Hunt with 1842 Springfield or not?

rangerider7

rangerider7

New member
I pick up this 1842 Springfield a few years back in Llano Texas. The previous owner was shooting it at the time. It came from an old family in Goldthwaite, Texas. It was used by the Indians for a time in its life. It is the only rifle I have not hunted with in my collection. My question is should I take the chance of shooting it and something breaking or just leave it on the fireplace. I have never shot a black powder, so is it worth the consequences or not. I know the final decision is mine but I thought some of the muzzle loaders might give me some advice. There is no crack in the stock. The rawhide was put on to reinforce the stock for clubbing.


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You stated that you have never hunted with a black powder gun. Don't start with this one. If you had a few years experience, I might feel differently. There is a bit of a learning curve with black powder firearms. It's not just working up a load and shooting it. It starts from proper preparation all the way through to cleaning and preparing for storage be it on the wall or in a cabinet. Black powder guns are a completely different ball game. I'd start with a modern replica if you want to get into shooting black powder.
 
That's about what I was thinking. I really don't want to get into black powder shooting as a whole, so better leave well enough alone. I figured it was a precise sport and It would take time to work into it with all the accoutrement's and knowledge. Thanks again.
 
I agree with Weasel start with a modern gun and then maybe shoot that one at the rang for fun and possibly take it out on a nice day for yotes.Muzzeloaders are a great enjoyment to shoot. It is not hard at all to learn but get your questions answered at a blackpowder event meaning someone who can tell you straight and not some Yahhoo that thinks he knows everything.The main things to remember are basic.Saftey first. Meaure charge.Seat ball with patch.Put the hammer on half cap the nipple. Muzzel pointed toward target ,put hammer at full, aim and fire.
The only real problem is after you swab the barrel after 3 shots make sure the nipple is clear, usually done by firing a cap with muzzel pointed at a leaf or something and you will see the leaf move if the nipple is clear. If its not clear and you load and fire it will not ignite the charge everytime and if it doesnt you may have to pull the ball and dump the charge and then clear the nipple. Pulling the ball back up the barrel can be tough at times.Other than that its great. Its a little messy but if you like muzzeloading you will enjoy the whole shooting nd cleaning and all.And the cool smell of the powder and cleaners.My 36 caliber shot one ragged hole at 50 yards from the bench.Its fun and Im going to get another sometime.Miss my 36.
Sorry to ramble but if you got into it you would more than likely have another hobby or should I say addiction.
Daryl P.
 
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I had to use "put hammer at half or full " in the post above cause the word we need keeps getting beeped.I dont know why. It is the same word that can be used for part of the male body but so is nipple.LOL
Daryl P.
 
Before you even start thinking about hunting with that rifle you need to have the bore thourgholy gone over by someone who is competent to check that firearm. Black powder is and was VERY corrosive, old firearms that were used by native tribes are notoriouse for haveing corroded bores some times to the point of being a blow up waiting to happen. Maybe the person you got it from was useing it all the time but was it being cared for properly? Residue could have been working on the inside of the barrel for the entire time you have had it.
I would just leave it hanging over the fireplace. Get a replica from Navy arms if you want to hunt with one but as was said ther is a learning curve with Black powder.
 
You have a beautiful piece of history there, historical value alone probably dictates that it should not be fired. Don't you wish those old guns could talk? Having said that if the gun were in my collection (dream on) and if I had a reputable muzzle loading gunsmith check it out and pronounce it safe to fire I would shoot it at least once, probably more, just depends on the condition. You won't diminish collector value by firing provided no damage is done. Thanks for sharing the picture! The old horn above it looks pretty nice too!
Bob
 
Nice looking piece. My advise goes along the same lines as a few others. First get it checked out, a lot of those old guns just are not safe to shoot anymore. Second if good, take it to the range once. Last clean throughly and hang back on the wall. Go buy a reproduction to hunt with.

The learning curve and investment in accontremts is going to be about the same with either an orginal or a reproducetion but if something happens to the reproduction you shouldn't have nearly as much trouble getting parts or finding someone who knows what they are doing to repair.
 
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