.32 small game rifle

[LAGS]

Recently I have been thinking about buying a .32 muzzleloader for small game hunting this fall and next spring.
Does anyone have any opinions on the rifle that are out there. ( If you can find one in this shortage )
I want to let my wife shoot it also because it is lighter and easier to handle.
What I would like is a Flint Lock , Full stock in like a Kentucky or Pennsylvania style.
My wife likes the Traditions Crocket rifle , but it is percussion and half stock.
Pedersoli has several models including the shorter "Cub " style that might fit my wife better.
Kibler does offer a Southern Rifle in flinter kit with a swamped barrel and I can get Fancy wood that is more to our liking over Walnut.
I have no experience with Pedersoli rifles or kits.
I have mixed opinions about Traditions Rifles.
And the Kibler kits that I have seen are excellent.
Who knows , I may just end up buying two rifles but would like some input from others on what is a good rifle and a good price for the quality.

[pietro]

.

.32 flintlocks:

https://muzzleloadingandmore.com/product/kentucky-flintlock-45-cal/

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index/page/category/category_id/315/name/Flint?view_all (Dixie Cub & Cub Scout .32 flintlocks)

https://www.jedediah-starr.com/closeup.asp?cid=9&pid=14&offset=9

https://cabincreek.net/revspec/specials/

https://www.muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com/riflekits.html

[Nobade]

If you want to build a kit, the Kibler ones are the nicest thing on the market at the moment. The Pedersoli rifles and kits are much less expensive but nowhere near the quality or historical correctness, though they do make a good serviceable rifle.

[LAGS]

I am very happy with the Pecatonica River Blunderbuss kit that I am finishing up right now.
I still have a Lyman GPR kit that I have to build.
And I have all the parts for 7 TC Renegades and Hawkins that I have to restore.
I just finished up a Traditions St Louis Hawkins Kit that I got in a horse trading deal.
It came out nice , and I Lictenburged the light colored stock.
Time is the only factor that keeps me from building another kit.
But the kits , even the Cheap ones allow me to add my personal touches to what I build.
I am more concerned with how the rifle shoots and fits me , rather than being Historically Correct

[waksupi]

Kibler is sure putting out a nice kit. Easy for anyone to put together. He is going to kill the custom business.

They aren't idiot proof though. One of our club members bought a kit, and managed to make a $600 rifle out of $1200 worth of parts. He should never be permitted to build anything more complicated than an ice cream cone.

[LAGS]

I could just take one of my used TC .45 cal barrels and see if Hoyt can Re Line it to .32 or even .36 cal.
But it would be a heavy barrel for the caliber.

[sharps4590]

It ain't the work, it's those darn decisions.....

[LAGS]

Now my wife had a suggestion.
She wants me to buy her a Traditions Crocket .32 and then since I want a flintlock , see if I can convert it to a Flint Lock since the breech is fitted with a drum.
That could be a possibility if I can find the right lock.
These decisions get harder since there are not a bunch of .32's out there and I can't find one that I can hold and see how it fits me, ( or her )
Of all the BP rifles that I have, the one that fits me best is a " Mowrey " 50 cal Ethen Allen that I bought new back in the '70s.
I call it " Thunder "
I think it is the drop in the stock and the hooked buttplate that makes it fit me well.

[taco650]

Kibler is sure putting out a nice kit. Easy for anyone to put together. He is going to kill the custom business.

They aren't idiot proof though. One of our club members bought a kit, and managed to make a $600 rifle out of $1200 worth of parts. He should never be permitted to build anything more complicated than an ice cream cone.

LOL! I've known a few guys like that who fancy their skill set is much higher than it actually is. Bottom line, know your limitations if you're building anything, including a black powder boom stick!

[LAGS]

If I end up buying another rifle kit it probably would be one that I can select the barrel I want.
Most of the .32 barrels I see in rifles or with kits are currently 1 in 48" twist.
Since I intend on shooting round balls , I think I would prefer a barrel with a 1 in 66" twist.
I also prefer a 13/16" straight octagon barrel over a tapered or Swamped barrel.
I like the Looks on both of them , but it is just a personal preference.
Any opinions on my thoughts ?

[uscra112]

LOL! I've known a few guys like that who fancy their skill set is much higher than it actually is. Bottom line, know your limitations if you're building anything, including a black powder boom stick!

The phenomenon has a modern name: the Dunning-Kruger Effect. Has been well known since the ancient Greeks.

[LAGS]

I call it my Peter Principal.
I rise to the level of my own incompetence

[nseries]

If I end up buying another rifle kit it probably would be one that I can select the barrel I want.
Most of the .32 barrels I see in rifles or with kits are currently 1 in 48" twist.
Since I intend on shooting round balls , I think I would prefer a barrel with a 1 in 66" twist.
I also prefer a 13/16" straight octagon barrel over a tapered or Swamped barrel.
I like the Looks on both of them , but it is just a personal preference.
Any opinions on my thoughts ?

LAGS, 1:48" might be a slow enough OR maybe the ideal twist for .32 roundballs. I'm by no means an expert...

T/C used a 1:30" twist in their Cherokee and that was to accommodate both conical as well as round ball use, as I understand.

[LAGS]

Looks like I may need to do some more research on the barrel twists for smaller calibers.
I may call Bob Hoyt and get his opinion.
So far his recommendation on barrel twists has worked out good for me.

[Nobade]

My Dixie rifle is a 1:48 and it shoots well with 25 grains. My TC Cherokee with the 1:30 barrel doesn't like anything above 15 grains. For squirrels that works great, like a 22LR but if I want more power the accuracy goes away quickly.

[mooman76]

The smaller the RB, the more twist is needed. I have 3, 32s and all have a 1-48 twist which is not a twist for conicals in this caliber. If you go with 1-66 you will have to load allot of powder to get it to stabilize. I have a dixie, a Traditions and an old one from the 1800s. The latter shoots real tight groups. Weighs a ton, but is a shooter. 39" 1 1/16 barrel.

[Edward]

The 32 does nothing the 45 can"t and the 45 is more versatile ! Weight is not an issue as 45 cal can be had as light as you want ,and if you hunt squirrel causes less damage with head shots/ barking .If you have trouble with that try bird shot because body shots on squirrels most often end up with meat loss where as the 45 will kill deer quite nicely (legal too) ! just another prospective/Ed

[LAGS]

Thank you gents.
This information is great and will probably save me from making a mistake on buying the wrong barrel.
Using bird shot was mentioned.
I thought about that , but shooting it in my .75 cal Blunderbuss.
But the Blunderbuss is really heavy , but I am still going to Try it for dove season in a few weeks.
I don't expect great results , but it will add a challenge to the sport.
Also going with a .32 over the .45 gives me a reason to venture into a new caliber, fill a empty spot in my safe, and have something my wife will be comfortable shooting.
I have used the two .45's that I have for rabbits.
They work good as long as you are not trying to shoot the bunnies or Jack Rabbits on the run.

[elk hunter]

Fifty plus years ago I wanted a 32 caliber squirrel rifle. I ended up building a Bedford County style rifle using a 30 caliber barrel I bought from Numrich. I don't remember the twist but it is sure death on a bushy-tail when loaded with 15 grains of 3 FG, a linen patch and a #1 buckshot. I always tried for head shots but a body shot anchored them with little damage and the ball was always found under the off side skin looking like a dime.

287495

[Kylongrifle32]

Lags
The 32 Crockett I have is one fine shooting rifle. But then again all the .32's I have will shot minute of a squirrel head at 20 yards. My collection includes a Tradition's .32 short barreled deer hunter, a Cabela's 32 blue ridge flint, a 32 blue ridge percussion, and the rifle that get hunted the most a Tradition's 32 Crockett rifle.

One thing about a flint lock to consider that I learned and dislike. When hunting early squirrel season when they are cutting nuts in the trees. Shooting a flint rifle elevated up into the trees sends a lot of sparks and shard's falling back down into your face. So I have delegated the flint rifle to late season hunting when the squirrels are spending most of their time running around on the ground.

[LAGS]

Thank you kylongrifle32.
What you said about the Flinter sparking in your face is a big help.
Especially if my wife is going to shoot it.
One spark in her face , and the rifle will land on the moon.
So that may have tipped the scale to at least one rifle for her in percussion.
But I may just get a flintlock 32 for me and go with her request for a Traditions Crocket rifle for her.
Now I just have to find the Traditions.
Seems like everyone is out of stock.
Now the Kibler SMR I am thinking of getting is a 10 week wait time in the .32 cal.
But I have found the Pedersoli Cub rifles a couple of places.

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hello LAGS,

I purchased a CVA Squirrel rifle when they first came out, not much drop in the stock but fun to shoot.
Then I decided I wanted a Long Gun, so I sold the little CVA & purchased a Pedersoli Pennsylvania flinter in .32 caliber.
It was a disaster. It didn't want to shoot, lots of misfires. A fella offered to tune my lock, at about the cost of the rifle.
Instead I built a drum & installed a nipple, switched the lock out for a percussion and never looked back.
I had always wished I had never got rid of the little CVA, which I did eventually replace.
When I purchased the Traditions Crockett for my son. I was very disappointed that there was not a hooked breach.
When walking through the woods, the short little CVA beats them all.
.32 are fun shooting rifles, they use little lead, little powder, and are very easy on your shoulder.

AntiqueSledMan.

[LAGS]

@ ASM.
You said that you were disappointed that the Traditions Crocket did not have a hooked breech.
Were there any other issues with accuracy or quality ?
How did your son like it ?
It is a little harder to buy a rifle for someone else , even if you know their basic likes.
But I was able to nail it once.
When I met my wife, she loved my Marlin .357 over Her Winchester 30-30 that she had when we met.
So I bought her a Henry Iron Big Boy in .357.
She likes that one way better than the Brass Framed one.
She is not into Foo Foo girly stuff.
But does love rifles with Curly Maple stocks.

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hello LAGS,

We had the typical issues with the Crockett, a little polishing on the trigger and lock, all was well.
It shoots very well, but when I ordered it I assumed because of the Barrel Wedge it had a hooked breach.
Even after I purchased it I searched everywhere but did not find out that it didn't have one.
My son prefers his CVA Squirrel Rifle (we each have one) to the Traditions Crockett. Mainly because of the ease of maneuverability.
My Pedersoli shoots very well also. I think because of being used to a .50 cal Thompson Center,
the 41" Long Barrel in the small .32 cal combined with a Flint was a bigger change then I was ready for.
It did have a stainless steel vent, which I just replaced with a drum and threaded it in.
I am able to change it back to the flint, but have never had the urge to do so.
My personal opinion, both the Crockett & Pennsylvania are to long to be walking through the woods looking for a bushy tail.
That's where the little CVA Squirrel really shines. To bad CVA quit importing side locks.

AntiqueSledMan.

[LAGS]

@ASM
The length doesn't bother me.
I would rather buy a longer barreled rifle.
I have the ability to shorten the barrel and reinstall the front sight.

[charlie b]

If you want the convenience of a hook breech it can be done, kinda. Use some bedding compound around the breech and tang. Drill out the tang screw and put in one of those threaded brass inserts. Use appropriate screw for the tang. Now it is 'easy' to remove yet will fit snug for shooting. And repeated removal will not mess up the stock like a wood screw.

[LAGS]

The barrel removal with a hooked breech is not high on my list or important to me.
I clean many rifles like my Mowrey, ( which does not have a removable barrel) by using a length of plastic tubing on a nipple adapter and a bucket of water.
My Blunderbuss is not a hooked breech nor are several Spanish made pistols that I have.
But I can Convert them to a quicker removal system like Charlie B said .
I found a Crocket Kit and can modify it to what I want.
But like I said,
This perticular rifle will be for my wife to use.
So modifications and finishes will be done to fit her Likes.

[Beerd]

This perticular rifle will be for my wife to use.
So modifications and finishes will be done to fit her Likes.

smart move
..

[LAGS]

A smart move is not really needed.
I do have a couch that is comfortable to sleep on.
Lol

[bedbugbilly]

When I was a kid, we had a .32 that was put together from original parts - this was nearly sixty years ago and there wasn't much in the line of parts that are available today. It was percussion - a half stock and great fun on tree rats and bunnies. Since then, I have owned two other .32 caliber rifles. One of the CVA squirrel rifles in 32 with a scope - it too was a fine shooting rifle on tree rats - I regretted selling it in a weak moment.

The third 32 I owned was on of the Traditional Crockett Rifles - I traded a cap and ball revolver for it and was really looking forward to using it for plinking and 4 legged critters. One of the few times I ever got "took". The rifle itself was very nice - I had no complaints on it - decent workmanship for a production rifle. Unfortunately, I discovered too late that the previous owner had somehow ringed the barrel about half way down - possibly form a load that hadn't been seated properly. There was no good fix to it so I parted it out.

All three were percussion - a flint would be a fun rifle. I bought a 42" Rayl barrel down at Friendship quite a few years ago with the intention of using a small Siler flint and building a nice full stock Tennessee style rifle - at the same time, I bought two Persimmon full length stock blanks and was going to use one on the rifle. I just never got around to building it - too many things got in the way and I ended up selling the parts - still have the stock blank and possibly will use it at some point for another build.

All that doesn't help you much -- but a nice 3/4" across the flats octagon barrel in 32 would make a fine rifle if you can find one. You just have to do some hunting - maybe Rice would have one - be worth a call. Now, I don't know how handy it would be for me to have a 32 as my hands are not in the best of shape - but I still have a 36 under hammer and that is equally as fun. Small amount of lead and small amount of powder but a big barrel of fun!

Good luck and I hope you are able to find something that you and the wife really like. If you don't come up with anything - you might consider taking a Crockett Rifle - re-breech it to get rid of the bolster and set the barrel back and then find a flintlock lock that could be fitted to it. Been a while since I have looked at one but IIRC, the lock panel is probably large enough to inlet a replacement lock if you find one that would work.

[LAGS]

@ beddugbilly.
Yes,
Your information is helpful.
You and others have confirmed that a .32 is a good Fun Caliber.
I have downsized my gunsmithing recently , so I don't want to take the time to build myself a rifle from scratch.
But building this Crocket Kit for my wife will give me a better idea on what .32 I will want for myself

[Hanshi]

The Crockett sold currently is some different from the one I had many years ago. Back then the barrel was 3/4" and instead of a drum it had a snail bolster. I really like the Crockett and hated I had to let it go. It accounted for many squirrels and was astonishingly accurate.

The flier was my fault and I did get tiny groups at 40 yards on a good day. 4 shots in 3/8". I did eventually get another .32, a flintlock.
https://i.postimg.cc/1tj9BTgk/PICT0510.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[LAGS]

All the crocket kits that I have seen pictures of lately have the Snail.
I only saw one in person a year ago that had a drum.
I prefer the snail , and hope that is what I get since this one is not going to be converted to Flintlock.
But the Traditions St Louis Hawkens that I have is a Drum and works just fine.

[LAGS]

Great news.
The new Crocket Kit will be delivered Tomorrow.
That was faster than expected.
Thumbs up to Dixie Gun Works.

[Gtek]

One NIB here still for two years (yea, I know). Looks like a snail to me, still trying to figure out what to do with the anodized aluminum rod?

[LAGS]

The first thing I am going to do with the Aluminum ramrod is to replace it with a wooden one I make .
I like the unbreakable rods made out of plastic or fiberglass.
But only as high use range rods.
Aluminum rods bend over time.
And stay bent.
I don't own a rifle that shoots around corners , so who needs a curved rod.
Come to think of it.
In the past 40 years , I have never broken a wooden ramrod.

[Butler Ford]

"My wife likes the Traditions Crocket rifle , but it is percussion and half stock." This should be the bottom line.

[LAGS]

I had the same two issues with the Crocket Rifle.
But it is mostly for her , so I can put that aside.
Not that I don't like half stocks , or percussion guns.
I have at least 10 already.
But I just want to track my hobby in a new direction right now.

[LAGS]

I received the Crocket Kit today.
I am happy.
It looks like it is going to make a nice rifle.
My wife already thinks I should shorten the barrel a bit because it seems front heavy.
She also wants me to replace the ramrod guides with ones I make out if brass.
It seems to fit her ok the way it is.
She is undecided if she will have me put in a patch box of some sort.
She can't decide if she would want the Kentucky / Pennsylvania style or a Hawken style one.
She said;
I don't care what the rifle looks like NOW.
I know it is going to look a LOT better once it is done and slightly modified.
She is still on the fence about me Lictenberg fractured durning the light colored stock or just stain the wood or use Aqua Fortis on the wood.
She is in agreement about the ramrod.
It is aluminum and a little over 1/4" diameter.
The thimbles will handle a 5/16 wood rod that I can burn a pattern into and put fancy ends on it.

[Lonegun1894]

Sounds like this will be a beautiful rifle. Could you please post photos when you finish it?

As to your initial question, I have two .32s. One is a CVA Squirrel caplock, that I bought new as a kit about 15 years ago, maybe a bit longer. Nothing really special to write about it. I mean, its a handy light weight good shooting rifle that has been trouble free, put lots of small game in the freezer, and is cheap on both lead and powder. But it's a utilitarian gun, with very simple looks, and I use it for things that any of us use a .22LR for. It shoots great with everything from 10-30grs of powder, but I use 10grs usually, and it shoots very well and puts meat in the pot with a RB. I think your Crockett should be basically the same regarding performance and should be a great shooter, but will have the bonus of much better looks and I bet will be more comfortable with a little more drop in the stock than the Squirrel has.

My second .32 is a Sitting Fox kit that has a 42" Long Hammock barrel, 1:48" twist, and cherry stock, built in a Early Lancaster style by TVM, with German Silver buttplate, thimbles, nose cap, etc, and a small Siler lock, and no patch box. It isn't nearly as handy as the CVA due to its length and weight, but is a better shooter, which is probably mostly a result of the longer sight radius. I use 25grs or powder in this one most times as it allows me to reach further and have successfully gone after bigger than rabbits and squirrels with this one. As much as I love hunting with my .54, the .32 caliber gets used a lot too.

[LAGS]

So far I have done nothing more than dry fitting the parts to the stock.
So far , the biggest issue is the hammer does not line up with the nipple correctly.
That is not an issue for me , I know how to disassemble the lock and hot bend the hammer.
But for a Newbie , this could cause issues.
As far as a Kit.
This rifle looks like it should be assembled by a beginner.
But there are minor things that I can address that will make the rifle stronger , more durable and better looking without major customization.
Like Glass bedding the Tang inletting and Glass bedding the nose cap so it is a Perfect fit to the stock and barrel.
I am not able to post pictures on this site for some reason.
Otherwise I would start a thread on the assembly of this rifle.
Sort of a Tutorial for others interested in getting one of these type of Screwdriver Kits.
IMO,
This is truly a Level One Kit.
But can be made way better if you know what to look for.

[444ttd]

since i was 16 or 17, i always wanted a 32 cal percussion rifle to hunt small game(esp grey and fox squirrels). i was into my 22lr(marlin m25 and cci mini mags) and squirrels, but i thought wouldn't it fun to 32 cal. i was already using a lyman 50 cal lh flintlock for deer, so why not squirrels?

but Life gotta hold of me and now i regret not buying the 32 cal. oh well, the places i used to go for squirrels is now a housing development or a strip mall and i have only one arm now(stroke):rolleyes:, so its best if i don't.

[LAGS]

I have to stand corrected.
I thought this kit was a Skill Level 1 kit.
Looking at the packaging , it lists this kit a Skill Level 3 kit.
With the minor issues that I see , it is of that Skill Level.
But even at that level , this kit would be a good starter kit for person's that have some experience shooting muzzleloaders.

[bedbugbilly]

I didn't read down all the posts so don't know if anyone mentioned it or not - so will just pass it on. I had a promotional e-mail from Taylors and the show that they now have 32 cal Dixie Pennsylvania Fullstocks in stock - didn't take a look at the price but another option to consider.

[LAGS]

Now that I got this Crockett Rifle kit to build for my wife.
I am leaning towards a Pedersoli .32 Deluxe Cub rifle from DGW.
They show that they are in stock.
Now I need to decide if I want to get the rifle in kit form and should I get it in percussion or a flinter.
The shorter length of the Cub Style Rifle might be easier and quicker to handle for small game.
But since the rifle is a full stock and traditional sort of, a flintlock might be more correct.
My wife thinks I should stay with the kit , so I can build it and Fancy it up my way since that is the way I normally do with all my guns.

[LAGS]

So far on the Crockett Kit.
I bent the hammer so it lines up , I glass bedded the void under the barrel tang , and glass bedded the nose cap to the stock so now it fits perfect to the stock.
These minor improvements will make the rifle more durable and everything fit tighter.
I also made a brass lock side plate to replace the brass washers that came with the kit.
That might make it a little stronger , but it is mainly to Fancy things up.
My wife wants me to engrave her name in the brass lock plate.
Next thing I will probably do is work on inletting a brass patch box into the stock then start sanding the stock.

[Kylongrifle32]

Lags
Has the wife's Crockett rifle done any duty in the squirrel woods yet?

[LAGS]

I am not finished with it just yet.
I bought a sand cast patch box and just got it inletted into the stock.
Quail season starts Friday , so I am going to try hunting with my .75 cal Blunderbuss.
But I will get back to the .32 Crocket soon.
I got to get it finished so I can start on the .32 Pedersoli "Cub" kit that I bought.
I don't know when I can get up north to hunt Squirrels.
But there are plenty of Cottontails and Jackrabbits out where I hunt Doves and Quail