AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Black Powder Shooting => Topic started by: MuskratMike on November 14, 2023, 05:51:23 AM

Title: A great start
Post by: MuskratMike on November 14, 2023, 05:51:23 AM
This should make all of us green with envy. I just met up by e-mail with a fine young man from Idaho. He is an avid hunter but knows nothing about black powder or black powder shooting. Juan decided early this year after talking to our mutual friend about my exploits with a flintlock that he would like to "give it a try". He started off by doing all the reading and research he could and bought the book Flintlocks: A Practical guide for their use and appreciation. He then bought a Jim Kibler "Woodsrunner" kit in .54 caliber. He took his time putting it together and completing the rifle. Talk about missing the first 10 or 12 mistakes we all made. He then made his own horn and priming horn. With no help or instruction other than what he gleaned from the book and online he taught himself how to load, shoot, clean and care for his rifle. This summer he took it out hunting with no expectations on success. The deer he shot at 115 yards and the antelope at 140 yards OFFHAND! Talk about young eyes and reflexes coming into play. The load he used on both was 90 grains of Swiss 2F, a .535 Hornady round ball with .018 patch greased with T.O.T.W. mink oil/grease. He and I will keep in contact and other than joining the N.M.L.R.A. and A.L.R I think this young man is off to a fine start.
(https://i.ibb.co/MVKs3Bz/Juan-Luna-Deer-2023.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hWrytYG)

(https://i.ibb.co/wLvdCwD/Juan-Luna-Antelope-2023.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pPm1ZRC)
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: p.d. on November 14, 2023, 06:21:49 AM
I won't plead guilty to envy but I am surely impressed.  Excellent beginnings all around!
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: Daryl on November 14, 2023, 09:25:24 PM
He certainly has started off on the right foot. Well done.
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: StevenV on November 15, 2023, 03:58:24 AM
That is outstanding!!!! Way to go Juan!! Congratulations
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: Duane Harshaw on November 15, 2023, 07:29:19 AM
  a mighty fine start for  sure.
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: Bushfire on November 15, 2023, 11:54:44 AM
Good on him, as a fellow young flintlock hunter it’s a rare but pleasing sight!
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: grouse on November 15, 2023, 04:27:30 PM
Congrats, He is going to spoil himself!
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: MuskratMike on November 15, 2023, 10:21:14 PM
Experienced hunter yes, black powder shooter no. He is a fine young man who is on the right path. He's looking next at making a fowler for hunting chucker's in the rimrock canyons. I do believe he is addicted to white smoke.
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: Daryl on November 16, 2023, 12:34:18 AM
For birds, an English design might be best, I feel.  It is fast shouldering and swinging with a bird.

(https://i.ibb.co/n0dcLkY/AHunkeler20bore010-zps3e135d41.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9vKTrY1)

(https://i.ibb.co/vk9TwNt/AHunkeler20bore015.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Tty7vQC)
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: Bob Roller on November 28, 2023, 06:09:30 PM
That English style is IMHO the best for everything concerning top of the line muzzle loaders.
Bob Roller
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: Matt48 on November 28, 2023, 07:41:24 PM
For birds, an English design might be best, I feel.  It is fast shouldering and swinging with a bird.

(https://i.ibb.co/n0dcLkY/AHunkeler20bore010-zps3e135d41.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9vKTrY1)

(https://i.ibb.co/vk9TwNt/AHunkeler20bore015.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Tty7vQC)


What would be a good source for a gun like that?
Title: Re: A great start
Post by: Daryl on November 28, 2023, 09:49:39 PM
Keep your eye open for sales at Track and other places?