Hey guys! I've been thinking about getting a black powder rifle for awhile now, and I think I'm going to take the plunge pretty soon and buy one...not necessarily for hunting, but for target shooting and to simply add another friend to my (growing) collection of guns. I've done a lot of research online regarding their design, how they operate, etc. But I'm quite confused about some things, and I was hoping you folks could point me in the right direction. (Sorry if I sound like a complete rookie at this...I truly am!)

 

1. Every time I log onto the Cabela's website to check out black powder rifles, a warning comes up about NJ residents buying black powder rifles. Are certain ones illegal that I should look out for if I decide to buy one out of state?

 

2. Is finding a place that sells black powder going to be a chore?

 

3. I noticed percussion caps are fairly expensive (on a poor grad student's budget, at least ) Would you folks say flintlocks are "cheaper" to shoot?

 

4. I've read a lot of people complaining about how hard and laborious black powder rifles are to clean. I'm the kind of person who enjoys cleaning my guns almost as much as shooting them, so that hasn't scared me off at all, but...are they really THAT hard to clean?

 

5. Flintlocks seem like a bit harder to shoot and maintain, judging from what I've read (Dealing with flints, cleaning, etc.). Are percussion rifles a better choice for the novice, or are flintlocks really not that hard to learn how to use and maintain?

 

If you know of any resources (books, websites, etc.) that would help out a novice when it comes to learning how to use/maintain black powder rifles, I truly covet that info. Also, any recommendations on which black powder rifle I should get would be cool too! I'm really looking forward to getting into black powder, especially since the weather is starting to get nice, but I feel so in the dark when it comes to some of this stuff!--Sorry for asking so many questions!!! Thanks guys!

I dont know anything about Black powder rifles... however.....

 

i was in the same boat as you. enjoyed cleaning guns..... what that tells me now.... you dont shoot them nearly enough. =P

 

 

Goooooo shoot more.

LOL!!!! You know Maks, you're probably right - I do try and get to the range at least twice a week, but I usually only bring my .22 rifle - lots of fun and cheap to shoot!

 

Honestly, the only gun of mine that I don't have fun cleaning is my Ruger 22/45 pistol - that thing is a pain to take apart and get back together!!!

LOL!!!! You know Maks, you're probably right - I do try and get to the range at least twice a week, but I usually only bring my .22 rifle - lots of fun and cheap to shoot!

 

Honestly, the only gun of mine that I don't have fun cleaning is my Ruger 22/45 pistol - that thing is a pain to take apart and get back together!!!

 

Matt made a video. but in all honesty, I am waiting to hear someone respond. =P

LOL!!!! You know Maks, you're probably right - I do try and get to the range at least twice a week, but I usually only bring my .22 rifle - lots of fun and cheap to shoot!

 

Honestly, the only gun of mine that I don't have fun cleaning is my Ruger 22/45 pistol - that thing is a pain to take apart and get back together!!!

 

Matt made a video. but in all honesty, I am waiting to hear someone respond. =P

 

Hahaha! That was really nice of Matt to make a video - I'll have to check it out on youtube. I feel like I need more than a video to help me with that thing sometimes though...maybe something more along the lines of a magic wand

 

Anyways, the whole black powder thing has been an obsession of mine for the past couple months or so, and I still feel like I know very little about the whole deal - hopefully a few kind folks on here will be able to offer their wisdom

Man Maks, still hating on that video.

 

I will make a new video this weekend I promise, with better lighting and a camera person for all of your viewing pleasures.

 

Damn you people are needy!

all i can say is that in PA, a PA resident can legally buy a Muzzleloader with no problems. As easily as buying a pack of gum. Most times, nobody will even ask them for ID. Whereas, if you want to buy one in the state of NJ, it will have to abide by all firearms laws.

 

Also if you get a muzzleloader.. butches bore shine for muzzleloaders makes cleaning a snap. its cheap and readily available online.

 

And.. Muzzleloading is FUUUUUUNNNNNN!

Hey guys! I've been thinking about getting a black powder rifle for awhile now, and I think I'm going to take the plunge pretty soon and buy one...not necessarily for hunting, but for target shooting and to simply add another friend to my (growing) collection of guns. I've done a lot of research online regarding their design, how they operate, etc. But I'm quite confused about some things, and I was hoping you folks could point me in the right direction. (Sorry if I sound like a complete rookie at this...I truly am!)

 

1. Every time I log onto the Cabela's website to check out black powder rifles, a warning comes up about NJ residents buying black powder rifles. Are certain ones illegal that I should look out for if I decide to buy one out of state? There are no NJ illegal blackpowder rifles that I know of. The difference is BP weapons are considered "firearms" in NJ but not PA.

 

2. Is finding a place that sells black powder going to be a chore? NO

 

3. I noticed percussion caps are fairly expensive (on a poor grad student's budget, at least ) Would you folks say flintlocks are "cheaper" to shoot?

Don't go flint lock unless you are a "purest". Alot to learn at once.

 

4. I've read a lot of people complaining about how hard and laborious black powder rifles are to clean. I'm the kind of person who enjoys cleaning my guns almost as much as shooting them, so that hasn't scared me off at all, but...are they really THAT hard to clean? The use of "substitute Black powder allows EASY cleaning.

 

5. Flintlocks seem like a bit harder to shoot and maintain, judging from what I've read (Dealing with flints, cleaning, etc.). Are percussion rifles a better choice for the novice, or are flintlocks really not that hard to learn how to use and maintain? Correct, Go with #11 caps they're cheap.

 

If you know of any resources (books, websites, etc.) that would help out a novice when it comes to learning how to use/maintain black powder rifles, I truly covet that info. Also, any recommendations on which black powder rifle I should get would be cool too! I'm really looking forward to getting into black powder, especially since the weather is starting to get nice, but I feel so in the dark when it comes to some of this stuff!--Sorry for asking so many questions!!! Thanks guys!

 

You have to decide if you want an inline or traditional rifle. You can shoot a traditional rifle VERY inexpensively and they are accurate. Fun factor on a traditional rifle is increased as well.

Hey guys! I've been thinking about getting a black powder rifle for awhile now, and I think I'm going to take the plunge pretty soon and buy one...not necessarily for hunting, but for target shooting and to simply add another friend to my (growing) collection of guns. I've done a lot of research online regarding their design, how they operate, etc. But I'm quite confused about some things, and I was hoping you folks could point me in the right direction. (Sorry if I sound like a complete rookie at this...I truly am!)

 

1. Every time I log onto the Cabela's website to check out black powder rifles, a warning comes up about NJ residents buying black powder rifles. Are certain ones illegal that I should look out for if I decide to buy one out of state? There are no NJ illegal blackpowder rifles that I know of. The difference is BP weapons are considered "firearms" in NJ but not PA.

 

2. Is finding a place that sells black powder going to be a chore? NO

 

3. I noticed percussion caps are fairly expensive (on a poor grad student's budget, at least ) Would you folks say flintlocks are "cheaper" to shoot?

Don't go flint lock unless you are a "purest". Alot to learn at once.

 

4. I've read a lot of people complaining about how hard and laborious black powder rifles are to clean. I'm the kind of person who enjoys cleaning my guns almost as much as shooting them, so that hasn't scared me off at all, but...are they really THAT hard to clean? The use of "substitute Black powder allows EASY cleaning.

 

5. Flintlocks seem like a bit harder to shoot and maintain, judging from what I've read (Dealing with flints, cleaning, etc.). Are percussion rifles a better choice for the novice, or are flintlocks really not that hard to learn how to use and maintain? Correct, Go with #11 caps they're cheap.

 

If you know of any resources (books, websites, etc.) that would help out a novice when it comes to learning how to use/maintain black powder rifles, I truly covet that info. Also, any recommendations on which black powder rifle I should get would be cool too! I'm really looking forward to getting into black powder, especially since the weather is starting to get nice, but I feel so in the dark when it comes to some of this stuff!--Sorry for asking so many questions!!! Thanks guys!

 

You have to decide if you want an inline or traditional rifle. You can shoot a traditional rifle VERY inexpensively and they are accurate. Fun factor on a traditional rifle is increased as well.

 

You will learn very quickly about true ballistics, and be exposed to all elements, weather, humidity, different widths of patches.. lots of variables to play with and overcome.

 

But, BP rifles can be VERY Accurate

 

I have a Cabela's sporterized Hawken, and love it. I think the rifle goes for around $350, and probably another $50 minimum to set you up right, but once you get it, the balls, patches, powder, and caps are pretty cheap. Cheaper than buying loaded ammo for sure.

 

Go holy black, don't use pyrodex unless you have no other choice at all. Get another ram rod as well, so you don't fudge up the one that comes with your gun.

Old School and coldsolderjoint...thank you SO MUCH for the info and advice. I truly appreciate it!!! I'm going to a gun show in Roanoke, VA next weekend and I'm gonna check and see if I can find a good deal on a new muzzleloader there. If nothing appealing catches my eye, I'll hit up Bob's and Butch's...maybe even make the trip up to Cabela's to see what they have to offer. Thanks again...I am REALLY looking forward to starting the adventure into black powder!

Old School and coldsolderjoint...thank you SO MUCH for the info and advice. I truly appreciate it!!! I'm going to a gun show in Roanoke, VA next weekend and I'm gonna check and see if I can find a good deal on a new muzzleloader there. If nothing appealing catches my eye, I'll hit up Bob's and Butch's...maybe even make the trip up to Cabela's to see what they have to offer. Thanks again...I am REALLY looking forward to starting the adventure into black powder!

 

 

If you are going out to Cabelas for black powder. Do yourself the BEST favor ever for traditional BP rifle shooters and hit up dixon's muzzleloading supply. http://dixonmuzzleloading.com/

 

If they don't have it, it doesn't exist :-P

Old School and coldsolderjoint...thank you SO MUCH for the info and advice. I truly appreciate it!!! I'm going to a gun show in Roanoke, VA next weekend and I'm gonna check and see if I can find a good deal on a new muzzleloader there. If nothing appealing catches my eye, I'll hit up Bob's and Butch's...maybe even make the trip up to Cabela's to see what they have to offer. Thanks again...I am REALLY looking forward to starting the adventure into black powder!

 

Youngster- You're pretty far away but if you get up north, I can get you some range time with the "smoke pole"

 

Sorry CSJ- I'm a 777 guy! Real black powder is a PIA. But I do shoot a TC Hawken. So maybe that makes up for it.

Warnings for NJ residents basically means that they won't ship to, and you can't receive, black powders guns shipped directly to your home. Everything in NJ must be via FFL. Dixie Gun Works has the same warnings.

 

I got a pair of Ruger Old Armys, and had to get them xfer'd in, much to the amusement of the shipper.

 

I shoot GOEX. Mostly Fg or FFg in my Cowboy guns, mostly for smoke and flame. Sooty? Yup. But comes with style points. As far as clean up, hot soapy water, hot water rinse, bore patch with windex/vinegar mix, bore patch with ballistol, lube cylinder pin with olive oil, and I'm done. About 10mins per gun. I find it easier than cleaning smokeless.

 

you can order from www.powderinc.com

 

Dixon's is a good source of info. One oldtimer told me to try olive oil, motor oil, or axel grease cause they can handle the higher temps generated by the black. I was skeptical about olive oil, but after 50 rounds, my cylinders still spun free.

Dixon's looks like a neat place! I'll definitely have to stop there when I go up to Cabela's. Thanks for the good advice guys - Maybe I'll see you folks sometime this spring/summer at Fort Dix!