Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to remove the lock when cleaning?

Yes remove the lock when cleaning your muzzleloader. After cleaning and drying the lock, be sure to oil it.

Note: Place the longer lock bolt in the center and the shorter bolt in the front lock hole. Do not over tighten the lock bolts. This will compress the wood and interfere with the lock and trigger function.

2. How do I measure my Length Of Pull (LOP) on my body & on a rifle?

Bend your elbow to a 90 degree angle while in the shooting position. Measure from the bend in your elbow to the pad of your curved trigger finger. On average a male between 5'10'' - 6'1'' will measure a 14'' LOP.

3. How do I get the total length of a rifle?

Measure the length of the barrel +your length of pull + 2 inches=Total Length of Rifle

Example: 42" barrel + 14" length of pull + 2"= 58" (Total Length Of Rifle)

4. What are the advantages of upgrading to a Swamped Barrel?

A swamped barrel is tapered from the ends toward the center of the barrel. This removes a few ounces of the weight and brings the balance back toward the shooter.

Which is better, A straight octagon or swamped barrel? Either barrel choice is excellent. The decision is based solely on the shooter's preference.

5. What tools do I need to build a kit?

Each builder uses different tools and techniques. Here are a few suggestions:

- 9/64 or #29 drill bit

- Rawhide Mallet

- 8/32 Tap

- 1/16 or #52 drill bit

- Sanding supplies

- Rasps

- Wood chisels

- Dremel

- Screw drivers

6. What is "In The White"?

All parts are inlet; wood and metal require sanding and filing. Note: This is NOT a kit. It is a full build and will be added to the build waiting list.

7. What is the difference in "Radius Bottom Rifling" & "Square Bottom Rifling"?

"Radius Bottom Rifling" is round rifling grooves instead of "Square Bottom" which is square shaped grooves inside the barrel. Many say "radius" rifling seems easier to load and clean.

8. Why do you use Type F transmission fluid for oiling a rifle?

The Type F transmission fluid is an inexpensive paraffin based oil that will not hurt the wood stock.

9. How do I place an order & what is required?

You may call, or download our Order Form (bottom of this page) complete, and email or mail a copy.

A 30% Non-Refundable Deposit is required when placing an order. Please be sure to keep in mind a $30.00 change order fee will be applied to any changes made to your order after it is finalized.

10. What type of payments do you accept?

We accept personal check, money orders, or cashiers check made payable to TVM.

11.What size flint is needed for each caliber?

The size of the flint is determined by the type of the lock.

12. What size patch is needed for loading my muzzleloader?

The diameter of the patch should be the same diameter as the muzzle. Test fire patches that are 0.012 (12 thousandths of an inch) to 0.015 (15 thousandths of an inch) thickness to determine which you prefer.

13. What size ball is needed for each caliber rifle?

Test fire two appropriate sizes for your caliber to determine which you prefer.

32 caliber= .315 or .310

36 caliber= .355 or .350

40 caliber= .395 or .390

45 caliber= .445 or .440

50 caliber= .495 or .490

54 caliber= .535 or .530

58 caliber= .575 or .570

62 caliber= .610 or .600

14. How much blackpowder is needed for each caliber?

A general rule for a new muzzleloader: start with 1 grain per caliber. Example: .40 cal - start with 40 grains. Shoot 5 or more shots then increase by 5 grains until you determine the amount you prefer.

15. How do I sight in my rifle?

You will likely need to open up your rear sight, file down your front sight, and/or drift one or both. Make adjustments in small amounts to prevent over correcting and needing to replace the sight(s).

Click to view or download detailed instructions for sighting your rifle.

16. Do you have samples of how the stain options will appear?

These are samples only to give you an idea of the stain options we have. Every single stock will look different based on the way God made it.

Adjusting Sights