Traditions Frontier Gander Combo

[BP Addict]

I picked this up at our annual Heritage Fair in February. It’s a Traditions Frontier Gander combo with two barrels; 36 and 50 calibers. I read somewhere Gander Mountain sold them.

Back in the 90s, they sold this set, but the 50 cal was a 1-66” twist. Both of these are 1-48" Oh well. I plan on using the 36 for paper and the 50 for steel. I started with the 36 first. I’ll move on to the 50 next month. Both barrels have Williams sights like the ones Thompson Center used. I never liked them, but I have problems with dim light. The rear sight allows more light around the front.

I was using .018 Ticking with Bumbling Bear Grease, Hornady .350 RB, and 3f GOEX (old formula). While I didn’t wipe between shots (smaller calibers tend to be dirtier than larger), I did put a cleaning patch on my jag while pushing the ball down which seemed to help with accuracy. Without that, the first ball would be dead on and the rest higher. Tomorrow, I try a new wet lube.

 

[BP Addict]

More Targets.

 

[JeffG]

None of those targets are anything to sneeze at. Nice shooting. However, if you are looking for more consistency, try wiping between shots with denatured alcohol, and seating your balls to a consistent pressure by placing your rifle's butt on an analog bathroom scale. In my experience, shot to shot variances come down to crud in the bore, and seating pressure.

 

[BP Addict]

None of those targets are anything to sneeze at. Nice shooting. However, if you are looking for more consistency, try wiping between shots with denatured alcohol, and seating your balls to a consistent pressure by placing your rifle's butt on an analog bathroom scale. In my experience, shot to shot variances come down to crud in the bore, and seating pressure.

Thanks! Shots were all bench-rested. I agree with everything you said! Will work on variables tomorrow!

Walt

 

[BP Addict]

I went looking for more patches for tomorrow. Much to my surprise, I realized the ones I was using were not Bumbling Bear Grease. They were from T/C coated with Bore Butter. No wonder they seemed a bit thick and well-coated!

Walt

 

[Hermit Tim]

Good shooting. And a nice little rifle set. I didn't know Traditions made a .36 until a few months ago. A guy had one on GunBroker I was watching. Given my situation at that time I couldn't buy it but, if I recall correctly, it did say in the listing that it came from Gander Mountain. Twas a nice looking rifle. I think you'll enjoy your .36. that's a fun caliber to shoot and it will make a dandy squirrel rifle if you are so inclined.

 

[Hermit Tim]

I went looking for more patches for tomorrow. Much to my surprise, I realized the ones I was using were not Bumbling Bear Grease. They were from T/C coated with Bore Butter. No wonder they seemed a bit thick and well-coated!

Walt

I use a .350 ball in my CVA .36 with very thin patches. Don't know the thickness but I'd guess no more than 0.010ish. works great in that particular barrel. But we know all barrels are different.

 

[BP Addict]

I use a .350 ball in my CVA .36 with very thin patches. Don't know the thickness but I'd guess no more than 0.010ish. works great in that particular barrel. But we know all barrels are different.

I love a tight patch and ball combo. Pillow Ticking makes for a great gas seal. It's also thick enough to prevent blowout.

Walt

 

[Hermit Tim]

I love a tight patch and ball combo. Pillow Ticking makes for a great gas seal. It's also thick enough to prevent blowout.

Walt

I used to shoot ticking patches all the time. And still do if a particular barrel needs them. But, for some reason, the two or three rifles I shoot the most these days seem to do better with thinner. I've never measured the bores on these guns so they might be a bit tight.

 

[Des52]

I bought this rifle in kit form from Gander in the 70s and it was the most accurate gun I had until I bought my Pedersoli Frontier .36 flintlock. They both shoot better than I can see anymore. The .36 was my go to small game gun and the .50 was my go to target gun and still is.