1874sharpsshooter

That low of a serial number im betting its AE which is 1979
Your AN is 1985

1874sharpsshooter

code
1945 = 1
1946 = 2
1947 = 3
1948 = 4
1949 = 5
1950 = 6
1951 = 7
1952 = 8
1953 = 9
1954 = X
1955 = XI
1956 = XII
1957 = XIII
1958 = XIV
1959 = XV
1960 = XVI
1961 = XVII
1962 = XVIII
1963 = XIX
1964 = XX
1965 = XXI
1966 = XXII
1967 = XXIII
1968 = XXIV
1969 = XXV
1970 = XXVI
1971 = XX7
1972 = XX8
1973 = XX9
1974 = XXX
1975 = AA
1976 = AB
1977 = AC
1978 = AD
1979 = AE
1980 = AF
1981 = AH
1982 = AI
1983 = AL
1984 = AM
1985 = AN
1986 = AP
1987 = AS
1988 = AT
1989 = AU
1990 = AZ
1991 = BA
1992 = BB
1993 = BC
1994 = BD
1995 = BF
1996 = BH
1997 = BI
1998 = BL
1999 = BM
2000 = BN
2001 = BP
2002 = BS
2003 = BT
2004 = BU
2005 = BZ
2006 = CA
2007 = CB
2008 = CC
2009 = CD
2010 = CF

Mojotex

I am hoping to shoot it some soon. A good friend of mine shoots a similar ML , a Hawken style, and has volunteered to help me learn. Only experience I have is with in-line ML's. If I can feel confident in making a 50-75 yard shots with this set up, I'll be toting it come fall ML days. I am a bit concerened about open sights. Eye's are as old as I am unfortunately !! Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it.

Jenks

Thanks, Sharpshooter. I had forgotten the year. My serial # is 2023xx, a whole lot more then #119. I wonder if that low of a number would be of interest to a gun collector.

Blackpowdersmoke

A very nice rifle indeed and it should be a great round ball shooter. I've always thought Lyman's fit and finish was better on their earlier guns as well. The best part is the fact that it belonged to a friend of yours and was given to you as a gift.

BPS

ModernPrimitive

Thanks for those date codes 1874!

So my .50, bought as NOS, is AE xxx564; the 564th produced?

Mojotex

BPS ---- Definitely #2.

Question .... I started looking for info on the rifle and found the Lyman manual. Mostly general stuff. In this manual was the description of a rather detailed process that could be (should be?) used to determine the true caliber, the purpose of which was to be able to select the proper diameter ball and the thickness of the patch. Is this truly necessary or can I use the Lyman spec on the rifle bore to determine these.

I am plsnning on using this rifle for hujnting white tailed deer, and limit myself to the distance that the rifle groups well enough .... and that I can manage using open sights.

Any advice appreciated ....

Bill308

This thread offers some advice on your question:

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/blac...pr-54-cal.html

Blackpowdersmoke

Mojotex...

Sounds like you've got a pretty good handle on things. You don't need to jump through extra hoops... it's a production, not a custom rifle. That said, experiment with different loads, patch thickness', and yes even cast VS swaged lead (absolutely pure lead) balls. Try FFg and FFFg powders.... I say this because I prefer black powder, but you may find Pyrodex P or RS will work well for you seeing as how you have a percussion rifle. Triple7even may work for you as well, but I'd try Pyrodex first if you're going to try sub powders. Not to mention that you should try several brands of percussion caps ( CCI, Remington, RWS) just to see if there is any variance.

Take your time... shoot, shoot, and shoot some more!! You're gonna love muzzleloading, especially after you harvest your first deer the way our ancestors did!! Good luck and let us know how things are going!!

BPS

Mojotex

Thanks all --- I have ordered some stuff and plan to head to the range as soon as I can find time off work when it is not raining !!!