MTCossack
32 Cal.
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2018
- Messages
- 82
- Reaction score
- 31
Col. Batguano said:I would say rather than look at different guns and models to start with, that you should make a list of the actual FEATURES you find most attractive, together with your perceived NEED or primary purpose for the gun before you start shopping. Otherwise, it's awfully easy to get overwhelmed, because they ALL have their attractive points.
If this is to be a "general purpose" gun, and you hunt big tough game, like Alaskan Brown Bears, then your needs will be significantly different than someone only intends to shoot paper targets on woods walks.
Well, my purpose hasn't changed since the first post, but I've narrowed down my preferences a bit: I want a custom or semi-custom (like TVM or Tip Curtis) long rifle. I'm pretty sure I want a Lancaster or Bucks County style (or similar). I haven't totally ruled out a southern/Tennessee style, but am leaning more towards Pennsylvania colonial styles. I want a swamped barrel, but am still hmming and hawing over length: 38" or 42" (or longer!). I know I'd take a .54, but I don't think I'd walk away from a .50 caliber that was otherwise right. I'm most likely only going to hunt deer and pronghorns with it anyway. I'd have to be very confident with myself and my gun before I go after Elk, and I'd have to find a good spot. I have a hard enough time getting a decent shot at them with my .30-06. It'll mostly be riverbottom whitetails.
I've chatted with a few custom makers, TVM, and Tip Curtis (on the phone). I've had quotes from just under $1200 for a TN Poor Boy Style to $1600 for a nicer wood Lancaster county gun (and of course, plenty in the $2K+ range). That's all for simple guns with no major ornamentation. Looking at a few used options as well.
I'll keep you posted! I'm trying to be patient and wait until I find just the right one, while still giving myself time to get to knwo my gun before next fall.