Tried Blackpowder at the range today

[November]

I had my first blackpowder experience today at the range. An older gent was shooting his .45 cal Thompson Center Hawken percussion cap rifle and was chatting with another guy as well. I walked over to watch him fire the rifle because I was curious about black powder. (I saw a Lemat revolver a while ago and have wanted one since.) We got talking and after a while he asked if I'd like to try it. I loaded it myself, but didn't use the set trigger for the first shot (he said it was set around 5 or 6 ounces). I didn't quite get it in the black at 100 yards.
Then we three had a little accuracy contest all at 100 yards and using the set trigger. The other fellas went high and low of center and then it was my turn. I got to talking during my loading and rammed the patch and ball about 10 inches down before I realized I hadn't loaded any powder. I was pretty red-faced, but the owner of the rifle was able to remove the nipple and pour some powder in. The ball came out on the second try. He said, "No harm done, take your shot." I felt that was pretty generous of him. This time I put the shot in the 10 ring. Just lucky. The owner called me "Daniel Boone" and the other guy jokingly called me a "punk" and then let me shoot his 45-70 levergun, but that's another story.
I think I like blackpowder a whole lot, and I think I'd like to try a flintlock next. I like the idea of building my own gun from quality parts. Does anyone have info for a good souce for parts or kits, or should I just get a good used one already built? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[cookhj]

dixie gun works has everything realated to blackpowder. if they ain't got it, it don't exist.
http://www.dixiegun.com/

 

[4v50 Gary]

You didn't mention whereabouts the country you're in. If you're near the northern border to Canada, Peter Alexander of Grenville County teaches a 2 week class where you assemble your own kit. It's reasonably priced and I may enroll some day (just for the fun of learning under a different master). He has a good book out (as does Dixon & Shumway) on how to build these guns.

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association also conducts 9 day seminars every year (and it's probably too late to sign up this year as it begins next month in June). However, you can try Conner Prarie in Fishers, IN and their class is in Oct.

Now, if you want to buy a gun, you can attend a rendezvous and see what you can get 2nd hand. My first black powder rifle was from a Spanish (Markwell) kit ($45 bargain table) and it shoots well. But now I prefer flintlock (fffft-boom! = more fun) and if i play with caps, it's with Civil War era type Minie rifles (reach out beyond 300 yards).

 

[Tinker]

November,

Glad to see your interest in BP. I'm relatively new at this too. Started a little over a year ago. Tell you what, if you'd like to get a starter gun just to get your feet wet, check out Walmart stores. They sometimes have CVA Bobcat percussions for less than $60. If they don't have it in stock they can order them if available. It, of coarse, is not the prettiest or best shooter, but it is well worth the money. You can knock around with it and learn till a nicer outfit comes your way. Mine had some ignition troubles at first, but that was cured with a quality replacement nipple and real black powder propellant.

Another link for BP stuff is www.trackofthewolf.com.

The most important thing to remember with BP is a quote from Sam Fadala: "When you see that white cloud of smoke after you shoot, that is you rifle's way of saying 'Clean me'."

 

[Cap n Ball]

I own a repro Le Mat. The new one's have a different locking lever that I had a gunsmith replace with an original style knurled pin and the little clip on the side of the .44cal barrel that is supposed to hold the loading lever isn't strong enough to keep it from popping out when firing so I just keep the loading lever off when I shoot and put it on when I'm loading. The little flip up striker on the hammer to fire the shotgun tube will loosen while firing the .44 causing the striker to be out of alignment with the shotgun nipple resulting in misfire. The gun also has an odd balance that takes some getting used to. It's an accurate shooter but not my favorite iron.

 

[November]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess i could also check out the Cabela's that just opened up in PA that's pretty close to me. They've got to have a good selection of BP rifles and components. They used to sell the Lemat repros also, but I don't know if they do anymore. The CVA rifles might be a good way for me to go on the cheap, and my local Wal-mart has those. Thanks for the links, too. I'll check them out as well. A 9-day seminar sounds cool, but there's no way I could swing that right now. I've heard about the rendezvous also and I'd like to go to one someday. Thanks again for all the info.