I frequently shoot a pre-1877 Belgian and possibly wouldn't consider another make. Wall thickness is very important, but check the locks to make sure they don't double(which can be rectified) and check behind the locks to see if the stock is cracked. Also check the alignment marks on the plugs and tubes to see if anyone has been "monkeying" with it as well as the hook to frame interface. I prefer to remove the nipples to thourghly(?) clean it, so see if they are frozen. Almost without exception, you are going to have to mash the caps a bit to force them to stay on the nipple, but a nipple size of No. 10 or No. 11 matches what is forsale today. Also choose one with diameter dims that you can purchase cards, overshot and the like, that you don't have to use your teeth to edge it to get it to fit down the tube. And I also like versions with original ramrods and also ramrods which you can attach a worm. Because if you shoot it much and bend the blackpowder/moisture rules, you are going to need a worm. Determine a load of shot for the period of the longarm, match the dram equivalent and start pouring. It's a thrill and a real grounder to exactly what the technology was at the time and just how well they used it.
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
Last edited by ellenbr; 02/27/09 11:19 PM.
