[cowhide1]

My knowledgeable friends, I am interested in joining the n-ssa and have recieved some info from my future teammates, but would like your opinion. What is the best n-ssa legal musket in a price range of 300.00 to 700.00 bucks? What are the most important things to look for, length, weight, caliber, etc.? Thanks in advance

[Mike OTDP]

From the top...

You want a 2-band musket. 3-banders are too long, don't shoot as well. Caliber can be .54 or .58.

Personally, I'd look for a used gun at the Nationals, or on the N-SSA BB. You can get the best buys there.

If I could find one, I'd get a 1st gen Parker-Hale Enfield P1858. It's what I shoot today.

[StrawHat]

What Mike said.

Also, listen to your future team mates, they will have a good idea what is available. I would also ask about fellows getting out of the sport, they may need to seel some of their equipment.

[sharps59]

I shot a 1st gen. 3 band enfield for 15 yrs liked it. latter started shooting a musketoon for carbine. By sunday morning of the natioanls I found my self pulling away from the stock. enfield are just to streight for me. Now shoot a 2 band colt got mine after I bought one for my son when he was 13. I worked on the gun for him came up w/ a load. fell in love w/ it. He would not let me shoot it in matchs while he was waiting to turn 15. So I bought a used one for myself. No regreats.
You may want to look at the deal Bobby Hoyt has yes it over $1000. But you get to guns in one. musket and smoothbore. But its a 3 bander. Any thing you buy you will need to put time and money into unless it is skirmish ready.

[cowhide1]

Thanks for all of your help. everything you all have said is inline with the info I have been recieving...Thanks for your replies.