Looking at getting a percussion muzzleloader for some squirrel hunting. Never owned one but sure seems more fun and challenging than just sniping with a .22. Looking for any opinions on which one to get. Don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for a gun that isn’t going to be hung on the wall to look pretty. It needs to bedurae and accurate. Any opinions would be appreciated.

there were not a lot of 32s made compared to 45s and 50s

you can download 45 to about 25gr and bust squirrels with a more commonly made gun also load up and take deer or other game.

TC made a Seneca 32 , 36 and 45

most other 32 and 36 are going to be kit guns or custom guns.

good Muzzle loaders cost money , unique or rare or just less common cost more.

you can find reasonably priced 45s and 50s probably 50 to 1 of the 32s and 36 combined

Try a traditions Crockett rifle the one I have will shoot one hole groups at 50 yards if I do my part

Just wish they made it as a flinter

I've got a T/C in a 45 cal Hawken that my wife gave me as an xmass gift in 1982. Used it to bark squirrels with round balls for several years. Have also taken deer with it. I would think you could find a used 32 or 36 for sale if you wanted to go that route.

I am having a custom made flint lock made. I wanted a 32 but he would not build one for me.
Im getting a 36. He does beautiful work so im not arguing.

I have a Dixie Gun Works 32 cal. Tennessee Mountain Squirrel rifle .
Still have the catalogue my Dad ordered it from, Early 70's.
If I remember correctly (would have to dig out catalog to verify).
Very expensive in those days , probably not many sold.
Has been shot very little.
Brings back a lot of memories.

I have a Jukar Spanish made 32 cal I picked up in a pawn shop many years ago for $20. I think it might be similar to the CVA but with a shorter barrel. This rifle is a scaled down, small slim rifle built as a .32 not as a 45 - 50 with a .32 barrel. This rifle by far one of my most favorite hunting rifles. I've killed a ton of groundhogs and squirrels with this rifle loaded w/a Hornady .310 swaged round ball. I did take the crappy muzzleloader sights off and put on a really fine bead front with a buckhorn Marbles rear sight.

If you go over on the American Longrifle Association thread - there are some muzzleloaders for sale. Some pretty fair prices too.

This is what I’m looking to get.

https://www.muzzle-loaders.com/rifles/traditions-crockett-rifle-r26128101.html

I have bought a .32. 36 and .45 TC over the last year and they are a blast to shoot can be a little tricky to work up a patch, ball and powder load for but once you get them dialed in they are a joy to shoot. Good luck and have fun.

That is the one I have and you will not regret buying it IMHO

I was going to suggest one with a set trigger and that one has it. Should do the job. You'll learn to appreciate those pioneers that could pick off a squirrel with one of those. It ain't easy.

x2,,,have had the Seneca collection since the 70's and since they are at least 2 lbs lighter than the Hawken and Renegades, they are a joy to tote. I put peep sights on them and they've been real tack drivers.

When looking at a used black powder, what are the do’s and donts to look for.

rust free clean rifling , if you don't take care of a muzzle loader right there will be rust , if all was done right the rifling will be free of rust and there will be strong rifling and no pitting

they make a camera you can plug into your phone for about 15 dollars and it is about 22 caliber you can see clear to the bottom of a barrel

if they will let you put a cap on it , it should strike and set off the cap if not your looking for good hammer cup to nipple alignment

screws in good Shape not chewed up.

no cracks in the wood

Trapperjohn does your peep fit the standard tang with 2 screws if so where did you purchase it it.