W M Large marked bbl

[Bigdaddykane]

Morning to black stuffers of America!. Yesterday i was looking at rifles in an upcoming auction in my area and came across two nice muzzleloaders wi W M Large barrels, and was wondering if they are considered collectable? I know Large was considered pretty highly at one time, any thoughts?

 

[Beaverman2]

I like the barrel I have, was new old stock when i built the rifle it's on and is extremely accurate, the question on the rifles is who built the guns?

 

[springfield art]

Morning to black stuffers of America!. Yesterday i was looking at rifles in an upcoming auction in my area and came across two nice muzzleloaders wi W M Large barrels, and was wondering if they are considered collectable? I know Large was considered pretty highly at one time, any thoughts?

Yep, those 'Large' barrels are top notch. Still considered highly! Go for 'em! (As long as they're not neglected and corroded or anything....)

 

[BoomStick]

I'll echo beaverman2 on this, barrel is one component of a good muzzleloader -how it's built (maybe by whom), lock, fit and finish and style of gun all have some part in what makes a contemporary BP gun collectable.

 

[rich pierce]

A used gun with a Bill Large barrel captures some interest among the really old guys. I’d rather have a new Rice than a used Bill Large. The stamping on the barrel won’t insure great accuracy in a used gun. “Collectible” is a broad term. Does it add $100 over a no-name barrel? Probably. Over a Douglas? No. An extra $300? Nope.

 

[RockingKJ]

I’m a sucker for ML history and William Large is part of modern ML lore. But the value is certainly the condition of the bore(s). I have a .54 with Bill Large barrel that’s a great shooter . I maybe gave too much for it, but todays too much is tomorrows bargain. True younger fellows may not know the history or appreciate a Large barrel. However if I had the chance at another for a reasonable price I could not resist. I do have a weak will when it comes to ML guns.

 

[bones92]

I think that the rifles with Bill Large barrels will always be somewhat sought after, but then I've seen some really poorly-built rifles using a W. M. LARGE barrel. In fact, I have a .40 caliber barrel made by Bill that I took off an otherwise really mediocre stock and lock.