50 cal. kit gun info needed

mthom1957 · November 3, 2008, 10:00 PM

I am working on a friends 50 cal. percussion rifle and would like some info on this gun. The only markings on the barrel are Ardessa Spain, Use Black Powder Only, and a serial no. The gun is dressed with brass fore end cap, trigger gaurd, and butt plate. I suspect it is a Traditions but don't really know. I would specifically like to know the rate of twist but also anything else you folks can help me with.

rem870hunter · November 3, 2008, 10:35 PM

rate of twist should be on the barrel near the lock end . a good clear pic of that area of both sides of the rifle would be helpful too.

Hawg · November 4, 2008, 05:11 AM

If it has a drum breech instead of a patent breech it's probably a CVA. Take a tight fitting patch on the ramrod jag and push it to the bottom of the bore. With a felt marker mark the ramrod at the muzzle. Pull it out till it makes a half turn. Measure the distance between the muzzle and the mark and multiply by two. If the barrel isn't long enough to get a half turn it's a round ball barrel, probably a 1:66. You can get a quarter turn and multiply by four.

Pahoo · November 4, 2008, 03:53 PM

Sounds like an early CVA to me and the Hawg has listed how to check the twist and not too complicated. Besides the drum and nipple, does it have a cheeck rest with one squared corner and about three lateral lines? Should also be white metal at this stage. There are quite a few of these older kit-guns still around.

Be Safe !!!

November 3, 2008, 10:00 PM	#1
mthom1957 Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Posts: 18	50 cal. kit gun info needed I am working on a friends 50 cal. percussion rifle and would like some info on this gun. The only markings on the barrel are Ardessa Spain, Use Black Powder Only, and a serial no. The gun is dressed with brass fore end cap, trigger gaurd, and butt plate. I suspect it is a Traditions but don't really know. I would specifically like to know the rate of twist but also anything else you folks can help me with.

November 3, 2008, 10:35 PM	#2
rem870hunter Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2007 Location: N.J. and trying to decide what state to move to. Posts: 973	rate of twist should be on the barrel near the lock end . a good clear pic of that area of both sides of the rifle would be helpful too. __________________ BEAR Bows,Remington shotguns,Marlin rifles

November 4, 2008, 05:11 AM	#3
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	If it has a drum breech instead of a patent breech it's probably a CVA. Take a tight fitting patch on the ramrod jag and push it to the bottom of the bore. With a felt marker mark the ramrod at the muzzle. Pull it out till it makes a half turn. Measure the distance between the muzzle and the mark and multiply by two. If the barrel isn't long enough to get a half turn it's a round ball barrel, probably a 1:66. You can get a quarter turn and multiply by four.

November 4, 2008, 03:53 PM	#4
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Sounds like an early CVA to me and the Hawg has listed how to check the twist and not too complicated. Besides the drum and nipple, does it have a cheeck rest with one squared corner and about three lateral lines? Should also be white metal at this stage. There are quite a few of these older kit-guns still around. Be Safe !!!