Smoke Pole for a beginner

[Grute Man]

My 15 year old wants a muzzle loader for Christmas and I don't really know a lot about them.  He got a chance to shoot one recently and did well and just loved it.  So we're looking at this website "Track of the Wolf"   http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(epmyud55vxg3c1jsypcysa45))/Index.aspx

Here's what he wants --> Hawken 50 cal precussion gun kit.  He shows me one like the one he sho.  There are kits you can buy and build your own.  I'm thinking of doing it but would like to know from you guys who have shot them what pros and cons there are. 

[cva54]

yes I can help ben going it for 20 years now got 4 of them my 1st a cva 54 cal. big bore mountan rifle it was a kit my dad did it 2nt a TC renagade 54 cal. in a kit dad againe both are browned NOT blued (in my book the only to go) both of thies I removed the riar sight and installed peep sights on the stock behind the tang (long sight plain ACCURACY) and both have dobble set trigers 3nd a fox river valey 50 cal. this 1 I bought only because loaded only weights as mutch as a can of soda pop dam does it hurt when U put 110 gr powder in it with a 365 gr con. this is what I use when I go stalking(small trees dont mater hehe)it is short quick and fast it is also the 1 i barrow out 4th a cva 50 cal. in line never shot it got it for free send me a pm do U live in the metro

[Grute Man]

Yeah I do; I live in White Bear Lake.  I was wondering if what he has his eyes on would be a good one for a young kid.  He's 15 and starting to put some size on so Im not worried about if he can handle the recoil or not; Im sure he's ok there.

[cva54]

YES go with a hawkens 50 cal the nice think about black powder (not the pellts) is you can load as mutch powder or little up to the min. as you want the recoil you can controll by how big of bulet you put in it . with my t/c 54 I HUNT with 110 gr powder 465 gr conacal ( maxi ball, buffalow ball ) DAM it hurts hehehehehehe just remember this is a vary heavy gun 12# or beter PS I in bloomington have you looked in to them inlines some are vary nice

[Randy Kaar]

i got a hawkens 50 cal percussion, yes it would be a good gun
for your son. doesnt kick as much as a 12 gauge, i use 85
gr. powder and a ball. pretty accurate, i can shoot 2inch
pattern at 50 yds.

randy

[cva54]

yes they can be vary accurate with my long gun 1 in 66' twist I can only shoot patch and ball con. dont fly good. again 110 gr powder hit pop can at 70 y all day long

[cva54]

if you go with a kit get a T/C track of the wolf is a good place or muzzleder extra in bloom. but he is in to more of the old school the BIG $$$$$$$$$$$ more of a colector person but he  knows everythig if you can get him to talk he will tell u any thing U want to know

[Randy Kaar]

Grute, check Wolfs Den in hugo, they used to carry
black powder and used guns. i havent been there in
a long time.

randy

[kingfisher1]

I know I'm a little late in posting, but I'm new to the site.  I'm not sure if you got the hawkins for your son on not, but another good option is the TC Omega inline.  It's accurate, easily taken care of, clean up is a breeze, and an all around great gun.  I've had mine for 3 years, shot 10 deer and two caribou with it, and only been able to recover 1 bullet from it, loaded with 100 grains of triple 7 powder.  Shots ranged from 50 to 140 yards.  It retains velocity, energy, and accuracy.  It's got a 28 inch barrel, and I love it.