My last two trips to the range have been muzzleloader days. There is just something about the process of loading and shooting muzzleloaders that I find very relaxing. In my small collection of reproduction and antique guns is a favorite that I thought you might enjoy seeing.

This very worn percussion double rifle was made by the little known, but very respected firm of Samual and Charles Smith, Princes St, Leicester Square, London Marked as such on the barrel and locks. Made sometime between 1834 and 1870.

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It has a seven groove barrel with a twist of about 1 turn in 96 inches. The bore diameter is abut .702 inches, a 13 bore perhaps. With a weight of over 10 pounds you might think this is a big bore dangerous game rifle. But it is really a deer rifle, with the load engraved on the bottom of the barrels ahead of the forearm. -- Charge of Powder 2 3/4 drams Spherical Ball --

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More to follow...