jack garner .36 headed for a bobby hoyt makeover

[Maven]

That's a true dilemma, Rob.  I'd probably sell it rather than alter the bbl. or weight distribution (thought about that for my Dixie poor boy, but didn't do it) as I really don't care for muzzle heavy rifles either.

[RobD]

dagnabitt.  it's such a reliable shooter .... 

[Ohio Joe]

There is an alternative...

When I was shooting my 9.25 pound - 7/8" x 42" .45 caliber flintlock regularly, I started to make some good headway with it.  (IMHO) I believe it was only because it was the only one I was shooting 99% of the time, so I therefore I just got use to the weight and how to play the wind on windy days when using this particular heavy (to me) and longer barreled muzzle loading rifle.

I was much younger then, and was use to shooting 8 to 8.5 pound - 32 and 36 inch barreled ML Rifles, so transitioning to a 42" 9.25 ML Rifle was a challenge, but it was doable,,, back then...

However, since that time I've fell back into the 32 and 36 inch (8 to 8.5 pound) ML Rifles, and re'transitioning back to the heavier & longer barrel doesn't seem quite as easy this time around as it once seemed it was.
     
Just food for thought. 

[Ohio Joe]

Well dang it,,, now I want to get the 9.25 pound - 7/8" x 42" .45 caliber flintlock rifle back out...  

[RobD]

a very good point on usage, joe.   

i have a gaggle of guns that keep pestering me to take 'em to the field or woods, and i do!  but i think i'll stick with the the garner .40 and see if she and i can bond a bit better offhand and out-of-the-pouch. 

one thing i should be doing is shooting some blank loads while at the ranch, get more used to the gun's balance. 

[Uncle Russ]

Rob, I know, and you know as well, likely more so than anyone following this thread.
If that puppy shoots well off the bench, it's a shooter. Plain and simple.

Otherwise, we would not always be going to the bench to "proof' loads, and make major / minor adjustments in loading.

The more ya shoot it, the better you'll get, and the more you will love that rifle.
Thrust me on this, in fact, you can even take it to the Bank if ya like.

I would never cut my fingers off to make a glove fit, but I certainly would endure a perceived discomfort until I got comfortable calling the off-hand shots on a Rifle that shot real well....I've done it, and you can do it as well...if not even better.   

Uncle Russ...

[RobD]

i hear ya, uncle russ.  i'm gonna work on loving this rifle! 

[Uncle Russ]

You go guy!
You can do this!
 

Uncle Russ...

[Winter Hawk]

May I suggest, as I have in other posts, that you replace the flint with a piece of wood and dry fire every day?  I do this, it gives me a chance to fondle my rifle and should help get muscle memory for when I am at the range. 

Unfortunately, my shooting skills still seem to be lacking, or is it my eyesight?  Was shooting an unmentionable rifle with those brass thingies and a scope at 25 yards, off the bench, and still sprayed bullets all over the place.    It is in the back of the closet again and the .45 flintlock will be in my hands from now on.... 

~WH~

[RobD]

i prefer to blank fire, either pan or pan and 10 grains in the tube.  i don't like wood flint substitutes hitting hammer steels.  since it's more a matter of balance i have issues with, just setting and pulling the trigger without cocking whilst doing the balance/aiming trick is another worthwhile exercise.  methinks.  maybe.  either that or there'll be a fine flinter up on the classifieds.