Just joined the forum

[Spades]

Hi all,

I'm currently a member of a Gunfight reenactment group, in Arizona. Have a Colt rep. 45 cal 5.5 length, Uberti. I also have a BP 1858 Remington New Army Model .44 cal, and have become very interested in Muzzle loaders recently.

I have visited a shoot with the Cactus Cappers and since then I've been looking to get into this. I visited them at the Usery Mtn shooting range and spent a couple hours there.

I live in Arizona City (near Casa Grande). I am looking for online information pertaining to shoots and matches that happen near me.

I have been looking at a few muzzle loaders and I'm interested in help in determining if I'm wasting my $$ or if they are a good buy. Also, if any parts may still be available for them. What should I look for? How much would be too much?

1 - Muzzleloading Armoury .50 Cal Plainsman Rifle
1 - London Armory Brown Bess Carbine
1 - Ardesa Hawken, .54 caliber

Thanks

Spades

[Raider2000]

Welcome to the forums my friend.

As far as the 3 rifles that you mentioned, the Hawken rifle are nice "I'm quite fond of them my self" & the Brown Bess is a fine rifle but unless you are familiar with a Flint Lock or know some one that can help you, you may want to opt for a percussion lock for your first.

Mostly make sure that the bore & workings are in good shape before you buy any of them if they are used because again unless you know the owner you never know how they were treated.

As far as a sight for local shoots I can not help you there but I'm sure that some one from your area will come on here soon & can give you some info.

[Hawg]

Hi Spades, welcome.
Muzzleloading Armoury Plainsman is worth 100-150
London Armory Brown Bess carbine is worth around 300-500 in excellent condition.
Ardesa Hawken 100-150

[long rider]

HEY spades, let me know the next time you go to
the shooting range at usery pass, thats were i
smoke some REAL black powder.
Wellcome to the forum.

[long rider]

Nearly forgot, they have the muzzle stuffers at the
rio salado to ,

[Spades]

Thanks to all who responded so far.

I am assuming (duh) that all the rifles I mentioned have rifling in the bore.

to long rider - do the Muzzle stuffers have a website? Where do I get information on their shoots and what range they use.

[playtheblues]

Welcome from South Carolina!
BB in SC

[long rider]

HEY spades, i am looking for the tel # now i put
the darn thing somewere now i can not find it
they shoot at the bottom side of the range.
cas have there shoot the first saterday of the month,
and the arizona muzzle loading association have there
shoot 2nd sunday and 4th sunday, now that might
change, i am not to sure, but if you look up the
rio salado shooting range it will give you the info,
in the meantime i will look for the phone # for you
and let you know.

[long rider]

OK just found it
The guys name is tom hoverson and is # is
602-292-3921 he is the man to talk
to he will give you all the info you will need.

[long rider]

BTW tey have a raffle going,
lyman great plains 50 cal percussion rifle.
drawing to be held august 2 2008.
buck a ticket, got my 5 in.

[Hawg]

I am assuming (duh) that all the rifles I mentioned have rifling in the bore.

The Brown Bess is a smoothbore, no rifling.
The other two you asked about are both Spanish made. The Ardesa is imported by Traditions and from what I find is ok but I think was it me I'd find a good quality Italian gun or a Thompson Center Hawken

[Smokin_Gun]

Welcome Spades, If that's a Lyman Great plains rifle I'd go for that, if not a Hawken would be my choice, .50 0r .54..I like .50 cal.

SG
Desert Marksmen Rifle and Pistol Club
Angeles National Forest
Mojave Desert, CA

[ELMOUSMC]

Welcome Just a quick idea for you,Check out the Dixie gun works sight and see what you think.IMO a Hawken or a great plains rifle would be a good starter rifle,as was said before you might want to stay away from flintlocks for a while and stick with percussion guns.Again welcome good luck and good shooting ELMOUSMC