Well I went and did it. I ordered my TVM rifle today.

I went with the Early Lancaster style. I ordered it with the swamped barrel and the upgraded piece of maple. and without the patch box.

Now for the bad news. I ordered it in 50 caliber. I really gave alot of thought to the 54 caliber you guys told me to get. And I still have time to call back and change to a 54 caliber. But I had a moment of weakness and told them to make it in 50 caliber. Did I make a mistake with the 50??

They told me it would be in here in six months. So I guess I might have it for this ground hog season!! I hope.

Anything I missed on the order?? Tom.

I have both 50 and 54 calibers. Both will lay them low in short order. It depends what suits you. If it we me I'd go with the 54 only because I like a 54 cal.
Sounds like a beautiful rifle. I'm not familar with them but it sure sounds nice.

Good luck. It's going to be a Loooong 6 months waiting.

Simply because it is a custom rifle, why have a common caliber? Besides, I have hunted deer with a .50 and .54 and in all honesty, the .54 from what I observed puts them down better and shoots better ROUNDBALL. Now if we were building a sabot gun, then the .50 would be my choice. But any time I consider a roundball rifle, I prefer it to be a .54 for me.

The Lancaster is a great choice. And the swamped barrel a nice touch. It will add a lot of balance to the rifle. What make of lock did you decide on?

It is your love of the 54 that has me second guessing my decision about the 50 caliber. I know we have discussed it before. And you as well as others are probably right.

Only problem is I have tons of stuff for the 50 caliber. A couple of different round ball molds, and bullet molds. However I doubt if I ever shot a conical in this rifle.

I guess it wouldn't cost too much to buy another 54 caliber round ball mold?? I have a little time to change my mind. Oh well. Tom.

Pictures please!!! sounds like a nice rifle,would like to see one... Ray!

Then I would stick with the .50 if you have all the molds for it already. The builder will tell you what mold you need anyway. The .50 is a good caliber.

I started out with a 40 caliber in the 60's for deer hunting,I took a deer with it but had to track him a long way. After that I went to 45 then 50 then 54 the 58. I now have 3- 54's and one 45 the 45 is for squirrel and target. The 54 in my opinion is by far the best long range PRB rifle and the best for putting down deer in a hurry.