Jim

You have put exactly my own reasons and outlook on these interesting firearms

The black powder, preferably hammer rifles are unique for being built mainly over a relatively short time span

The history of some of mine ( Winston Churchill's grandfather, and the 8 bore in Africa with Selous) are most interesting and I wish there were more stories about them
Good luck on your own research

I also love the later large bore percussion rifles which have their own history with the earlier pioneers

Please everybody keep getting and posting pics

Tony