Considering Black Powder

[PilotRPI]

Next season I would like to try deer hunting. I was going to get a slug barrel for my 870, but I figured by the time I got the barrel, a scope, etc it is easily pushing $300 or more. I was thinking if I put that money into black power, I can get a longer season by hunting both the black powder and shotgun seasons and have a whole new type of firearm to enjoy.

I've been around firearms my whole life, and while I'm familiar with handguns, rifles, and shotguns, I know almost nothing about black powder rifles. I do know I'm looking for a modern black powder gun, not a flintlock or anything. I also know I can't use a breakaction in MA. What types would people recommend and what is the price range for something decent? I've seen people mention Thompson on here, but their models range from $250 to well over $600, so I could use some direction there.

I am also a member of Southborough R&G, so if anyone would be willing to show me the ropes, I would be more than happy to let you play with some of my toys in return.

 

[SalemCat]

As I understand Black Powder, one critical thing that modern shooters don't understand, is the DELAY between pulling the Trigger and actual ignition.

You need to keep the Target in your sights a bit longer than you might be used to.

This is especially a concern with FlintLocks, which I realize you are not interested in.

I don't actually do Black Powder, so I may be full of it.

 

[TayNinh_66]

Find a used Remington 700ML. It's a muzzle loader, takes a nice scope, handles saboted conicals with pyrodex, overall quality firearm.
It will hit what youre aiming at and knock down what you hit.
Lot of used Thompson Center Omegas available. Another good choice.

 

[Boris]

there are plenty of people at SRG who do blackpowder. Not sure who they are though. Come to the next meeting or chat with guys, someone will give you more leads.

modern BP is great and there are plenty of starting points to read up first before asking more detailed questions.

Next season I would like to try deer hunting. I was going to get a slug barrel for my 870, but I figured by the time I got the barrel, a scope, etc it is easily pushing $300 or more. I was thinking if I put that money into black power, I can get a longer season by hunting both the black powder and shotgun seasons and have a whole new type of firearm to enjoy.

I've been around firearms my whole life, and while I'm familiar with handguns, rifles, and shotguns, I know almost nothing about black powder rifles. I do know I'm looking for a modern black powder gun, not a flintlock or anything. I also know I can't use a breakaction in MA. What types would people recommend and what is the price range for something decent? I've seen people mention Thompson on here, but their models range from $250 to well over $600, so I could use some direction there.

I am also a member of Southborough R&G, so if anyone would be willing to show me the ropes, I would be more than happy to let you play with some of my toys in return.

 

[MisterHappy]

Pilot,

As Boris said, SRGC has a glldly supply of BP shooters. There's a Primitive Camp coming up (see the Club Calendar) this month, often there's a BP shoot that goes along with it.

Also, both my kids have expressed interest in deer hunting this year, so they'll be getting practice with both BP and shotties & slugs this summer.

 

[pupchow]

The "break-open" action has been adopted in MA:

"firearms with a break-open ("hinge action") breech are lawful"

MassWildlife - Hunting with Primitive Firearms


That said, the drop down trigger group of the TC Omega is not far removed from a break-open design. I like mine a lot, but it is a bit foward heavy. If you're not into "traditionalism," the pelletized powder & saboted bullets are essentially fool-proof, and vey accurate.

Edit to add; the Triple 7 powder products clean up VERY easily with plain old H20. I also use the Triple 7 primers. There is a very small lag compared to a modern centefire cartridge, but I like it. I'm actually now more interested in building a more traditional rifle, now that I've been exposed to The Cloud.

 

[PilotRPI]

You're right! It looks like break opens are now allowed for 2013. That opens up some options. I'll give it a try before I commit to anything. Seems a lot of people are happy with their TC's. Even the Omega has a wide range of price depending on the particular model, so I'll go fondle a few at the range to see what I like.