On one hand I would like to put together a .54 caliber Kibler rifle but I doubt I will have it done in time for hunting season in October. On the other hand a local gun shop has an 1858 Enfield Parker Hale Model its a good looker .577 caliber, the shop also has a Thompson Center Pennsylvania Hunter .50 caliber (flintlock). I was wondering which rifle of the three would best suit all year hunting and to that regard what other forum members use for a muzzleloader for an all year muzzleloader only hunt if any member has done that. Thanks for the input ahead of time.
ONE QUESTION that folks haven't mentioned..., Do You have a place to hunt yet? Is it private land? Because you're going to need that too, in addition to the rifle. You're looking at 100 yards or less, and the closer the better. Yes the Enfield is designed to go much farther, against human targets standing in a line during a battle, but deer hunting is different.
So in all three options some of your free time will be getting a place to hunt, and then looking around for a good spot to be ready when the season opens.
Have you checked the bores on the Enfield and the TC? First..., make sure they are not loaded, then check. Not a hollow warning..., there are lots of horror stories about pawn shops and LGS's offering used guns for sale and not having checked for a previous load....
PROS and CONS
PRO
Enfield..., Caplock, so avoids some of the problems of flinters, and pretty much can be made "all weather". It's already assembled. Uses a .58 projectiles, so no worries when you hit your deer... or elk.... or moose.....
Kibler Kit..., great reputation, and finished product is usually excellent. Several of his kits are available in the next few days for immediate shipping. Two available are in .58 and even with a .58 round ball, no worries on deer..., or elk..., or moose. Two are available in .45 for immediate shipping and that will give you low recoil, and be fine for deer. I'd choose a barrel over 39" IF you're going with one of the ones on sale. The barrel will be new, so no worries on a damaged, used bore. The most historically accurate of the flint options.
TC Pennsylvania Hunter..., has a good rep and a durable lock. Much of the TC products had the same locks, so although no longer made, parts are pretty common. TC adjustable sight as on other TC rifles, and is windage adjustable. Lots of aftermarket sights also available. Scope capable too for aging eyes as the years go on. Specifically made for patched, round ball and flintlock only restrictions in PA (hence the name) and any other place with such reg. 32" barrel, gives slightly longer sight plane than other half-stocked rifles. .50 will take deer, no worries, and it's already assembled.
CONS
Enfield..., that's a pretty good kick from that rifle if you use a conical. IF sights are not "on" then there may be a problem, depending on what type of sights are fitted. Triggers tend to be a bit heavy. Check the bore.
Kibler..., how long is the wait? You have four choices, two in .58 and two in .45, and otherwise, you have to wait for delivery if none of those options is for you. Plus you need to put it together. The most expensive of the options.
TC..., no longer made. Uses the standard TC adjustable sight, which is another area where parts might be a problem.
IF it was me with the limited time, and never having put a rifle together, I'd go with the TC. IF I had the time and the coin..., I'd opt for a .58 Kibler, and as I'm 60, and although blessed with far sight, and not needing glasses for much except up close, I still might just consider moving the rear sight a bit forward, and thus avoid having to do that in the future.
LD
