Scope a Black Powder Rifle???

[MountainDon]

On the one hand the idea of placing a scope on a black powder rifle simply doesn't seem the correct thing to do. However it would sure make it easier to see what you're shooting at out beyond 50 yards.       Something in the 3 - 9X variable power range, maybe.


Anyone who's 'into' guns have a thought?

[Phssthpok]

You'd be amazed what you can do with a fixed 4x scope. I was talked into putting one on my Marlin 30-30 a few years back even though I wanted to go 3-9 variable.

After deciding that I probably wouldn't want to shoot the Marlin beyond 100 yards, and being presented with the logic that a 4X scope makes a target at 100 yards look like it's only 25 yards out, I figured the salesman was right and that I'd never miss the higher magnifications.

To be totally honest though I wasn't fully convinced so I decided to only 'test' the theory with a cheap $25 Chinese scope and a see-through mount. After shooting the set-up though, I'm SOLD. Having the option to shoot iron-sights or switch to a magnified image for a longer shot is a perfect combination. I didn't even swap off the cheap scope as it's incredibly bright and clear, which I suspect is a direct result if having simpler inner workings (Read, fewer lenses for light to pass through). If your eyesight is significantly hindered, you may consider stepping up to a fixed 6 power, though your selection is a bit more limited in that arena.

My .02

[ScottA]

Depends on your hunting style I think and where you hunt. If long shots in the open are the norm then a scope is a must but if you hunt in dense woods like we do around here the scope can actualy make you slower to get on target. I can do iron sights pretty good out to about 75 yards or so which is a long shot for around here. Somehow putting a scope on a muzzleloader seems like cheating though. 

[peternap]

Sacrilege!

There are original peep sight designs if you need one.
One thought is a buckhorn sight. That was designed like a combo ghosting image sight plus a notched sight for taking a fine bead.

On older rifles you can trace the owners age because as he aged, he would have a new dovetail cut further out on the barrel to accommodate his aging eyes.

But never a scope....

[MountainDon]

Sacrilege!

I knew that was coming.    

I have trouble seeing/hitting where I want to beyond 50 yards with the iron sights the TC came with.  I have been looking at a peep sight that TC offers. Looks like this...



Also looking at Williams.
Should be better than what I've got. Although I guess with a 50 yard group like this I shouldn't complain too much...



Seems I do a lot of praying that it's going to come close though as I can't even see the black part of the target when the fat iron front sight covers it up. I'm always surprised when I walk up to see what I hit. Too bad targets don't drop to the ground when you kill them.

Of course I spoiled myself by taking the scoped 10/22 to the range at the same time. And my son made it worse by taking his new Savage 17 HMR with 4.5-14 variable scope on it.

Thanks, Peter.

[peternap]

In all honesty Don, I did scope one I built years ago. I wasw younger then and also lusted after women with large bosems and low IQ's

I really don't like scoped rifles but especially muzzloaders. A muzzleloader just wants to be carried and held. A scope just ruins the feel.

You might want to look at a Globe Front sight with interchangeable inserts. Combine that with the TC Peep sight and you have a very accurate setup that still has all the charm of a halfstock.

[NM_Shooter]

Seems I do a lot of praying that it's going to come close though as I can't even see the black part of the target when the fat iron front sight covers it up. I'm always surprised when I walk up to see what I hit. Too bad targets don't drop to the ground when you kill them.

Don, try this instead.

First of all, Don't focus on the target.  Don't focus on the rear sight.  Only focus on the front blade.  It's easier with a rear peep in bright sunlight.

Don't hold the top of the blade front sight in the middle of the target.  The "Navy" hold does not allow good repeatability.  Use a modified 6 o-clock hold.  My eyes are getting a bit tired so I use a sliver of light between the post and the bottom fuzz of the target.

With black powder rifles, since they have a crappy lock time, you have to have a solid follow through.  If you flinch at all you are hosed. 

Look at the Lyman 17A front globe sights if you want some relief.

[cordwood]

You'd be amazed what you can do with a fixed 4x scope. I was talked into putting one on my Marlin 30-30 a few years back even though I wanted to go 3-9 variable.

After deciding that I probably wouldn't want to shoot the Marlin beyond 100 yards, and being presented with the logic that a 4X scope makes a target at 100 yards look like it's only 25 yards out, I figured the salesman was right and that I'd never miss the higher magnifications.

To be totally honest though I wasn't fully convinced so I decided to only 'test' the theory with a cheap $25 Chinese scope and a see-through mount. After shooting the set-up though, I'm SOLD. Having the option to shoot iron-sights or switch to a magnified image for a longer shot is a perfect combination. I didn't even swap off the cheap scope as it's incredibly bright and clear, which I suspect is a direct result if having simpler inner workings (Read, fewer lenses for light to pass through). If your eyesight is significantly hindered, you may consider stepping up to a fixed 6 power, though your selection is a bit more limited in that arena.

My .02

See through mounts raise the scope so high most shooters can't get a good cheek weld and end up getting a bad scope ringing I don't recomend them for anything more than a .22.
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  And Don, Cheap scopes don't handle heavy recoil real good (won't hold zero)and I am assuming you're talking about a .50 cal. muzzle stuffer ain't ya?!

[MountainDon]

Right cordwood, this is the TC 50 I'm talking about. I am aware it would require a stout scope to handle the recoil; a good shotgun scope for example. Lots of eye relief too. 

And I agree on see through mounts; from my limited exposure to them I was not happy with the height of the scope.


I am thinking of the peep and globe sights though.  



Good to have input from others.