I'm looking to get a new toy just for plinking and maybe for use as a fall turkey rifle. I just can't decide on what caliber or even what gun.
I was thinking of a Traditions Crockett Rifle in 36 cal. But I was also thinking of getting a GM drop in barrel for my T/C Hawken in either .36 or .40.
What would you guys do? (And I don't want anyone to say get both..)

I'd go with the GM barrel in .40. I have one .40 that I built more years ago than I like to think about. It's a sweet plinking/small gamecaliber.

I agree.. I would go with the .40 caliber. It is still small enough that it makes a good small game caliber and a little better at bucking the wind. Also the small the caliber, the faster they fowl out. Also the .40 is actually legal in some states as a deer caliber.

The .40 GM barrel gets my vote.

sounds like a plan. I just might run down to the local gun shop. he has a couple of used T/C Hawkens there for around $200. Then call GM and see what they have on sale.

I had a 40 it was excellant for small game, but I had a turkey fly about 70 or 80 yds after I put it right through his chest tore up both lungs, so for turkey I would use a 45 and it will work on small game too. Lee

Hey Lemoyne, was your jaw hanging open when he took off??? Or did you think you somehow missed him?

I once had a 90 lb. hog that someone had spooked run past me at about 30 yards. I swung my .40 at his speed with the sight on his nose andtouched it off while maintaining the swing. The ball hit just behind his ear and dropped him like an ugly blind date.

About 18 years ago I faced the same decision, I went with a .40...Remember a 3/8 ramrod ain't going down a .36 hole...

I had a custom made .45, decided to build a .54 for my big game hunting...After the 2nd gun was finished I ordered a 13/16 x 42 .40 caliber barrel from Ed Rayle...

I feel that a .40 and a .54 are two must have calibers for a traditional patched ball shooter...

btw...For squirrels, I drop way down to 25gs FFF and it still shoots flat out to 50 yards...