Ordered an Early Virginia from TVM

[Robert Wilson]

I ordered an Early Virginia, exactly the way I wanted it, from TVM on 4 November, 2014. Yesterday, I got an email saying Matt was ready to build it! I'm pretty excited. My thanks to all of you who have had something to say about your experiences with TVM, both the positive and the negative. You gave me an awful lot to think about, over the last ten months!

We'll see what happens...

 

[jethro224]

:thumbsup: I bet you'll like it.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Thanks, Jethro, I'm hoping for the best.

 

[kh0456]

And I'm sure the best is what you'll get! Be sure to post photos when you get it. :grin:

 

[William O.]

I have an Early Virginia transitional rifle in left hand from TVM and I dearly love it.

 

[Robert Wilson]

I thank you both, gentlemen, for the kind words. Let's hope I'm smart enough to figure out how to post a photograph of this rifle, when it comes!

I have a nice stash of pure lead standing by. I think it's time to buy a .530 mold and start "running ball". My .50 Lyman Plains Rifle has never failed me, on game, but I think that a .54 will result in improved blood trails. If it works as well as I hope, I am inclined to get my Lyman bored-out to .54, as well. Then, I just need a coyote and bunny-basher, (I am currently torn between .36 and .40 caliber), and I will be all set, "for the duration"!

Be well, all!

 

[kh0456]

If you need help with the photos, send me a PM. I'll give you a hand.
I've got a .36 TVM flint that is my absolute best rifle I own!

 

[Robert Wilson]

Thanks, Johnny! I'll be taking your offer, "to the bank"!

That's a mighty pretty rifle!

 

[freaswh]

Don't count on "improved blood trails". My go to rifle is a 54 full stock flint Hawken that I built 30 years ago. 90% of the stuff I've shot with it left little or no blood trail .. down before they went far enough to need to trail.

 

[jethro224]

, and I will be all set, "for the duration"!

:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: Yeah right! It never ends!

Smoothbore.
Pistol.
Musket.
Ooooooo... look at that purty rifle...
and on and on and on...

 

[Robert Wilson]

NICE! I guess, "DRT" trumps a blood trail!

It seems like my shots tend to happen on quartering deer, rather than broadside, and, unlike many on this forum, I almost never get a pass-thru with a .490 patched ball and 100 grains of ffg. I'm hoping the increased weight of a .530, with a similar load, will help with that. But don't get me wrong, I am very confident with my .50cal. A well hit animal does not go far, in any case.

 

[Robert Wilson]

You are wise, Jethro!

I guess I forgot to mention the pistol...

But seriously, at this point in my life, my current mantra has been, "fewer guns/better guns". I am not a collector, but I do seem to be an accumulator... I'm trying to work on reducing the size and scope of my "firearm footprint".

That said, it has been a constant challenge. I am a good man, but I am a weak man....

 

[Chevythunderman]

When I started all I had was a investarms .50 percussion then all I ever wanted was a flintlock in anything.....Now I'm building rifles from scratch and keep thinking about the next rifle or smoothie or pistol I want...Good luck and can't wait to see the pics of the rife!!

 

[Micah Clark]

I am building a TVM late lancaster right now in .32 Flint - LH . . .squirrels beware . . though it will probably be next fall at the rate I am going. It is my first build, but I have no complaints with TVM so far. Not real fond of sand cast brass parts . . LOTS of work to clean them up, but that's not TVM's fault. I just know why wax cast parts cost more now, but they are probably worth it.

 

[majg1234]

I have a 58cal EV from TVM.I am quite pleased with it though the deer don't like it much :rotf: You will not be disappointed in it :thumbsup:

 

[Robert Wilson]

I appreciate your encouraging words! I am reminded of the beautiful photographs that Roundball posted of his beautiful rifles, laying next to equally beautiful whitetail bucks! Just about the nicest muzzleloader photographs I've ever seen, anywhere. He is quite fond of the .58, as I recall. I'll bet those deer don't like your rifle any more than they do, his!

Good luck to you, Sir!

 

[Brokennock]

I have a TVM Early Virginia smooth rifle. .62 bore, ball for deer, shot for turkey and small game, including coyotes, great all around gun. Very happy with it, I hope you will be just as happy with yours, and I believe you will be, maybe even happier.

 

[jfaldo]

My iron mounted Southern Basic should ship tomorrow from TVM so I should have it in my hands before the weeks out. Will give you my impressions of it when it arrives. My first TVM rifle but don't really expect anything but good. They have been very professional and pleasant to deal with so far. Congrats on the now seemingly long wait on yours. Though it's really short compared to some other custom guns. I've waited for over 2 years for some :snore:

 

[Grizzly Adams]

I have only purchased kits, but quality was first rate and they turned out very well!

 

[Robert Wilson]

Brokennock, you took a coyote with shot, out of your smoothbore? Wow!

I am really looking forward to "squeezing the rabbit", down here, with my new TVM, this winter. Coyotes are thick, and I have a mountain lion tag burning a hole in my pocket, because you just never know...

Be well and good luck!