TVM-I went and did it

[HOGGHEAD]

Well guys, thanks for your help. I went and ordered my TVM today. I ordered the Early Lancaster model with the brass trim. No patchbox. I also went with the swamped barrel as you guys recommended. And the last feature
I added was the top grade of Maple that they offer. I think it should be a really nice rifle. I have originally ordered it in 50 caliber. I am still deliberating between 50 and 54 caliber. But I wanted to get the order in, so I went with the 50 caliber for now.

Did I miss anything that I should have ordered?? I need to know if I did??

I am realy hoping to get it before ground hog season!! Thanks, Tom.

 

[sepiatone]

You did good! :thumbsup: How long does it take to get it?

 

Matt, and his people do a good job. A .54 in the same profile will give you a slightly lighter gun. Also if you have a choice of lock, ask for the deluxe Siler, it will be a noticable improvement for only a few bucks. You made some good choices, even if you don't change anything. The fifty will handle most anything in West Virginia, but I'd be more happy with a fifty-four if I were to hunt Black Bear.

Bill

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Toni wasn't there. Another gentleman took my order. I did not get his name, but he was not Toni's husband. I think the husband's name is Matt??

Well anyhow the fellow said the same thing Toni told me. About six months. So I should have it for ground hog hunting season.

I wanted to do a little wood carving, but that was just a little more than I could afford.

I hope I didn't make a mistake by leaving off the patch box. But I can't see paying extra for wood jut to cover most of it up??

And I think I can save up some more money and maybe send it to someone for some carvinmg next year. I imagine there are some guys out there that can do carvings after the stock is done?? Or at least I hope. But if not-then I can live with that. Tom.

 

[hanshi]

Your current setup is excellent. Nothing wrong with a .50 though I, too, would prefer .54. Patchboxes don't really get much use and is more of a decoration than anything else. I agree something on the order of a Deluxe Siler or Golden age might be a step up.

 

[bowkill]

You will be very happy. I would go with the 54 for the weight.

 

[bchannell]

I've had my Late Lancaster .40 TVM for a bit over a month now, and still haven't had a chance to fire it. You will not be sorry you ordered the gun, they are beautiful, and Matt and his crew do fantastic work. I think you made all the right choices, right down to leaving the patch box off. I did the same thing, and am glad I did. They are decoration, and if you like them, there's nothing wrong with one, and they are more PC correct, but not a biggie to leave off.
I would go with the Deluxe Siler, great lock.

I know what you mean about being undecided about the choices, I was the same way. BUT, you should finalize your choice as soon as you can. If you were asked to be moved up on the schedule, should an opening arise, then you'll get what's on order at that time. I was changing my mind right up til the end, when I got a email saying Matt was ready to start my gun. When I called to pay for it, and make some changes, Toni told me Matt was standing there holding my finished gun! I'm glad I couldn't make any more changes, as I like it just the way it is. I know it's hard to decide, but try to finalize what you want.

They are fine people at TVM and you really couldn't ask for a finer group to do business with. They'll do right by you and treat you like family.

 

[hoochiepapa]

You did good! Don't second guess yurself. After you see that gorgeous stock, you won't even miss the patchbox! :hatsoff:

 

[tg]

I have had nice guns in the past with top wood and no box but after thinking about it I would now have a box on any gun wich they would have been common on and of the correct period type, just where I have ended up on the journey.

 

[jsn]

I would get a sliding wood patchbox if possible!

 

[larry wv]

As was noted the deluxe Siler would be a good up grade. Also it would be a .54 for me and no patch box. Larry Wv

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Larry and others: I was told the rifle comes with a Large Siler lock. Please explain what you are talking about. Thanks, Tom.

 

[larry wv]

The Deluxe Siler uses the standard Siler plate, but incorporates the taller hammer, different tumbler, and fancy frizzen spring from the Golden Age lock for improved performance. I just copied this from Jim Chambers site. My understanding is it works better. Hope someone will explain in detail. Larry

 

[wattlebuster]

You made a very wise choice by going TVM they are top notch. A .54 would be a shade lighter in weight an the deluxe siler or golden age is the lock to go with an to me a patch box is simply looks only. I would much rather show off some curl in the maple. Good luck to you an post us some pics when she comes in :thumbsup:

 

[HOGGHEAD]

I checked on the weights of the barrel. The barrel is a 38" Rice-swamped barrel(1in66). The 50 caliber is a 7/8" barrel, and the 54 caliber is 15/16". So according to the builder the 50 caliber barrel will be slightly lighter.

The lock is a large Siler. It is not available in a deluxe model in left hand. Tom.

 

[hanshi]

I've come to the same conclusion, tg. My last rifle from a few years ago was ordered with a patchbox and the same with the new one I'm planning. Didn't think too much about it for a long time but a PC patchbox does look nice. Never could warm up to wooden PBs, though.

 

Tom,
I havean Early Virginia TVM left hand which is as you described, except for a straight barrel and .45 caliber. You won't be sorry.
Mark :thumbsup:

 

[Macon Due]

Hey Hogghead
I sent my deposit in on Jan.22 so we should have ours around the same time! I also ordered an Early Lancaster, left handed but set up with flint and percussion locks both. Sliding wood patch box on mine though. Caliber is .45 with the best grade wood. just two small inlays,an engraved fish on cheek piece and initialed weeping heart on top of wrist. I can hardly wait!
Macon

 

[Longbowmark]

I to am in the grind. Three months and waiting for my Early lancaster, I opted for the extra fancy curley maple in 54 cal. with a swamped barrel. No patchbox, I want to sit in my deer blind and look at the nice woodgrain. Even though I was very eager to get the gun quickly the wait has been good. It has given me the chance to evaluate and make changes. The folks at TVM have been great to deal with splendid customer service. The changes I made were from 50 cal to 54, I also went with a rice heritage barrel and a chambers golden age lock and darker stain on the wood. With any luck when the woodchucks emerge this spring we will be ready!

 

[bchannell]

I just wanted to clear up a mental mistake I made in my earlier post. I would opt for the large Siler, not the Deluxe if it were me, and that's what I did.

Just to set the record straight.