Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Traditional Firearms => Caplock Long Guns => Topic started by: RedOneFive on June 17, 2024, 10:05:00 AM

Title: Rifle for the kids..
Post by: RedOneFive on June 17, 2024, 10:05:00 AM
Trying to figure out a good light rifle for my kids to shoot at matches.
Ive got a traditions 32 deerstalker, but it's almost too small for my older 2 kids.

I have a line on a used 32 crockett or a 32 pedersoli scout.. I haven't messed with either of those. Was wanting some input.
Also curious if there's any 36 or 40 type options yall could suggest that aren't bank breakers?  I think a little more weight would help with the steel silhouette shoots, but they're timid of the 50 loaded down..
Joe
Title: Re: Rifle for the kids..
Post by: BEAVERMAN on June 17, 2024, 11:44:24 AM
You might look at an old Traditions Bobcat, the older ones had a wood stock then they switched to plastic, some were 45 and some 50's, I've had 10 and 11 yr olds shooting these, just powder down  bit, they wont break the bank like a Cherokee or a Seneca!
Title: Re: Rifle for the kids..
Post by: rollingb on June 17, 2024, 12:57:50 PM

Beaverman has already suggested what I was going to recommend.  :)  :bl th up
Title: Re: Rifle for the kids..
Post by: Winter Hawk on June 17, 2024, 07:05:19 PM
My youngest shot a CVA Bobcat with 50 grain loads.  Since he left the roost I sent the plastic stock to Pecatonica River and they duplicated it as a full stock.  I had picked it up used for $100.

CVA sold the Bobcat; Traditions sells the same rifle as the Deerhunter:
https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/product/Deerhunter-.50-cal-Percussion-Select-Hardwoods-Blued

The 24" barrel makes it less intimidating to kids, I think.  I went out with our pastor and a missionary who was visiting with his 10 year old son.  I took along the T-C Pennsylvania Hunter (the only M/L rifle on the range trip) and while other people had a blast shooting it the boy was afraid it would kick too hard.  I think that if it had been the Bobcat he would have given it a go, even though the bore is large.

~Kees~
Title: Re: Rifle for the kids..
Post by: BEAVERMAN on June 17, 2024, 09:34:05 PM
Yep Kees is correct, been a minute since I dealt with kids guns.
Title: Re: Rifle for the kids..
Post by: Bigsmoke on June 18, 2024, 03:38:21 PM
I just thought of another interesting rifle sized for younger shooters.  I am not sure if it is still available or not, but it is worth a look, and it looks like no other.
In 1980, I reviewed the rifle in our at the time publication Buyers Guide to Muzzleloading Shops and Products.
It was made by Pedersoli and imported by Navy Arms.  It is a side slapper lock which gives it a different look, especially sighting down the barrel.  It's kind of weird seeing the hammer stick out to the side, rather than straight up.
When I reviewed this in 1980, it retailed for $250.00.  But that was then.  Now it's probably $250,000 or so. :laffing  Shut up, it's not funny.  Thanks Joe.
I guess I would call this a "maybe gun".
Do they still make it?  Maybe
Does Navy Arms still import it?  Maybe
Can you find one on the used market?  Maybe
John (Bigsmoke)
Title: Re: Rifle for the kids..
Post by: Winter Hawk on June 18, 2024, 08:11:56 PM
A mule ear gun.  They used to be seen a lot more.  I see that L&R has a lock available if you want to make your own.  IIRC, Deer Creek USED to sell them when the old folks owned the store, but since the new owners took over they aren't available anymore.

~Kees~