gzig5
Pilgrim
Hello,
Just joined today. I recently bought a used CVA Hawken Hunter in 54 cal and have been reading up on the basics here over the last couple weeks before heading out to the range this morning. I'm very familiar with other rifle, pistol, and shotgun platforms and competition but this is my first muzzleloader of my own. I managed to not blow myself up this morning using 70gr Goex 2F and patched ball, but did manage to load a ball without powder after a cease-fire interrupted my loading routine. Got the ball out at home by screwing a ball remover in on a shotgun cleaning rod and making it into a slide hammer. Worked well but I hope I don't have to repeat that often. That ball/patch is probably on the tight side and I was worried about getting it to start moving. The first shots until the screw-up were successful, but I have some work to do on the rifle. Was on paper and pretty well centered in two shots at 25 yards but ran out of elevation on the rear sight, which is a Williams receiver sight that is not designed for this rifle. Might be why it was a pretty good deal. Anyway, before I had to retire for the morning, I got two shots within 1.5 inches of each other but 6" low left at 50yds, so it shows some potential. After the ball was removed I gave the barrel a thorough cleaning with Birchwood Casey Muzzle Magic, then hot soapy water pumped in a bucket, and then boiling water poured down and pumped in the bucket with rod and patch. Figured I'd cover all the bases. Now will hit it with some oil and grease to prevent any rust. Need to figure out which of the 50-60 available products and methods to use. Seems everyone has a different opinion.
I inherited an old percussion rifle that I'll need some help with when the time comes. I'd like to get it shooting again. I'd figure it is from the mid-1800's. Looks like 45 cal, 42" barrel with a short stock that extends only about 14" from the lock. Lock still functions but needs work. We have a powder horn that supposedly accompanied it that has some names, stars, and "1887" carved on it. Looking forward to trying to find out more and get it working again.
I have a home machine shop and do my own barrel fitting and other gunsmithing tasks. Making sights for this thing shouldn't be a big deal and I may try my hand at improving the lockwork.
Anyway, that's enough for now. Looking forward to learning and hope I can contribute.
Greg Z
Gzig5
Just joined today. I recently bought a used CVA Hawken Hunter in 54 cal and have been reading up on the basics here over the last couple weeks before heading out to the range this morning. I'm very familiar with other rifle, pistol, and shotgun platforms and competition but this is my first muzzleloader of my own. I managed to not blow myself up this morning using 70gr Goex 2F and patched ball, but did manage to load a ball without powder after a cease-fire interrupted my loading routine. Got the ball out at home by screwing a ball remover in on a shotgun cleaning rod and making it into a slide hammer. Worked well but I hope I don't have to repeat that often. That ball/patch is probably on the tight side and I was worried about getting it to start moving. The first shots until the screw-up were successful, but I have some work to do on the rifle. Was on paper and pretty well centered in two shots at 25 yards but ran out of elevation on the rear sight, which is a Williams receiver sight that is not designed for this rifle. Might be why it was a pretty good deal. Anyway, before I had to retire for the morning, I got two shots within 1.5 inches of each other but 6" low left at 50yds, so it shows some potential. After the ball was removed I gave the barrel a thorough cleaning with Birchwood Casey Muzzle Magic, then hot soapy water pumped in a bucket, and then boiling water poured down and pumped in the bucket with rod and patch. Figured I'd cover all the bases. Now will hit it with some oil and grease to prevent any rust. Need to figure out which of the 50-60 available products and methods to use. Seems everyone has a different opinion.
I inherited an old percussion rifle that I'll need some help with when the time comes. I'd like to get it shooting again. I'd figure it is from the mid-1800's. Looks like 45 cal, 42" barrel with a short stock that extends only about 14" from the lock. Lock still functions but needs work. We have a powder horn that supposedly accompanied it that has some names, stars, and "1887" carved on it. Looking forward to trying to find out more and get it working again.
I have a home machine shop and do my own barrel fitting and other gunsmithing tasks. Making sights for this thing shouldn't be a big deal and I may try my hand at improving the lockwork.
Anyway, that's enough for now. Looking forward to learning and hope I can contribute.
Greg Z
Gzig5
