brottenberger

Hi Stright Shooter, While I believe all firearms are a personnel. I can offer my experience. I have been shooting the same Thompson Center Hawken for 30 years and a TC Renagade for 15. I love them. In addition, TC has stood by its lifetime warranty. I have had 1 stock replaced, after 15 years it started to deveop a crack in the tang/trigger area, TC redesigned its flintlock some years ago - that was replaced, and have other small parts replaced - all for free. To me that offsets the higher price. I suggest that you got to asporting goods store that sells a wide varity of BP guns and see which one fits you best. It will just feel right. Then check the company's reputation and warranty. One word of caution, real black powder can be hard to come by, so unless you are really drawn to flintlocks, stay with caps or inlines. Like Paul S said, keep them clean.

For the range report for m96 (6.5x55) and the m98 (.30-06) will have to wait until the snow and ice clears and the range opens. The stock is made by Wood Plus Brownells # 984-100-096. I did the foreend and side panel shaping. The finish is tung oil and satin lacquer.

This is my tumbler. The motor was taken from my wife's old carpet shampooer. I made an excentric disc from some 3" round stock abone 1.5" thick. I think I have about $10 invested (less media) I am able to adjust motor speed so that I get a smooth rotation of media and brass. Beats hell out of spending 80 bucks or so for a factory built tumbler.

Well, almost finished. Model 1896, re-contoured mil barrel, shortened to 22.5 in. New bolt handle, drileld & tapped for scope. Stock is from Brownell's. Mike Muscat @ Undrground Guns, Newburg NY. did the gunsmithing. Just a few details to complete.

The model 96 is a small ring action. DO NOT put anything like a .416 on that action. Stay with the .24, .25, .26 calibers, 45,000 cup or less. I have a 1908 CG in 6.5x55 - its a great round that is older than the .30.06. The Scandinavians have used it to take Moose for over 110 years.

Well the model 98 is about 99% finished. Sill have to install sling swivel studs. I also want to put a white space between the stock and the recoil pad. The stock has about 10 coats of tung oil and a coat of paste wax. Next on to the Swede.

Hi guys, ran across this forum by accident. I'd like to share my current projects. The gunsmithing for both guns was done by Mike Muscat (Underground Guns) in Newburg Ny. #1 is a m96 in 6.5x55, original barrel, new bolt handle, scope mounted. #2 is a m98 in .30-06, new Adams and Bennet barrel with muzzle brake, new bolt handle, scope mounted, and timney safety. Both guns have a duracoat finish 75% colt grey, 25% german flectarn gray. I'm currently inletting Brownell's stocks in preparation for glass bed. As Mausers have had pillars for over 100 years, I'll reuse the original pillars. Both will get new triggers soon. What do you think?