does anyone feel that a 32 is more of a chore to shoot/clean than a larger caliber squirrel rifle?
I've kinda watch this thread since it's first post, and I haven't commented because, right now, right this moment, I don't own a "three-two"..... but I have, and I have owned several over the years, both cap and flint and I do expect to own another one before the fall of this upcoming year.
IMHO, the lowly little three-two is the most underrated muzzle loader we have today!
As far as your last question, I certainly don't feel it's any more of a chore insofar as shooting and cleaning than any other BP Rifle...although, I have to admit that over the years I have broken more three-two ram rods than all the others
combined!
Still yet, even a slow learner catches on pretty quick after awhile.
And, it does take me a second or so longer to load and seat a ball than it does on a .45 on up.
Why is that? It's because on the larger bores I can typically seat a ball with one or sometimes two quick long strokes, while that smaller bore requires four or five short strokes, and it's usually a 40 plus inch barrel...IMO that's the very reason we ended up with so many broken ram rods for this little fella.
The exception to this "may be" the little .32 Cherokee RM mentioned...it does have a short barrel, but there ain't no fleas on that little dog....and you can take that to the Bank!
Now, having said that, I have to say that I personally don't see this as any kind of drawback, as we all have access to good hickory rods nowadays.
Is it as good or better than a .36?
Is it as good or better than a .40 or .45?
Good questions, but I would not like having the responsibility of being the one to make that choice.
The little three-two speaks Skwerl in several languages and dialects, and no Sir, you're at no disadvantage when carrying one in Squirrel country.
Uncle Russ...
