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Given those as the top three I’d rank the rest, Navy Arms, (though they are somewhat scarce) then Tingle, (again, scarce, but well made, kinda ugly imo) then CVA. All of them have pluses and minuses, and all are good quality, serviceable arms.
 
If you can find a bargain that isn’t abused or rusted in any of those listed, you will probably have a gun that will serve you well. A lot will depend on your budget and how much you spend. A CVA Kentucky with the two piece stock for $500 is no bargain. A Pedersoli St. Louis Hawken might be. A Lyman, TC, or Navy Arms for $200 or less is probably a good deal. All will probably be accurate with the right load and every once in a great while any can make a dud.
 
Don’t know if it’ll be any help to ya but, TC New Englanders and White Mountain Carbines have more drop than the Hawken or Renegade.
 
White Mt Carbine is one sweet little rifle. I call it my pop gun cuz compared to the others, it's tiny but it shoots really well.
 
I will have to go along with my Marine buddy, Woodnbow. Although the only one i ever hunted with, and still own, is my TC Hawken kit gun. It is far more accurate than i am and i just love it.
DL
 
Factory Rifles from higher quality to lower… Flint

Lyman ←→ Pedersoli (because of parts)

Thompson Center

Navy Arms

CVA ←→ Traditions


Factory Rifles from higher quality to lower… caplock

Lyman, Pedersoli, Thompson Center

Traditions, CVA, Navy Arms


Tingle is too long out of production. So is H&R


The problem of which, is that some of the manufacturers make a wide range of quality, especially with the caplocks…Pedersoli is a major example. Lyman also offers a range of different sized rifles and prices, though the choice is more narrow.

Navy Arms offered ACW muskets and shotguns in caplock that were quite good, while being closer to the lower end with some of their inexpensive caplocks.

So the Lyman Deer Stalker is a bit different than the Lyman Great Plains Rifle.
LYMAN DEER STALKER AND GREAT PLAINS.jpg

And the Pedersoli Country Hunter is a bit different from the Scout and from the Pennsylvania..
PEDERSOLI COUNTRY RIFLES THREE.jpg



Shorthanded wrote that he is looking for more drop and under 8#..., and he chose the Frontier in caplock...which is different from the Pennsylvania (above)....
PEDERSOLI FRONTIER CAPLOCK.jpg

a good choice at under 8 lbs. The frontier does have a patent breech, which can be persnickety unless kept clean.
There is ALSO the Frontier Carbine, essentially a shortened Frontier ...,
PEDERSOLI FRONTIER CARBINE.jpg

LD
 
Factory Rifles from higher quality to lower… Flint

Lyman ←→ Pedersoli (because of parts)

Thompson Center

Navy Arms

CVA ←→ Traditions


Factory Rifles from higher quality to lower… caplock

Lyman, Pedersoli, Thompson Center

Traditions, CVA, Navy Arms


Tingle is too long out of production. So is H&R


The problem of which, is that some of the manufacturers make a wide range of quality, especially with the caplocks…Pedersoli is a major example. Lyman also offers a range of different sized rifles and prices, though the choice is more narrow.

Navy Arms offered ACW muskets and shotguns in caplock that were quite good, while being closer to the lower end with some of their inexpensive caplocks.

So the Lyman Deer Stalker is a bit different than the Lyman Great Plains Rifle.
View attachment 18207
And the Pedersoli Country Hunter is a bit different from the Scout and from the Pennsylvania..
View attachment 18208


Shorthanded wrote that he is looking for more drop and under 8#..., and he chose the Frontier in caplock...which is different from the Pennsylvania (above)....
View attachment 18209
a good choice at under 8 lbs. The frontier does have a patent breech, which can be persnickety unless kept clean.
There is ALSO the Frontier Carbine, essentially a shortened Frontier ...,
View attachment 18210

LD
Thanks
 
I have a Pedersoli Frontier in .32 caliber and I have absolutely no complaints about it in terms of quality and function. Pedersoli leaves a bit too much wood in the forearm and the wrist shape, while more or less period correct, isn't all that eye appealing to me. In shooting it, however, it works just fine. I see no reason why you would be less than pleased with your choice. Either caliber you mentioned would be very versatile. Mine is a plinker/squirrel and rabbit gun. I have a TC Hawken .50 cal. for deer. No complaints on that one either, but I agree there could definitely be more drop and it wouldn't hurt my feelings...or my cheek, lol!
 
Factory Rifles from higher quality to lower… caplock

Lyman, Pedersoli, Thompson Center

Traditions, CVA, Navy Arms


LD



I must have the exception, then, because my Navy Arms half-stock .50 percussion is the most accurate rifle I own. I have shot several possibles at 50 yards with it. and it shots rings around both of the GRRW barreled half-stocks I have.
 
Long time ago, I had one of the Navy arms .50 mule ear carbines. It was a dandy little thing, 13/16ths barrel and short, maybe 26”... it wasn’t a high quality arm but it was fine for what it was. Pedersoli offers a sidelock much like it to this day. I think they call it the “country boy” or something like that.

@Desperate Lee! I celebrated our birthday yesterday with cake, bourbon and a couple of pals from the good old days. Thought of you and I hope you’re well except for the Cowboys losing last night... can’t have everything!
 
Bore condition is pretty much everything, so check it carefully. Both for rust and any loose spots which would indicate a ringed barrel.
 

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