Handy 45?

[brewer12345]

I am feeling my age as I deal with some shoulder issues. Slinging a 54 or 58 ball down the range makes me grin, but the need to avoid recoil has me shooting 50 round ball with light charges to take it easy. I have a 45 barrel for a TC Hawken that I need to shoot, but a longer, heavier barrel combined with a curved steel butt plate doesn't make it as easy as I would like. What I'd like to find is something like a 45 cal percussion gun with maybe a 24 inch barrel and a modern buttstock design (not a curved metal butt designed to fit into your bicep). Anything like this exist? I suppose a 40 or 36 would do, but I would have to find another mold.

 

[SmokepoleSam]

The longer heavier barrel will help with the recoil if you can hold the gun up.

 

[brewer12345]

Yeah, for sure. Unsupported/field position I was not having trouble making deer kill zone shots with my 50 cal Hawken with a 32" barrel at 60 and 70 yards today, but the longer the barrel, the more effort to keep it steady. For target shooting, I was thinking a lighter, handier gun would make sense.

I suppose I should just make the time to put together the CVA Squirrel Rifle kit I found untouched all these years.

 

[Grenadier1758]

The older I get, the more I appreciate my 36 caliber rifles. @brewer12345, its time to put that CVA Squirrel Rifle together and ease up on the shoulder.

 

[deermanok]

Not too long ago I found a Traditions deerhunter rifle in 45 caliber. I got it from deercreek products. It's all the things you describe, 24 inch barrel, sorta modern type butt stock with a bit of a recoil pad. It's definitely my favorite rifle. Very light to carry and more of a push on my shoulder instead of a slap as far as recoil goes. With the 440 ball and 60 grains of 3f Old Ensyford, it's a good load for me.
Deercreek doesn't have any more in stock. I don't know where you could find one.

 

[ppg1949]

Although it is 50 caliber, the TC White Mountain Carbine may be an option.

 

[user 48679]

I have a 45 barrel for a TC Hawken that I need to shoot, but a longer, heavier barrel combined with a curved steel butt plate doesn't make it as easy as I would like.

What I'd like to find is something like a 45 cal percussion gun with maybe a 24 inch barrel and a modern buttstock design (not a curved metal butt designed to fit into your bicep).

You're describing a .45 T/C Cherokee (lower gun, below), which has a 24" bbl, weighs under 6lbs, and the butt can be converted to a "shotgun" butt with a little work.

 

[tenngun]

Might I suggest a SMR or Tennessee style in a ‘poor boy/ barn gun configuration. You can have a slim light smaller caliber barrel and since it is poor boy no but plate that is kept flatter then the more traditional crescent
A toe plate and bone,or antler comb piece can serve as butt protection during loading or go all out poor boy and just have a square nail at the comb

 

[leadhoarder]

I find that a .54 can have really mild recoil if loaded with a smallish charge of FFF. Maybe try it with a 30-40gr charge?

 

[hanshi]

I owned and hunted with a .50 Traditions DeerHunter for over 20 years. One in .45 would be absolutely delightful.

 

[deermanok]

I owned and hunted with a .50 Traditions DeerHunter for over 20 years. One in .45 would be absolutely delightful.

Yes sir, the one I have is sweet. Wouldn't part with it for nothing.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I have 45 caliber T.C, cherokees for the grand kids. they are light weight and easy to handle. But hard to find now!

 

[nhmoose]

I cheated and got the shoulder fixed,, hurt for less than 3 months after surgery. After not being able to lift even a 22 pistol I am back to my big guns and flinters.

Surgery was well worth it.

 

[OldRust]

I cheated and got the shoulder fixed,, hurt for less than 3 months after surgery. After not being able to lift even a 22 pistol I am back to my big guns and flinters.

Surgery was well worth it.

Repair of the rotary cuff or a complete shoulder replacement ? I'm just at 3 months after a complete shoulder replacement and the jury is still out as to what recoil I'll be able to handle.

Thanks
O.R.

 

[nhmoose]

Repair and reattachment of muscles. I'd start easy and work my way up. My ortho said nothing with recoil for 6 months and then do that.

Keep up at the gym building the strength back is most important.

 

[longcruise]

I second the Deerhunter. A surprisingly accurate gun. My grandson shoots his with gnat butt precision.

 

[OldRust]

I feel your pain. The Traditions Deerhunter in 45 may fit your needs as others have suggested. Lyman makes a Deer Stalker that probably would too but I think they only come in 50 or 54.

I have a project gun started for myself that I hope to use in PA's flintlock season this year. It is a TC Renegade stock ( shotgun style) and a TC Hawken 45 cal Flint barrel. A little bit of Acraglas, a blender, and some patience I hope to have a nice Franken-Thompson.

Thanks
O.R.

 

[appalichian hunter]

NH moose, I feel your pain, three times under the knife left shoulder, it still acts up a bit but I be damn if I will surrender my shooting, Left shoulder, left handed shooter. I have cut back a bit but not too much and I like the big bores.

 

[Notchy Bob]

One other option might be a T/C Renegade, with an aftermarket barrel in the length and caliber of your choice. The Gun Works/Oregon Barrel Co. Makes drop-in barrels to order. Used Renegades are plentiful, and they have a comfortable shotgun butt while still looking reasonably traditional. I suppose Mr. Hoyt might also be able to line the original barrel to a smaller caliber, which would likely be less expensive than a second barrel.

Notchy Bob

 

[Davey Boy]

Move up to a cannon, way fun