[WalkerCountyBoy]

What would be the best black powder rifle to start with? I don't know much about them?

[Das Jaeger]

of each :D

I sudgest you find a BP ( black Powder ) Club and see if you like shooting BP guns first before you waist your money .

Jaeger

[Cosmoline]

I went the route of getting factory made Euro caplocks for my first BP rifles, but it was a mistake. They're not always the best made and I had a lot of ignition problems. The folks over on the Trad. ML forum who advised me to spend extra to get custom made stuff or a kit were right on the money. I also don't agree with the conventional wisdom that you need to start with a caplock or an inline. The traditional flinters are actually the most simple to use. The most complex tool is something to sweep out the pan and poke the flashhole clear. No need to buy that. Patched roundballs are really easy to get or make yourself from scrap lead. The only hangup is getting real black powder.

If someone asked me what rifle to get right at this moment I'd say this one:

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(pbipl3zgs3uw1dmuatnrh345))/Categories/partDetail.aspx?catId=12&subId=81&styleId=280&partNum=AAH-385

It's a rough-around-the-edges custom poorboy from Track, ready to go. Not as glossy or as perfectly fit as their $1,000+ offerings, but it's solidly built and these guys don't sell defective junk.

[TomADC]

I just ordered one of these be here tomorrow. Not very traditional but should make a good shooter for the price.

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=R2410830

[fyrfyter43]

I have to agree with Cosmoline. Flinters may seem intimidating, but they really are pretty easy to learn.

A good production rifle to start out is the Lyman Great Plains Rifle. You can buy a finished rifle or a kit, which requires some sanding and finishing of all parts.

For a bit more money, you can get a semi-custom rifle from somebody like TVM (http://www.avsia.com/tvm/). I believe all of their rifles are available "in the white" if you're looking to save a few bucks and are willing to do some finish work. There are also other makers out there that offer rifles "in the white".

Where are you located? Maybe there is someone local that would be willing to take you to the range to make some smoke.

[mykeal]

To find a muzzleloading club or others in your area interested in muzzleloading firearms, I suggest you visit the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA) web site at: http://www.nmlra.org/. In the left column you'll find links to their Field Representatives and Charter Clubs. They're listed by state once you click on the links.

And I second the Lyman Great Plains Rifle recommendation, either in flint or cap lock. Excellent gun for the money.

[Hawkeye748]

Where is the Walker County where you live? Alabama by chance? If so, maybe I can steer you to some folks to help you get started.

My view is a little different. What brought about your interest? Hunting, re-enacting, competition, pleasure? Different folks start in the BP area for different reasons. Not every era's gun will satisfy your needs.

Example, no modern in lines or mountain man era guns will do for Civil War hobbies of competition or re-enacting. There are some cross over guns but not many.

Hunting will depend on what is legal in your state. Example here is PA only allows flintlocks in their primitive weapons season.

A little more information may help us help get started without wasting money on a gun that does not fit what you are aiming to do.

[arcticap]

The Traditions Deerhunter is a very good introductory sidelock rifle for plinking, mid-range hunting & for shooting the less expensive patched round balls, and even lead conicals and saboted bullets:

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=R35108150

At Mid South, the price of the plastic stock model is $182.95 and the wood stock model is $215.44:

Plastic:
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00139R35108150

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=R35108150

Hardwood:
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00139R36108101

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=R36108101

Primarily for shooting the more expensive saboted bullets & bore size lead conical bullets for long range deer hunting, the Traditions Pursuit LT break open is $169 and comes with a free rifle case, but there are many budget inline rifles to choose from starting as low as $99:

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=R74003450

[WalkerCountyBoy]

Thanxs. I ended up buying the traditions break-open in camo pattern.

[arcticap]

That sounds great. :)
Come back sometime and let us know how it shoots.

[BHP FAN]

yeah,don't be a stranger!or at least no stranger than Das Jager...

[TomADC]

Yep next we need a range report! Good luck you'll love it.

[fattboyzz]

Thanxs. I ended up buying the traditions break-open in camo pattern.
that aughta work well ....... and from what the guys here are sayin the BH209 powder is great stuff in the inlines ....

.. best of luck too ya an dont forget too show us some pics of that dead paper !!