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Best Value for the $
- Thread starter avery
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My vote is also for a used T/C. I got a used T/C hawken in 45 several years ago at a black powder and antique arms show here in Michigan that set me back a whopping $125. I also still have my first muzzleloader, a CVA hawken in 50 that still shoots better than I am capable of. Both are hawkens, and both feel completely different, and both shoot targets well, and are both respectable with either patched round ball or conicals. Pick up several and handle them, see what you like best. Oftentimes don't pass up pawn shops either. They will often have them used, and will be priced pretty low, and may haggle even further still if they really want to move them. Most importantly is to check the bore and make sure it is clean, and there is not one stuck in there (made that mistake myself once).
Walks with fire
54 Cal.
I have a couple TC rifles and they are a good rifle and not too expensive. I think you need to find the rifle that fits you right first. If TC fits you good they are a good buy.
I never considered Lyman rifles but I wanted a .54 and I didn't like the Great Plains rifles but the Deerstalker fits me good and it shoots better than any ball rifle I ever owned and even new it was around $450 bucks. I was just looking at a 100 yard target today laying in the back seat of my SUV shot earlier this fall; 5 shots inside 2", 90 grains Goex 3f. I don't need any better than that. It shoots just as good at shorter ranges with much less powder too. Great light load plinking rifle.
I never considered Lyman rifles but I wanted a .54 and I didn't like the Great Plains rifles but the Deerstalker fits me good and it shoots better than any ball rifle I ever owned and even new it was around $450 bucks. I was just looking at a 100 yard target today laying in the back seat of my SUV shot earlier this fall; 5 shots inside 2", 90 grains Goex 3f. I don't need any better than that. It shoots just as good at shorter ranges with much less powder too. Great light load plinking rifle.
Billnpatti
Cannon
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I don't know if you have checked the touch hole diameter on your CVA but, as you probably already know, it should be at least 1/16 inch or just a tad bit bigger. I don't remember then number of the next size drill bit (the numbered bits not those with fraction of an inch sizes) but you can go up to that size and it will, or should, improve your ignition. Those small holes are a pain.
don hepler
58 Cal.
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Talking about a conical, for a TC. My hunting partner, use to rave over the R.E.A.L. bullets. Lee, made the molds, and maybe still does. He was one of the best hunters, that I've ever known. At the time I was shooting, Maxi-balls, and I never got in to casting. Now, I prefer the Patched round ball, however, I am using a round ball barrel. I really don't see that much difference in the 1:48 and the round ball barrel, except I can push it a little faster and maintain accuracy. In the 1:48, I use 60-70 grains, for best accuracy.
Nobody here can tell you what you want.
What are you interested in? History, hunting, target shooting....???
Lotsa brands and custom builds out there. All have their advantages/disadvantages.
What is your budget?
What are you interested in? History, hunting, target shooting....???
Lotsa brands and custom builds out there. All have their advantages/disadvantages.
What is your budget?
Ummmmm....
This is the percussion forum so I must disagree with your 1/16" (.062) hole size recommendation.
The hole thru a percussion nipple should be smaller than 1/32 (.031) in size.
I mention this because I've seen new shooters drill out the hole that goes thru a nipple only to be surprised when firing the gun blows the hammer back to half or even full ****.
This is the percussion forum so I must disagree with your 1/16" (.062) hole size recommendation.
The hole thru a percussion nipple should be smaller than 1/32 (.031) in size.
I mention this because I've seen new shooters drill out the hole that goes thru a nipple only to be surprised when firing the gun blows the hammer back to half or even full ****.
Yep my Mt Stalker is a percussion lock.
The issue is the CVA breach. I need to be sure to have the hammer at half **** when I load it so that powder gets blown down into the breach and nipple port. I tend to do this anyways with all my rifles as a matter of course but if I forget...
The issue is the CVA breach. I need to be sure to have the hammer at half **** when I load it so that powder gets blown down into the breach and nipple port. I tend to do this anyways with all my rifles as a matter of course but if I forget...
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ImVho, the BEST 1st ML is a cheap/serviceable/used one, by any of the major makers, that you can use to learn on/build skills & by the time that you "outgrow it" you can use it for "trading material".
(IF you ever do decide to sell it.)
Fwiw, I bought a .54 cal CVA Mountain Rifle about 10 years ago for 65.oo at a "garage sale". - It needed "a serious general cleaning up" & is still my "go to rifle" for BAD WEATHER HUNTING.
(I'm primarily a hunter, rather than a living history guy. - Between crossbow season, modern & ML seasons AND the "365 day season" on bunnies/hogs/exotics here in south TX, there are NO days that I cannot lawfully hunt.)
BE PATIENT & I'd bet that you find a bargain in a "perfectly acceptable" used ML.
just my humble opinion, satx
(IF you ever do decide to sell it.)
Fwiw, I bought a .54 cal CVA Mountain Rifle about 10 years ago for 65.oo at a "garage sale". - It needed "a serious general cleaning up" & is still my "go to rifle" for BAD WEATHER HUNTING.
(I'm primarily a hunter, rather than a living history guy. - Between crossbow season, modern & ML seasons AND the "365 day season" on bunnies/hogs/exotics here in south TX, there are NO days that I cannot lawfully hunt.)
BE PATIENT & I'd bet that you find a bargain in a "perfectly acceptable" used ML.
just my humble opinion, satx
Thanks again guys, great advice and I will shop around and see whats out there. No rush at the moment. I will most likely use this for plinking & target shooting. I will try to keep the price low so used is where I'll be looking at 1st.
