Another Newbie To Make Smoke

[Tahquamenon]

This coming weekend, I'll be introducing yet another new individual to the realm of muzzleloader shooting.

We will be using a T/C 45cal Hawkin caplock, Swiss BP and PRB. I figured that the .45 would be good one to start out on as it's also one the lighter rifles I have yet being a .45, will also not have much if any recoil if loaded with target loads (shoots like a 22lr in fact).

Hopefully he will enjoy shooting a muzzleloader as much as I'll enjoy having him shoot one.

:thumbsup:

 

[Tahquamenon]

Had a great time shooting 100 PRB's from the .45 at 25 and 50 yards. BTW, never swabbed the bore during two 50 shot sessions (each of us took turns and fired 25 times each session).

T/C .45 cal Hawken. .44 rb, .015 patch, 40 grains Swiss 3FG (Target load).

Hopefully we have another ML'er getting hooked, as I just got a call last night again thanking me for taking him shooting and was asking when we can go again.

:thumbsup:

 

I'm doing this myself. I have a really good friend who has been wanting to get into muzzleloading but just hasn't had the means. I'm really into flintlocks and gun building lately, and I have just lost any interest I had in percussion guns at all.

Well, I have a T/C Hawken .54 that the gentleman who helped me get started in this hobby gave to me out of the goodness of his heart. He had built the rifle from a kit a long time ago, and had several others, so he gave it to me and wouldn't let me give him any money for it. It's pretty much been hanging on the wall collecting dust for quite a few years now.

I couldn't see selling it for money, since it was given to me, so in the same spirit as it was given to me, I passed it on and gave it to my buddy last night to get him started. He didn't see it coming, and didn't know what to say. At first he thought I was just loaning it to him so he could hunt with it this year... I said, "No... it's yours." "You mean, you're GIVING me this gun?" "Yes sir." I told him how it was given to me, and that I didn't think the person who gave it to me would be upset with me passing it on to get someone else started. At least I hope not. :front:

I gave him some patches and the cleaning jag for it, and I still have to round up the cappers and caps, and nipple wrench, spare nipple, etc. Told him about the T/C warranty, and also told him he needs to contact them and get a new ramrod for it, as the one that's in it is old and unsafe, and I'd be afraid to use it for it breaking and going through your hand. All he should need to get after that is a possibles bag, a short-starter, some round ball, a horn and some powder, and he'll be on his way!

It felt really good... and warmed my heart to know I was getting someone else involved, and the gun would be used and not just sitting on the wall collecting dust any more. I now look forward to spending more time with him teaching him about it, and taking him to the next level. Who knows... maybe before too long we'll be making primitive clothing together and I'll have a buddy who wants to go to rendezvous with me! :front:

 

[Mulebrain]

Tahquamenon,

I am very impressed by these good deeds! This will come back in such a positive way. Job well done!

My hats off to ya :hatsoff:


StaticXD00d,

What a super thing to do! The act is priceless, and I applauded you for doing it! :applause:

I remember my best friend, who served 2 tours in Vietnam as a combat engineer. He always told me how he would only carry the M1, and never would touch a mouse gun!

Well, when I was collecting, restoring and shooting competition with them I made a decision!

I restored one, and shipped it to him for a Christmas present. He called me on the phone before he opened it.
He thought it was some kind of joke! When he tore that box open, he said this is the greatest gift I have ever received! God I felt grand that day!

I remeber a time when I visited him. I had just cleaned out the rental car. I packed, and left his house. Well about 75 miles later, I had to hit the brake kinda hard on I-10. All of the sudden a wooden box slide out from under the seat. This is what it was

A brand new modle 27 .357 Smith and Wesson, that he had bought while in the Army. Things like this help make life worth living!

Congrats to you both! Your building memories that will last a lifetime and maybe longer!

 

[Tahquamenon]

StaticXD00d Right on!!!

I've given away several ML's (all caplocks) to new ML folks.
Working on a caplock right now that was a turd that I pick up cheap at a garage sale. If this latest newbie continues to show interest, he'll have himself a revived caplock of his own in excellent shooting condition.

Also snagged last night, a Cabela's (Investarms) 50 cal Hawken caplock for $25. Needs to be cleaned and a new ramrod otherwise it's in excellent shape, bore is like a mirror. I've another in mind for that rifle.

A young lady I know through work, really seems to like to shoot muzzleloaders and has gone with me to my shooting range a few times. She called a few weeks ago and wants to go shooting again and mentioned she might like to hunt my property this coming fall. So looks like I may have another caplock to start someone else on. :thumbsup:

Thanks Mule Brain! I try to take a newbie out as much as I can. Mostly shooting caplocks and PRB with target loads.
BTW, Sweeet S&W Model 27! I love mine, right beside the bed in a hand safe. (oops! can I say that here? )

:hatsoff: eace:

 

[Zonie]

"...right beside the bed in a hand safe. (oops! can I say that here? ) "

NO! WE cannot talk about beds here.

:: :: ::

 

[TxRambler]

There are very few people shootong muzzleloaders at the range where I shoot. Most folks are naturally curious (and have an interest in guns anyway, or they wouldn't be there). Rare is the trip that I make were I don't give at least one lesson, occasionally to entire scout or church groups of youths. I enjoy teaching newbies almost as much as shooting.

 

[Tahquamenon]

I enjoy teaching newbies almost as much as shooting.

Me too! Sometimes even more. Little more satisfying than helping someone to experience either something they have never had the opportunity to or something they have always been hesitant of doing.

:hatsoff: