vzett
32 Cal.
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2008
- Messages
- 15
- Reaction score
- 0
Given the current economy, I thought I'd try selling some reloading and black powder supplies at the local gun shows in NW Florida as an excuse to get wholesale accounts with my favorite online dealers and to be able to buy lead from the local scrap yard (they won't sell at retail). After two shows, it's a bust as a money-making enterprise as I keep spending even with my sales.
This area is a tough sell for quality muzzleloaders, but it makes for a buyers market when people bring things to the show as most of the dealers aren't interested.
Below are my recent muzzleloading finds that I couldn't pass up-
1. Italian Zouave replica in good condition. The patchbox hinge is broken, but otherwise the rifle is sound. It came with the sword bayonet and a vintage full can of FF Goex with a similar vintage tin of musket caps. The powder is in good shape, not so sure on the caps.
No identifiable maker on the rifle - just proof marks, caliber, and 'Italy'. The stock is actually two pieces and comes apart via the nosecap and 2nd barrel band. I wasn't the 1st to try lightly hammering the 2nd band forward before figuring out that you remove the nose cap and slide off the forestock.
The hammer does not have a 1/2 cock notch (appears to be original) so it's a range only gun in my view. Should be a good shooter though.
If I keep the rifle, I'll probably strip the stock and stain it darker with aquafortis and polish the brass.
2. Pietta Navy Arms import 12 gauge double. It has a bit of blueing wear, especially on the left barrel which is more a purple color, but otherwise in fine condition. It's got pretty engraving on the trigger guard, lock plates, and extended tang. A nice complement to my Berretta Anniversary model 12 gauge over-under. It'll be fun to see which I can shoot better.
3. Thompson Center Hawken in .50 Cal with the laminated wood stock. Not exactly traditional, but boy is it a looker. Original owner had fired it perhaps 6 times since new. It looks new in and out and I had to work on the set trigger just to loosen it up from never getting used.
My 1st muzzleloader was a .50 T/C Hawken that I kit built with a traditional look (buckhorn sights, aquafortis stain, ...) and it's still my go-to gun when I need absolute reliability and accuracy. This new one will make one of my kids or a friend a great 1st rifle for much less than the $600 new price they go for now.
This area is a tough sell for quality muzzleloaders, but it makes for a buyers market when people bring things to the show as most of the dealers aren't interested.
Below are my recent muzzleloading finds that I couldn't pass up-
1. Italian Zouave replica in good condition. The patchbox hinge is broken, but otherwise the rifle is sound. It came with the sword bayonet and a vintage full can of FF Goex with a similar vintage tin of musket caps. The powder is in good shape, not so sure on the caps.
No identifiable maker on the rifle - just proof marks, caliber, and 'Italy'. The stock is actually two pieces and comes apart via the nosecap and 2nd barrel band. I wasn't the 1st to try lightly hammering the 2nd band forward before figuring out that you remove the nose cap and slide off the forestock.
The hammer does not have a 1/2 cock notch (appears to be original) so it's a range only gun in my view. Should be a good shooter though.
If I keep the rifle, I'll probably strip the stock and stain it darker with aquafortis and polish the brass.
2. Pietta Navy Arms import 12 gauge double. It has a bit of blueing wear, especially on the left barrel which is more a purple color, but otherwise in fine condition. It's got pretty engraving on the trigger guard, lock plates, and extended tang. A nice complement to my Berretta Anniversary model 12 gauge over-under. It'll be fun to see which I can shoot better.
3. Thompson Center Hawken in .50 Cal with the laminated wood stock. Not exactly traditional, but boy is it a looker. Original owner had fired it perhaps 6 times since new. It looks new in and out and I had to work on the set trigger just to loosen it up from never getting used.
My 1st muzzleloader was a .50 T/C Hawken that I kit built with a traditional look (buckhorn sights, aquafortis stain, ...) and it's still my go-to gun when I need absolute reliability and accuracy. This new one will make one of my kids or a friend a great 1st rifle for much less than the $600 new price they go for now.