Looking for a gunsmith in Kansas

[Blumpy]

Hi. I've been shooting black powder revolvers for a couple of years.
I recently purchased a .50 cal Pedersoli Missouri River Hawken rifle and after a couple days at the range, discovered that my 66 yr. old eyes aren't up to aiming past 100 yds. with the stock Buckhorn sights.
The rifle is very capable of hunting to 200 yds... maybe more. It has 1 in 24 twist rate, and with Harvester Muzzleloader's Scorpion PT 300 gr. spire points with crush rib sabots using 105 grains of Old Eynsford from a stable rest will punch 1-2" groups all day at that 100 yds. if I wet and dry wipe the barrel between shots. I just can't see beyond that.
I'm going to get a Hi-Lux Malcolm 6x long scope with the fine elevation kit so that I can at least see my aim point out to 250-300 yds.
Mounting is my problem.
Here in Wichita, KS, the gunsmiths seem to be only interested in modern rifles, and I'm hearing that they do mediocre work... not that the rifles don't shoot well, but that finishes get marred and scratched way too often.
I'm looking for a gunsmith that cares for the rifle, not just your money. If there is a scratch or mar, I want to know it was my doing and not someone I paid to do a good job.
I need someone within driving distance that takes more pride in their work.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Blumpy
Wichita, KS

 

[Curtism1]

I would recommend contacting someone from the linked club that is by Benton, KS. http://www.ctaga.net. This question seems like it should be able to be answered there.

 

[Labguy47]

There used to be a great gunsmith in Topeka off 31 Terr behind Ed Marlings between Auburn Rd and Topeka Blvd.

 

[BSA1]

CTAGA is about primitive muzzleloaders. Not much in the way of scopes as scopes were not common back then.

Blackpowder firearms are not firearms in the eyes of the BATFE so you can send you gun by US Mail to a gunsmith.

Rats....there is a shooting organization that does black powder rifle shooting with scopes that I can not think of the name off...dang CRS.

It really sounds like you are a candidate for in-line muzzleloaders since you want to use a scope and modern bullets.

 

[Blumpy]

CTAGA is about primitive muzzleloaders. Not much in the way of scopes as scopes were not common back then.

Blackpowder firearms are not firearms in the eyes of the BATFE so you can send you gun by US Mail to a gunsmith.

Rats....there is a shooting organization that does black powder rifle shooting with scopes that I can not think of the name off...dang CRS.

It really sounds like you are a candidate for in-line muzzleloaders since you want to use a scope and modern bullets.[/QU
Hey BSA1- Sounds like the CTAGA is the place to start. Thanks for the info. They are about 30 min. from where I'm sitting. Scopes were being used from the late 1700s on. The optics tech of that time was fairly advanced. The problem was that the rifles of the time were not accurate enough to make good use of them until the mid 1800s. Mr. Malcolm started his scope business in 1855. The 6x 32" long scope that I will get is a reproduction of one of his used in the 1860s and 70s. It LOOKS period correct, but uses today's optic tech, has today's lens coatings, and is nitrogen filled just like today. It's a good scope. The malcolm scope co. lasted up to WWII. when they just couldn't compete with more advanced scopes. As far as my Pedersoli Missouri River Hawken is concerned... with its ability to shoot saboted bullets nearly as accurately as todays in lines, and just as far, I'm really happy with it. It's heavy (9.6 lb. without scope- add another 2lb.), but for targets and tree stands its good enough for me. I've shot cartridge rifles my whole life. My favorite had to be my Ruger No.1 in .300 Weatherby Mag. I'm retiring within the year, and need black powder to kill time. Besides, I like the whole antique-looking thing. Goes well with my 1858 Remungton and Rogers & Spencer revolvers. My wife passed a few years ago, and I realize that when I retire I'm going to have a lot of time on my hands. Antique replicas are my time cosumer. Thanks for that info.

 

[J-Bar]

Contact the SASS/ Cowboy Action Shooting clubs in Kansas and Oklahoma for recommendations on gunsmiths who can be trusted with historic arms.

The link is to a list of SASS clubs nationwide, click on your state for contact info.

https://www.sassnet.com/clubs/index.php