New to blackpowder

[noplacetosail]

Hello,

I am new to black powder and have been to a few rendezvous. Its time for me to purchase a black powder gun to shoot. I have been able to shoot a friends 50 cal. a few times. I must admit I don't have a lot of money and am looking for a good beginner percussion gun to shoot target with. I am not really into hunting. At the last rendezvous someone had a light caliber gun, I am guessing 30 cal?? Maybe a kentucky longrifle ?? Anyway, I would greatly appreciate your input as to what I should buy. I will be shooting targets at less than 100 yards. Would a light caliber weapon be best? What brand? New or used? Any input would be appreciated!

[William]

You can find some good deals on used rifles but have it checked over by a gunsmith who knows something about muzzle loaders if you can, or buy from a reputable dealer.  Check the Trade post here on the board too.  If you can't find something used, then check out prices at places like Cabelas, Graf and Son, Dixie Gun Woks or Midsouth, plus any other type dealers, that way you know it in top working order.

One of the more important things to check is how the rifle feels when you hold it, does it point well for you, does it seem from heavy or unbalanced compared to other models?  Then you can decide on caliber from there, and for target shooting either the .45 or .50 cal is suitable for that, and at 100 yards or less even a small caliber like the .36 is a good choice.  If you decide on going hunting later on you may be limited by a smaller caliber but you can always trade if that time comes around.

Check out the Hawken, Kentucky or Trade rifle types made for Cabelas by Investarms, which also makes Lyman brand muzzle loaders for good entry level guns.

I'm sure you are going to get a lot more advice so don't be afraid to ask more questions here, we were all like you when we started too.

[quigleysharps4570]

Think I'd go with a .45 or smaller if paper was all I was gonna shoot. If you did change your mind and want to hunt deer the .45 is plenty adequate. Like William mentioned...find one that feels good, points well and balanced.

[kit_carson]

i'd go with a .50 cal for rondezvous shooting! it packs enough punch to deal with steel targets. also check the adds here and on my site "muzzleloading life"

i know of a "trade rifle" going at a decent price ($275 i think) and the guy selling it takes fantastic care if his rifles! i have one and ive seen another of his, and buying one for my daughter.

[noplacetosail]

Hey quigley,

were are you from in KS? We are in Garden City. We are hosting a voo at lake scott June 5,6,7

[Red Badger]

Just my 2 cents worth,   

When I made the decision to jump into this life,  I made a trip to all the pawn shops in my area looking for black powder rifles..Not with the intent to buy...just to put them up to my shoulder and get the feel of them.... when I found one that felt right I would make a note of what the lengh of pull was and how it was balanced etc...

I was able to go to Bass Pro and ask for the resident expert in BP... he gave me the best advice I'd ever heard from any salesman....

"Go to an Event and get to know people, shoot their rifles until you feel comfortable and know what feels right to you, and THEN come back and see me!" 

I followed that advice excepting for the going back to see him, because I found these guys and have had a great time getting to know everything about this addiction.  One of these days I just might go back and see him - but I think I can say I'd trust our people here not to steer me wrong on any advice.  Just remember there are those of us who might just be a bit predudiced in our thinking about a certain style of black powder firearms.....

[old salt]

noplacetosail
Quigley will probably get back to you. But I will jump in and tell you
that Quigley, Heatherhistorian, and I are all from Arkansas City, Heather
and I will not be able to make your Rendezvous this time as our club is
putting one a ladies shoot that weekend. Please keep us informed of and
future events.
You may or may not know about a site called

                         Http://www.talking-bear.com/

it list the rendezvous for most of the mid west and some other areas,
any questions you have about event in this area that you have I wll try to
get the iformation you need
The Old Salt

[noplacetosail]

thanks!
Yes we ARE LISTED ON TALKING BEAR 

[quigleysharps4570]

Old Salt said most of it.  ;)
Far as June 5-6 and 7th...with money the way it is...no possible way I can make that one.  :(
Hope we can line something else up on down the line.