Kit gun info

[mthom1957]

I am working on a friends 50 cal. percussion kit gun and need some help with info on this gun. The only markings on the barrel read Ardessa Spain, Use Black Powder Only, and a serial no. I would like to know specifically rate of twist but any other info on this gun would be appreciated. BTW, the gun has brass fore end cap, trigger gaurd, and butt plate.

 

[arcticap]

Why not look at all the traditional sidelock muzzle loading rifles on the Traditions website and try to identify it? Then click on the picture of the gun and the specifications which include the twist rate will appear at the bottom of the page.
They sell more kits than they have listed under kits, so look at all of the pictures of the sidelock rifles, unless you see it pictured under kits that is.

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eshop/muzzleloaders.asp

 

[mykeal]

With the information you've provided it's impossible to determine details such as rate of twist. Ardessa makes many different gun barrels for different manufacturers. However, it is easy to measure.

If you haven't already done so, purchase a cleaning jag of the appropriate caliber. Attach the jag to the end of the ramrod and put a cleaning patch over the end of the muzzle. Push the patch into the bore with the jag end of the rod; it should fit fairly tightly, enough so that the rod has a tendency to twist as you push the patch into the bore. If the rod does not want to turn, remove it and the patch and either use two patches or one of a thicker material.

Once the jag has bottomed out in the bore wrap a piece of tape around the rod at the muzzle to mark where the rod enters the bore. Attach the tape so that the excess length sticks out to the side like a flag. Note the position of the flag with respect to the muzzle. Slowly withdraw the rod allowing it to turn with the rifling, until the tape flag indicates the rod has turned one half of a complete revolution. Mark the location on the rod where it enters the muzzle and measure the distance along the rod from that mark to the tape. Multiply the distance by two and you have the rate of twist.