussion has a better lock than the older 45 caliber guns. This rifle has a good quality barrel and an earned reputation for accuracy.

Understand that this one is most suited to shooting balls.

https://www.deercreekproducts.net/s...entucky_Rifle_.50_Cal_Percussion_-_G2020.html

William Sublette · Dec 7, 2024

The best you can get , short of commissioning a custom rifle is a vintage Lyman Great Plains Rifle in .54

It will shoot lights out, looks right, is good for all the critters in the lower 48, and will last forever.

Plus it's a user....you can just use it without fear of dinging up an heirloom.

William Sublette · Dec 7, 2024

This one is awesome too.....on several levels.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...ompany-hawken-54-cal-added-sale-price.188159/

Dustin.b.1776 · Dec 7, 2024

longcruise said:
What @Loyalist Dave says is correct but I'll add that the CVA and Traditions have excellent barrels and they are quite accurate once their preferred load is determined. Staying with percussion at least initially is a good starting choice.

fifty caliber is an all around good choice for target and hunting. A 50 caliber is fine for deer and black bear. Black bear die easier than is commonly thought.

The rifle linked below is one that has been in production pretty much continuously at least since the 70's by both CVA and Traditions. The traditions 50 caliber version in percussion has a better lock than the older 45 caliber guns. This rifle has a good quality barrel and an earned reputation for accuracy.

Understand that this one is most suited to shooting balls.

https://www.deercreekproducts.net/s...entucky_Rifle_.50_Cal_Percussion_-_G2020.html

You’ve definitely given me some food for thought. Thank you for your advice.

William Sublette · Dec 7, 2024

If i didn't already have a .54 this one would be headed my way.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/lyman-great-plains-54-percussion.188178/

longcruise · Dec 7, 2024

@William Sublette Makes good suggestions. The main caveat as already mentioned above: be sure the bore is good on any used rifle.

Phil Coffins · Dec 7, 2024

I would consider a CVA, or a Traditions as the low end of products . They can be good and if you are handy and want something to work on that’s one route. Many times people that have them replace the lock and or trigger which adds to the expense. Some sights are touchy too. If looking at one of them pull the lock and see if it is like this on the inside, these I would pass on.

IMG_0403 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

longcruise · Dec 7, 2024

Phil Coffins said:
I would consider a CVA, or a Traditions as the low end of products . They can be good and if you are handy and want something to work on that’s one route. Many times people that have them replace the lock and or trigger which adds to the expense. Some sights are touchy too. If looking at one of them pull the lock and see if it is like this on the inside, these I would pass on.
IMG_0403 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

Yes, that is the old style lock that was on the previous cva and Traditions 45 caliber guns and is probably still used on the 45 guns. The newer 50 caliber guns have the bridled lock.

I agree for the most part with your assessment but do think these rifles are good starters and let a new trad shooter get a taste without busting the budget.

Phil Coffins · Dec 7, 2024

longcruise said:
Yes, that is the old style lock that was on the previous cva and Traditions 45 caliber guns and is probably still used on the 45 guns. The newer 50 caliber guns have the bridled lock.

I agree for the most part with your assessment but do think these rifles are good starters and let a new trad shooter get a taste without busting the budget.

He says he’d go to $800 so there’s no need to the lowest priced guns. Spend a few more and look for quality. I’ve sold some fine guns for under $500.

Dustin.b.1776 · Dec 7, 2024

Phil Coffins said:
I would consider a CVA, or a Traditions as the low end of products . They can be good and if you are handy and want something to work on that’s one route. Many times people that have them replace the lock and or trigger which adds to the expense. Some sights are touchy too. If looking at one of them pull the lock and see if it is like this on the inside, these I would pass on.
IMG_0403 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

How do you feel about the Lyman Great Plains mentioned above? I have no brand loyalty whatsoever, I’m just looking for the best product I can find. Thank you for your advice.

Tasbay · Dec 7, 2024

I was looking at TOW last night and they appear to have Great Plains rifles in stock. I would consider that worth an enquiry.

Phil Coffins · Dec 7, 2024

Dustin.b.1776 said:
How do you feel about the Lyman Great Plains mentioned above? I have no brand loyalty whatsoever, I’m just looking for the best product I can find. Thank you for your advice.

I consider them to be a much better product off the shelf. The only thing that is consistently needed is the set trigger adjustment screw is to short. Replacing it with a slightly longer screw allows the trigger to function to best advantage. Finding the small metric screw that is longer can be difficult so I tap the trigger plate for a screw that can be found then have a permanent fix.

wiscoaster · Dec 7, 2024

Based on your posting in the percussion rifles sub-forum and your stated budget a Kibler is not what you're looking for. They're flintlocks only and starting around $1200 including lock.

Phil Coffins · Dec 7, 2024

Tasbay’s suggestion is certainly worth a look. These rifles have a long track record of good service and using the fixed sight that comes with it you will have a rifle that you won’t need to upgrade for years to come.

Dustin.b.1776 · Dec 7, 2024

wiscoaster said:
Based on your posting in the percussion rifles sub-forum and your stated budget a Kibler is not what you're looking for. They're flintlocks only and starting around $1200 including lock.

Thank you for the information, I had merely noticed that had builders kits in stock that were close to my price range so I assumed they were worth the mention. My bad on that one, on the topic however do they make a good product should I ever decide to try my hands with flintlocks? Thank you for the help.

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