Nice looking gun there...ANYONE that calls themselves a true muzzleloader has to have a flintlock, it's mandatory...

Have you worked up a deer hunting load for her yet, somewhere from 70-85 grs of FFF Goex should do well...

She might seem heavy compared to today's rifles but those older gunsmiths knew what they were doing...She should weigh between 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 pounds which isn't too much...Weight helps steady the weapon and reduces the felt recoil...All good riflemen take a rest when shooting so the weight shouldn't be a problem...

I notice you are in SW Va...There is a great history of gunmakers in that area...I live below Greensboro...I don't know if you ever get down to Old Salem but it might be worth a day trip...A few years back they opened the Vogler Gunshop down there...You can go watch them make flintlocks in period clothing, it's a great way to spend the day...

And of course in Greensboro we have Guilford Battlefield, also a good place to learn about local history...They have a pretty good museum and display as well as reenacting in March, when the battle was fought...

Enjoy...