Identification help?

[Friar_Tuck]

Ok guys,
Another topic on the CVA mountain rifle has got me thinking. I bought this rifle this winter at a gunshow. It was $50 out the door. It looked to be a kit that no one bothered to do anything on, in the white. The only markings I can see are:

50 Cal. Connecticut Valley Arms, Inc. black powder only MADE IN USA 0000184

The rod thimbles are 6 sided, and the patchbox has 4 screws.
Is this a mountain rifle?
if I decide to sell this beast, what is a fair price to expect?
As my questions probably tell you, I am new to this stuff. After shooting various modern, and Milsurp rifles for years, I have recently developed an interest in Black powder. i am now building a Vincent from TOTW.

 

[Rebel]

Yep, 32" barrel with 1-66 twist rate. If you want to resell it send me a PM.

 

[Friar_Tuck]

Thanks,
Now for the next newbie question. What ball diameter, patch material/thickness/lube, powder charge would be a good starting point?
Friar

 

[Norskie]

Tuck,
Start with a .490 ball, ~.015" patch, lube with crisco, 60gr Goex ffg.
Shoot from a bench and I guess I'd vary the patch thickness first.
It's a simple engineering study; you vary one factor at a time.
Check some threads about lubes, but it's hard to get cheaper than crisco.
Or send me the gun and I'll study on it awhile...

 

[silverfox]

Frier: Yep that a Mountain rifle alright. Its one of the Douglas barreled guns. Should be and excellent shooter. Mine shot well with 50gr for target out to 100yds Hunting load of 80 to 90 still held good group at 100yds. The gun is better than most of us can handle. Value I won't say except it was a good deal and everybody on the forum would have jumped at that deal.
Glad to have you join this great hobby.
Fox :thumbsup:

 

[Swampman]

"Its one of the Douglas barreled guns."

Can anyone prove this? Please! I'm serious.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Tuck,
Start with a .490 ball, ~.015" patch, lube with crisco, 60gr Goex ffg.
Shoot from a bench and I guess I'd vary the patch thickness first.
It's a simple engineering study; you vary one factor at a time.
Check some threads about lubes, but it's hard to get cheaper than crisco.
Or send me the gun and I'll study on it awhile...

If just plinking or target shooting, I go for spit patches, (spit is cheaper than Crisco) keeps the fouling down and one can go many shots without swabbing or wiping.

Greased or lubed patches, I reserve those for hunting or trekking, where the piece would be loaded for hours, or all day.

 

[Friar_Tuck]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I think I better hang on to this one, as I won't be able to replace it. i was hoping for a beater to take in the woods for deer, and this one sounds perfect. As it is midwinter up here, it may be a bit before I can put your suggestions to practice. in the meantime I will be casting some balls and such. Once again, thanks for the great site!
Friar :thumbsup: