Muzzle Loader Kits

[MtnMike2]

I've been thinking about building a traditional muzzle loader from a kit for a winter project. (Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in "Traditional Muzzleloaders".) It seems like there are some good kits on the market, but which are the best quality. I'd like to have a "mantle hanger" but also shoot it and hunt w/ it sometimes. Should I start w/ something like Cabelas or Dixie or Traditions or go w/ a much more difficult and more expensive rifle from Trail of the Wolf? Oh yeah, it's gotta be a Hawken type rifle. Anybody have any experience w/ these kits?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

[skeet]

I built a Hawken kit made by T-C years ago. It turned out really nice. I browned the bbl rather than blue and used an oil finish on the stock. Came out really good...even if I do say so myself. Don't know about the kits from now days though.

[gumpokc]

My reply is similar to skeets, I built a CVA St. Louis Hawkin from a kit that works quite well and looks good but this was in 1992.
No idea what the kits are like nowdays.

It was quite interesting though, and I had alot of fun putting it togeather.

[jplonghunter]

MtnMk2

Several excellent sources for kits if you want a wallhanger and utility flintlock,however,get out the wallet.
Jim Chambers Flintlocks
Pecatonica Longrifle Supply
Have used both with great results.

jplonghunter

[skeeter@ccia.com]

I have built 2 50 cal Hawkins T-C in the past. I also liked the browned one better for looks...What I did run into and would like to know if this happened to others here that built them, is I could not lower the rear sight low enough to bring the shot to within one foot high at 50 yrd. I ended up dragging the last one to the local black powder shop and he told me this was a common issue with the kits...he put it on a straight edge and showed me the barrel was bent upwards..... quit a bit I might add. He placed it between 2 leather covered blocks of wood and took the bend out of it with a hammer....also covered in leather..(funny he already had this made) .but it turned out exactly how it was meant to be and the thing shot straight as an arrow.... ah...a good arrow that is.....so if you do build one and run into this problem, you might have a place to look to solve the problem.... maybe from heating up the barrel to brown it is what caused it to warp?????? Good luck and show us pictures when git if finished.

[Mad_Jack]

If your going to hang on a wall AND use it to shoot and hunt. Be prepared to take it down clean, dust and wipe it with an oil or silicone wipe weekly if not more. It pulls dust and dust pulls moisture and that rust metal. Just so you know. It 'll require more maintainamce than a shooter kept in a case or safe. For a hanger I'd find an old non-firing gun. I know from hanging an old Hawken on my deer mount upturned hooves. After a couple monthes I took it down and replaced it with the arrow that was originally there. Put the Hawken in the cabinet with a dryer.