Replica Arms?

[glitch1187]

Just picked up a percussion .45 rifle with a 32" barrel that is stamped "Replica Arms" on the right (lock)side of the barrel. On the left, it's stamped "black powder only,.45 cal, Made in Spain".
It appears to be fully functional and not a wall hanger. Most folk on this forum are probably more knowledgeable than I, so if anyone has any knowledge of or feedback on this rifle, I'd be most appreciative.
Thanks, John

 

[Rifleman1776]

appears to be fully functional

The "appears" part scares me. Unless you are an experienced ml'er, do take it to someone who is and have them examine before you try shooting.
Have you checked for a load already down the barrel?
If not rusted junk and in otherwise good shape you should be OK to shoot it. But do have it checked first.

 

[hanshi]

Welcome to the forum, glitch1167. I think I'll have to agree with Rifleman. The gun should be checked by someone with considerable knowledge of these type guns. You may have a very serviceable rifle but it always pays to make sure.

 

[kruzer1]

There are some amazingly good replicas of muzzle loaders out there- they even have functional hammers however they are not actually muzzle loaders and may just blow up if loaded/used...

 

[Zonie]

Welcome to the Forum.

The reason it appears to be fully functional is because it is.

Your gun was made in Spain by Ardesa and imported by Replica Arms, a company that has been long out of business.

As the others have mentioned there are things to look for and the gun must never be loaded with smokeless powder of any kind.

Real black powder, Pyrodex, Seven7seven and other synthetic black powders specifically made for muzzleloading rifles may be used.

 

[mjulihn]

It is not uncommon to find an old muzzleloader still loaded. Insert a rod down the muzzle and mark the length at the crown. Compare this to the overall length of the barrel from crown to breech. If it is less, suspect a powder charge and projectile are present. Check back here for advice to remove safely...

 

[glitch1187]

Thanks all for the replies. I have already checked for loads, barrel condition, etc. Been collecting antique military arms for years, but any back-up reminders are welcome. I was just wondering about the "Replica Arms" logo. To find it was made in Ardesa reinforces my "warm fuzzy". Thanks. I'll give a range report soon.
John

 

[cynthialee]

It is not uncommon to find an old muzzleloader still loaded. Insert a rod down the muzzle and mark the length at the crown. Compare this to the overall length of the barrel from crown to breech. If it is less, suspect a powder charge and projectile are present. Check back here for advice to remove safely...

This needs to be drilled in all of our heads.

Not to long ago I picked up a used pistol and when I took it home I found a charge of smokeless with about an inch of hard packed wading over the powder.

That was a pipe bomb waiting to happen.

 

[outbackzack]

What she said.

My first muzzleloader was loaded when I eyed it up at the surplus store. I still bought it, and had an greybearded friend help me unload and check it out.

 

[ton]

I'm new to the Forum - I have heard that there are some repro Jaeger rifles around that look old but aren't. At a gun show I recently bought an expensive but beautiful Jaeger .72 cal. rifle, marked "Stedt" on the upper barrel. It looks real (converted from flintlock according to the dealer), but I wonder if anyone out there can advise me on how to tell a repro from a genuine Jaeger? - Smit