Antique gun need some advice

[Bummer]

Hi folks,

I saw the gun below and am thinking about getting it. However I want to be able to fire it. The person selling it suggested using reduced loads, but I would like to get your advice on what you think before/if I get it. Any thoughts/advice is much appreciated.

Bummer

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/d...958&aa= CIVIL WAR ERA 2-BAND ENFIELD MUSKET

 

[ABTOMAT]

Man, that's some bad rust around the breech.

 

[OPOEFC]

I wouldn't advise trying to fire that musket, even with reduced loads. You are just asking for a seeing eye dog. or worse yet - letting your beneficiaries collect on your life insurance earlier than you planned. . No way that 150 yrs of rust hasn't put that gun in the permanent wall hanger catagory. That's my 2 cents. Ed.

 

[RON in PA]

I'd be very suspecious of a gun of that type going for such a low price. Condition must be poor.

 

[Duncaninfrance]

TLC?

Never mind TLC, you are going to need major surgery to even make a reasonable wall piece. If you want to shoot it ask the Mother in Law to fire the first 1000 rounds!
Duncan

 

[Low Key]

If the weapon was in a condition where it could be shot, the price would be MUCH higher. It's probably a wallhanger and I wouldn't take the chance on my own. It's cheap enough that if you really like it, you could buy it and have a competent gunsmith check it out to see if its salvagable. Sometimes you can run across a diamond while your plowing dirt, but mostly you just plow up dirt.

 

[Bummer]

Thanks a lot guys I appreciate it!