45 cal Thompson with Octagon barrel ?

[FWest]

First off I must say I know nothing about muzzleloading.
A friend who knows I cast for handguns mentioned to his co worker that I was looking for lead. What has come from this is the co worker has offered me a Thompson 45 cal rifle combined with several hundred cast loads for $200.
I have not seen the gear yet but wanted to know some ways to check if the rifle is worth the asking price. I asked him what model and he did not know or could not remember.
He also mentioned a pistol with a crack somewhere on it that he would let go for close to nothing ?
Is there a few models with the oct barrel ? Sorry for the long post just need a little knowledge.

[stubshaft]

The model designatino of T/C muzzleloaders was usually stamped onto one of the barrel flats. Hard to tell if it is worth the money without more of a description/photo.

If the "pistol with a crack" in it turns out to be a Patriot (commonly cracked their grips) THAT may well be worth the money!

[rhbrink]

There are several Thompson 45's it would be my guess that any of them are worth more than $200 if in good shape. Really look over the area where the nipple seats in the breech for any rust or pitting and the same down the barrel. Most people don't have a clue on how to properly clean a muzzleloader much less keep it in good shooting shape. Even if they say that all they used was to use the modern substitute black powder some of these will corrode faster that the real stuff.

[TCLouis]

Lube a patch and then lube the barrel.

Follow this with a tight patch going up and down he barrel several times.

Feel any rough spots, is the dry patch cut or frayed any place?

Have the owner remove the nipple, any rust in there (where the nipple goes into the breech plug/breeching??

[gifford]

FWest - if I recall correctly, there were at least two, likely three T/C muzzleloaders that were .45 cal. The Seneca, the Cherokee and the Hawken. If it is in good shape, it is worth the money in my opinion.

The T/C pistol, cracked stock or not, would likely be a good buy. Several of us shoot Patriots (the .45 cal or .36 cal pistol). Not all Patriots are so marked on the barrel but the T/C name and address is there. I'd be interested in the pistol if you're not.

Again, condition, especially of the bore, is the key to a good value in a muzzleloader. g

[FWest]

Thanks guys. I'll go and check them out and post pictures if it works out.
gifford I'll be in contact if I choose to sell the pistol.

[pietro]

Not all the Hawken & Seneca long rifles, besides the Patriot pistols, are marked on the barrels with a model name either.

I own both a .45 Patriot and a .45 Seneca, neither of which are marked with the model name.

The only way I can tell, is that the Patriot and the Seneca/Cherokee had barrels that measure 13/16" across-the-flats.
I disremember for sure, but IIRC the Hawken .45 had a 15/16" barrel.

In GOOD condition, a .45 Patriot or Seneca/Cherokee is worth more than $500 - so for $200, I wouldn't even bother to inspect it.

I'd just hope that I wouldn't break my wrist, while quick-drawing my wallet. Jes' sayin'..........

.

[gifford]

FWest - thanks, g

[FWest]

I picked up the guns and a 100+ lbs of lead, 4 molds , a pile of large ladels, smaller pot, black powder, caps, nipples ect.

[45nut]

lucky dog. those are great pistols.

[FWest]

It has a few issues, the wood is cracked, ramrod is damaged but the barrel looks decent. The rifle needs some cleaning but no damage.

[pietro]

You have a T/C Patriot Pistol, worth $250 (even w/cracked stock) to $300; and either a T/C Hawken (15/16" barrel) or T/C Seneca (13/16" barrel) rifle - a Hawken .45's worth $250-$300, a Seneca's worth $450-$500.

Nice scoop !

.

[FWest]

Thanks for the information. That makes the rifle a Hawken. The only thing printed on the barrel is 45.

[pietro]

They'll clean up pretty good - here's my new/unfired .45 Patriot



.

[gifford]

FWest - sent you a PM in reply to yours. G

[FWest]

May put the pistol up for sale ? Gifford you have another PM

[NickSS]

You got a real bargain if not a steal good luck with them.