New Muzzleloader

[pseibel]

Hi, I am new to muzzleloading. I am a weapons collector when I can afford it I have long wanted the Thompson, Hawkins model. Sat. I went to a garage sale and there it was I think it is model 5424. No rust great shape every accessory that goes with shooting this fine weapon for the still unbeliveable price of $115.00. But I have no working knowledge of this weapon I have been studying it like I do with all my new toys before I attempt to shoot it. There was no owners manual so I have sent away for one from Thompson. Can any one shower me with the knowledge I need to work this weapon? I have a powder measure, bullets, powder, pre lubed pads, starter. Any other hints would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Pork Chop]

Where in Florida are you?

TC will send you a manual - just call them and ask. It has lots of useful information, but it is a bit sterile in its writing. I am sure that there are several on this forum that can give you tips on ball sizes, patch thicknesses, powder and so forth. My best suggestion is to start out with what TC recommends and experiment from there.

Ya done good on that one!

 

[44-henry]

I've owned quite a few TC's over the years and they have all been excellent rifles and pistols. Just this weekend I bought a very early TC Hawken in 45 caliber from an auction, included was an older TC booklet on how to care and shoot for their guns, it is an excellent writeup, though any good muzzleloader handbook will give you all you need to know. What a great deal, your a very lucky man. I suspect the number you mention is the serial number, making it probably a rather early rifle, what caliber is it. TC made two different rifles in the early days, a Seneca in 36 and 45 caliber and the Hawken in 45 and 50 calibers. The Seneca is a very light rifle and will have a brass toe plate on the stock and a 13/16" barrel, the Hawken has the 15/16". If you can give me your rifles information I can tell you TC's recommended loads for the time.

 

[pseibel]

This is the one, http://www.wholesalehunter.net/outdoor_sports/Thompson-Center/Thompson-Center-5024-Rifles.html
Still can't belive the price I got it for . I think a whole new world has opened up to me. Now I'm going to have to get a black powder pistol to go with the rifle, and a powder horn and a coon skin hat and...
I e-mailed Thompson yesterday about a manual and recived a reply today that one was in the mail. Nice customer relations.
Pork chop I live in Deltona about 1 1/2 hrs south of you.

 

[Bob J]

Majicman- I shoot at the Sebastian Public Range just off I-95. Its probably a bit of a drive from Deltona. I think you're roughly in-between Pork Chop and me. But if you ever get down that way and want to go shooting just let me know. Or if you have a range near you, maybe the Florida Forum members could get together and make some smoke.

 

[pseibel]

Sounds good .My job takes me all over FL. from Tallahassee to Fort Myers.

 

[shaggyshooter]

Hey majicman, Try the NRA web site, www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/findlocal.asp?State=FL. or try www.wheretoshoot.org .This one is for the link to the National Association of Shooting Ranges. :thumbsup:

 

[pseibel]

Thanks for that link I just found some more in my area I wasn't aware of including muzzleloading