TVM Quality

[Al Clark]

I would appreciate any info on the quality of TVM muzzleloaders. I would chose the late Lancaster model if I purchased from them. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Goldhunter]

Hello, welcome to the forum.

Try this link, this subject was discussed recently.[url] http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/198282/[/url]

Try the search feature for more info if this doesn't answer your question. I don't own one myself but I have been contemplating one of their kits for a while. Many on here do own one and will probably chime in.

Stick around, there is a wealth of knowledge here. enjoy. :thumbsup:

 

[Shudy]

Tumbleweed,

I have a TVM Virginian rifle that I like alot. The fit and finish is very good. I have had good luck with mine so far and people speak highly of the owners. It shoots ok but I havent got my load perfected yet and I will soon be trying a smaller ball with a thicker patch. This should help fix the problem. I have no complaints though. I would buy another one again.

Shudy

 

[Catkison]

I have a Southern Longrifle from TVM and would say their quality is as good as it gets. Plus they stand behind their work. I had some problems initially with the trigger (not quality, my ignorance) and they helped get it straightened out for me.

 

[tg]

I have handled a few and they seemed well made with quality parts, I cannot recall hearing any bad reports anout them, if PC/HC is a factor do some research as most base models of the early guns use straight barrels and Siler locks so a special order might be needed if authenticity was high on the list, and it is usually wise to do the research independent of the builder with the semi-custom level guns.

 

[Le Grand]

The guns from Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading are certainly very good. Get your order in, that's what I say. Le Grand

 

[Norseman]

I have a TVM Southern Rifle also in .50 cal and I would have to say the work they did was outstanding! My particular rifle was ordered with an L and R Durrs Egg flintlock, all iron fittings (Not a poor boy), southern patchbox, straight octagon barrel and with Super Premium wood that makes everyone who see's it drool. I give TVM my highest recommendation. Matt and Toni are the best. Quality of work is outstanding.

 

[CrackStock]

I have an early Lancaster from a kit and it was well done. As stated above, mine was a straight barrel and there are a few other such details in base guns that you could get corrected by discussing them with Matt and Toni. I see that Norseman did this with the Southern gun.

I was wanting a field gun so it was not a concern to me. I also like silver color so I got it in German silver which Matt tried to talk me out of. He was historically right but I really like the gun and am quite happy with it.

My point is that you decide what you want and work with them. Providing what you want is what they do.

CS

 

[Bob Riegl]

:hmm: I own three TVM's A Virginian, Jaeger and Tennessee Po'Boy. Of all the Early Virginian had the overall best workmanship, the Jaeger suffered with a horrnedous L&R flintlock with all kinds of problems---due to poor parts from L&R. My Po' Boy is my favourite in .40 Flint---however there are some inletting issues that show a degree of carelessness in the Lock inletting. Fairly obvious goofs that should not occur specially if a rifle is supposed to take 12 months to arrive. Forget that, it's more than likely assembled in a few days after waiting a year on the bench. However, all that said with warts and all they do turn out a fine gun for a reasonable price. If you want better quality, be prepared to pay anywhere from 2-10 X TVM's price.IMHO :thumbsup:

 

[DrTimboone]

I have only seen a few of their rifles but Tip Curtis seems to sell some very well made guns for a good price too. also available in kit or inthe white for you to finish..maybe faster......

Another source for parts is Tip Curtis Frontier Shop in Cross Plains, TN. (615) 654-4445 Tip has one of the largest ML inventory in the US and has literally thousands of quality parts on hand to ship. (no web site) He is very knowledgable & easy to work with. I have bought over a dozen parts sets from him & no problems & have dealt with him for years..

 

The TVM guns I have handled were well made with good parts, but upgrades and modifications are possible with them--selections of lock makers/types, barrels, furniture, etc. But buyer beware--I prefer buying "seen" guns rather than sight-unseen ones these days--most of which have a 12 mo. or more wait. Been burned. Quality has been much discussed here of late--with barbs being thrown around. If a person inlets cleanly, uses good parts and has good architecture, then the quality ends up being good no matter who does it or what the price. These things are best "seen" in advance IMHO. I know a local unknown gunmaker who charges little for his work that inlets and inlays stuff absolutely flawlessly. As good as the famous guys--but I have seen factory guns with good inletting too....and many original guns show so-so inletting--it isn't the whole story.

 

A years wait does not mean that the gun is being worked on for a year--it means a years backlog (or more) for orders. An average rifle takes about one to two weeks work for an expert builder, more if there is fancy stuff. But there is no excuse for sloppy work.

 

[Ridge]

They are good for what they are.

I consider them to be right between a production rifle and a full custom built rifle.

 

[Norseman]

I respectfully disagree about TVM not "really" being a "custom" piece. If choosing the components such as brass or iron, type of lock (all manufacturers such as L and R, Chambers or Siler),length of pull, drop in stock, the type of wood and the grade of stock used-(plain to absolutely gorgeous), type of barrel (straight octagon or swamped and what manufacturer), custom engraving and incised engraving etc, etc...I don't know anything else to call it but "Custom". Wouldn't you all agree? :blah:

 

[Greenmtnboy]

I own six with greenmtnbarrels,
I love every one and every one is a shooter!!
:hatsoff:

 

[tg]

"Wouldn't you all agree?"

No...they can be a custom gun if ordered as such or a semi- custom if a base model is chosen.

 

[Norseman]

TG....Now that depends upon how you "define" custom! A la Bill Clinton of course? :rotf: