Picked up the New Englander 54.

[CajunBass]

A couple of days ago, I asked about this one and everybody seemed to think it was a good buy, so I went ahead and picked it up yesterday. It was even less than I thought it was at $149.00.



I picked up balls, powder, wads, and such. Hope to get a chance to shoot it today or tomorrow.

I might use it for a little informal "deer hunting" which for me these days amounts to sitting on a bucket and watching the hillside outback of the goat lot. I'm not even sure I'd shoot a deer if the opportunity presented itself. Then it would become work.

 

[J-Bar]

It looks likes its in fine condition; I think you did very well. I urge you to buy a back-up ramrod...that wooden one will break eventually. Unbreakable replacement rods can usually be found at Cabela's, Bass Pro, etc., and are good insurance. You know that wooden one will break when you are trying to load for a quick second shot at that deer. Or goat.

 

[artpotts]

Unbreakable ramrod

Even worse than the lost back up shot is the potential injury. If the rod breaks you can spear your hand or arm.

 

[CajunBass]

Good advice. I'll keep that in mind.

 

[grter]

If that is anything like the Grey Hawk .54 cal I have handled (stainless version of yours with a plastic stock) you got a very good price.

Synthetic flexible ramrods are cheap and easy to get.

TC sidelocks seem to be very under appreciated despite their high quality.

.54 caliber ammo can be pain to get but my understanding is that it is one very versitable caliber and the larger round balls have a respectable amount of power which made the rifle practical for hunting with both connicles and round balls.

That was more than a good buy you got a high quality muzzleloader for dirt cheap.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have been using the wooden rod that came in my Grey Hawk for nearly 20 years and haven't broken it yet.

 

[thralldad]

Wow! There's one here local that's $229! Love it!

 

[Patocazador]

My T/C Hawken ramrod broke the first year I had it. I bought a black composite one and it has lasted 20 years.

 

[goon]

You can find a variety of .54 projectiles at Track of the Wolf.

 

[grter]

Yes TOA sells a wide variety of muzzle loader projectiles and accessories. They are great I just wish every gun store would stock stock a little of what they sell.

My experience searching from store to store is that most of them cater to modern inline muzzleloaders and sell sabots, power belts, and other modern projectiles designed to be used in muzzleloaders of .50 cal variety.

Thankfully I did manage to find one store that sold what I needed it was a small shop owned by someone who likes firearms of all varieties. I was then able to enjoy my day at the range.