April Fools Day
 

Well since its April Fools Day I decided to do something foolish. I ordered another custom Flintlock. I ordered it from the same company as the last one since they did such a great job on my Lancaster Rifle.

This one is a little different. Its an Early Virginia Model with a nice maple stock again, Seiler lock, Colerain 1-56 twist barrel. But it is not swamped. I am finding more and more that I shoot off some kind of a brace whether its a shooting stick, walking stick, tree, or my shooting bench. So I am usually supported some how. And the need and extra expense of a swamped barrel was decided a no. I am sure I will regret that. But I made up my mind. This time, to save weight I ordered it in a 36 barrel straight barrel. Also this one is a .58 caliber. I like big bore rifles as you know. And instead of that German Silver that I spend ages with polish and a cloth, I went with the simple steel furniture. So they are going to brown both the steel and the barrel the same color.



This should be what the wood looks like, but not the hardware. And no this is not some April Fools Joke. I really did it. In fact the woman that took the order asked me ... "is this an April Fools Joke?" I then remembered what day it was and we had a laugh.

The reason I went with the Early Virginia was ... it was recommended. The three rifles they discussed were the Jaeger, Early Lancaster (which I have) and the Early Virginia. Because of the caliber I wanted and the weight .. and stock specs, these were the ones they felt could best handle the job. I liked the looks of the Virginia, and I didn't want another Lancaster. So I went this route. I wanted a large flat butt plate, like my Lancaster to soak up recoil, and be comfortable with large charges, as I guess this one will handle. Look out white tails. Might have to try something meaner and bigger ... cotton tails. I hear they have big teeth.

Now comes the waiting. So remember what day it is and do something foolish. When you get old you have to have some excitement. I can just hear my friends when they learn what I done. They think I am crazy now.

Who's building it for you ? What's nice about straight barrel versus swamped you can put your rear sight anywhere but when swampped it really affects your front sight height in relation to the location of the rear.

That should be beautiful Dave. Can't wait to see the pics and a range report. I'm starting to like my .58 more and more too.

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. :D

I like your choice; .58 caliber/browned steel furniture/wide buttplate/no patchbox. If I ever get weak (or strong?) enough to order a custom, that's exactly the gun I would go with.

It is being built by Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading. This is the second rifle now. I really liked the first. And with the steel hardware, it should be easier to upkeep on it.

http://www.tennesseevalleymuzzleloading.com/

It is the Early Virginia Model if you want to look it up. And they use Colerain barrels unless you go to the 32 caliber. They they use a Rice Barrel.

Tvm builds some good guns if I weren't having my hawken done by grrw I would have them build mine as well.

Dave I looked at that site before. And of all the models they offer I like the Early Virginia the best myself.

I really like the looks and handling of the Early Lancaster they build. The Early Virginia is very close I feel, and because of the thicker butt plate should soak up the recoil better. I was told the Colrain barrel can handle a 120 grain powder charge in the .58 caliber. If that were accurate, that would be an elk, moose, or bear stopper for sure I would think. Also it will be fun to have company for my other .58 caliber. He was getting a little snobby being the biggest bad boy on the rack.

I've always liked their guns, but they're a little too salty for my blood. I'd have to sell some of mine to have one and I rarely ever sell a gun.

BPS

Well I sold off several guns recently. And so I was looking at spots where more rifles could go. I like you seldom sell off rifles. But I have been looking over my collection and I do see many that I could/should part with. I almost went with a 36 caliber. I discussed a 32 but Colrain does not make a 32 caliber but do make a 36 caliber. Which while a little bigger caliber would even be deadly on such things as varmints like coyotes, and other pests.