My wife's grandfather passed a while ago and my mother-in-law found this as part of his estate. A Thompson Center Arms Cal50.

 

Other than being a muzzle loader, I know. I know nothing about it. Anyone have any experience?

 

She has offered it to me but if it is historical/valuable I want to let her know. If I take it then I'd like to know if it is shootable or a mantelpiece.

 

 

 

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Also, sorry for the potato pic

 

 

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This is a modern replica of a Hawken Rifle and is eminently shootable. I forget whether the rifling is more suited for patch & ball or mini-balls. I'll bow to Smokin' 50 our on-the-board black powder specialist. He should be along shortly. Just hope that gramps cleaned it well before putting it aside as BP is highly corrosive - don't know about the BP substitutes, I stopped shooting muzzle loaders before they were available.

 

Have fun with it.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Cool! I keep forgetting to buy something like that. They are fun. I love the cloud of smoke and the "Thwack!" when the projectile hits the target. Last time I shot one everything we had on the line was putting holes in the target and when ever I shot it with the BP the target would get knocked over LOL

Very shootable, either a 1:66 twist, prime for patch balls or a 1:48 which covers everything from patch ball to whatever type of  hybrid bullet they are designing now.  A good cleaning and possibly a new nipple and you should be ready to join the smoke pole crowd.  Use it with honor.