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Traditions is the "Harbor Freight Tools" of Muzzleloading?
- Thread starter Sixgun_Symphony
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doubleset
50 Cal.
What a blast from the past. I don't have the whakamole dies any longer, but I do still have the powder scoop set and chart.
doubleset
50 Cal.
Is there overtime in your "forth quarter" model?
Only for some. Many do not make it to half time.
Most successful bolt action ever was made of plain carbon steel with case harderned working surfaces, this was the ‘98 Mauser. Design is equally as important as material
True. Many like TC and Bill Ruger used to extoll the virtues of the lost wax casting process they used. I have always wondered if this method affects the metallurgy of the steel.
Old Hawkeye
50 Cal.
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I believe one goes forth. Fourth would be the one after the third.
Hoping to make it to next week.
While raising a family, I shot what I could afford. My first rifle was a used T/C Hawken bought at a Pawnshop for $150 on lay-a-way around 1986 (I then had to go to the ML shop and spend another $50 for shooting supplies!).
In the past 10 years, I collected older CVAs as the barrels were usually a 1-66” twist and they didn’t have “Please read instructions before use” written anywhere on them. I’ve also bought a few Traditions. While the fit and finish aren’t bad, I’ve been a little unhappy with other details or the lack of attention to, such as shavings in the lock mortise, a set trigger assembly with a crooked plate, or barrel not pinned all the way in the stock, to name a few.
When I started this hobby (addiction actually, hence the moniker) there were dozens of manufacturers and importers. Now we’re down to mostly Traditions, Lyman, and Pedersoli for sidelocks. Although, Investarms seems to have stepped up their game with the introduction of the “Gemmer” Hawken (formerly Lyman Great Plains Rifle). Ardesa, who makes Traditions has their own models but mostly for the European market.
I’m not a crafty person so building my own has not happened yet even with something as simple as a Kibler kit (my lower back doesn’t like barrels over 38”). It’s nice for folks to have a choice of lesser expensive muzzleloaders to become introduced into the hobby. However, at my age, I sold most of my factory guns and modern unmentionables to afford some nice custom pieces. On the other hand, I used to love beating the guys shooting custom rifles with my cheap production guns!
Thanks!
Walt
P.S.: Harbor Freight was also my best option while raising a family!
In the past 10 years, I collected older CVAs as the barrels were usually a 1-66” twist and they didn’t have “Please read instructions before use” written anywhere on them. I’ve also bought a few Traditions. While the fit and finish aren’t bad, I’ve been a little unhappy with other details or the lack of attention to, such as shavings in the lock mortise, a set trigger assembly with a crooked plate, or barrel not pinned all the way in the stock, to name a few.
When I started this hobby (addiction actually, hence the moniker) there were dozens of manufacturers and importers. Now we’re down to mostly Traditions, Lyman, and Pedersoli for sidelocks. Although, Investarms seems to have stepped up their game with the introduction of the “Gemmer” Hawken (formerly Lyman Great Plains Rifle). Ardesa, who makes Traditions has their own models but mostly for the European market.
I’m not a crafty person so building my own has not happened yet even with something as simple as a Kibler kit (my lower back doesn’t like barrels over 38”). It’s nice for folks to have a choice of lesser expensive muzzleloaders to become introduced into the hobby. However, at my age, I sold most of my factory guns and modern unmentionables to afford some nice custom pieces. On the other hand, I used to love beating the guys shooting custom rifles with my cheap production guns!
Thanks!
Walt
P.S.: Harbor Freight was also my best option while raising a family!
Erwan
45 Cal.
No more, this time is over...
I challenge you to find an Ardesa/Traditions gun that is not a bottom of stock or drawer: even spare parts we have a lot of trouble to get them, including in Spain: whoever does not know how to repair or rework his parts has no other choice than to buy Pedersoli...... except for some parts in Germany at Artax.de for example: Vorderlader, Sharps, Lee Wiederladen | Artax Vorderlader . Ardesa/Traditions is finished for the European market...
No more, this time is over...
I challenge you to find an Ardesa/Traditions gun that is not a bottom of stock or drawer: even spare parts we have a lot of trouble to get them, including in Spain: whoever does not know how to repair or rework his parts has no other choice than to buy Pedersoli...... except for some parts in Germany at Artax.de for example: Vorderlader, Sharps, Lee Wiederladen | Artax Vorderlader . Ardesa/Traditions is finished for the European market...
I only mentioned them (Ardesa) because all I can find online are shops in Europe selling them and videos made by users there, also.
Walt
Erwan
45 Cal.
I understand what you mean and say, on Youtube you can actually see a lot of things, but it is now more the sales of Traditions Firearms in the USA than Ardesa/Traditions in Europe .
In fact the only production is now Pedersoli and a little Chiappa (hard to find) ...... or Dedinski, but there it is very expensive: Finest hand crafted muzzleloaders
In fact the only production is now Pedersoli and a little Chiappa (hard to find) ...... or Dedinski, but there it is very expensive: Finest hand crafted muzzleloaders
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I love my 36cal Shenandoah I shoot round ball and Maxi ball deadly accurate.
doubleset
50 Cal.
Hot take: People that hate Traditions hate poor people and are elitists.
The guns are outstanding value and quality for the money, and can hold their own against just about ANY multi thousand dollar custom. They let working guys do the sport and not go broke. Are they 100% authentic? No, but they’re fun and that’s what counts.
The guns are outstanding value and quality for the money, and can hold their own against just about ANY multi thousand dollar custom. They let working guys do the sport and not go broke. Are they 100% authentic? No, but they’re fun and that’s what counts.
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Sounds like the same divide amongst enthusiasts of another very popular type of "unmentionable" doesn't it.
. I outgrew giving people manure for their choices on how to spend their own money a long time ago.
Sidney Smith
58 Cal.
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I don't agree with the hating poor people line. Just because someone may prefer to buy better quality gear, has no bearing on who he may like or dislike. I don't fault someone who can't afford better than Traditions, but at the same time, I feel Traditions produces low quality firearms as compared to others. I don't see how this can be construed as being elitist.
The same could be said the other way as well, People that can't afford better guns must hate those who can afford better!. Looked at another way, it's noone's fault that someone else can or cannot afford something.
doubleset
50 Cal.
Just as an aside, notice how "hate" has come to mean "be critical of in any way" or even just "not supportive of"? 
I just hate that.
I just hate that.
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