Tennessee Mountain Rifle from Dixie Gun works

[Abraham of Old]

Does anyone have any experience with the Tennessee Mountain Rifle from Dixie Gun Works?

[dodgecity]

I bought one in .32 cal when they first came out. I still have it. It's a pretty fair shooter, and has given me no problems whatsoever. The only changes I have made was to install a set of sights that I liked better than those that came from the factory.

[Loozinit]

I have one in .50 caliber that I bought around 1978.  Number 695 in percussion.   I think it has the finest production lock of any muzzle loader available.   It's so fine you can adjust it down to a "thought".   I've been told that they are not really a replica, as such, but a reproduction of a typical Eastern Mountain Style that was found in the Tennessee Mountains right up til about 1940.  Sometimes they are called Tennessee Poorboys because they were usually devoid of ornamentation and made from local iron and wood.  
I've shot thousands of RB's through this rifle and it still hits a clay at 70 to 90 yards every time.   All the tool  marks on the rifling are nearly gone because of the rough pillow patches I use.   Parts of the bore shine like glass now.  Excellent deer rifle.   Because of the barrel weight out front, you can hold forever for the best shot.   When you move the weight to the rear, you introduce wiggle up front.   The old guys knew this when they settled on the refined American Rifle.   They had plenty of shorties to choose from.   I've never found the length to be a problem in the thick woods around here.
I'm getting long winded on this so if you want some specifics on things I've learned, you can write me at jjcmarsh@comcast.net.   Please know that I drive a truck between Washington and Arizona weekly so I only get to use the computer every six days or so.

[Abraham of Old]

Loozinit, thanks much for your reply. I have the opportunity to purchase a Tennessee Mtn. rifle in .50 cal. and I think will. Merry Christmas Amigo!!

[simonkenton]

I built one from a kit that I bought in 1981.
That is a great rifle. Good deer killer.  They don't make them any more, don't know why.

"Excellent deer rifle. Because of the barrel weight out front, you can hold forever for the best shot. When you move the weight to the rear, you introduce wiggle up front. The old guys knew this when they settled on the refined American Rifle. They had plenty of shorties to choose from. I've never found the length to be a problem in the thick woods around here"

What HE said.

[Loozinit]

Merry Christmas to you, too, A of O!   By the way, about the barrel weight thing - I know they swamped the barrels back in The Day to reduce weight up front.  But remember, alot of those guys were sickly survivors of pox, fevers, yearly influenza and a host of other afflictions.  They weighed around 140 to 150 pounds wet.   (OK, George Washington was a very large exception at 6'+ and about 210lbs.)

Alot of us are sporting waistlines that measure further around than they stood.  A swamped barrel will feel better but I'm just saying that the Tennessee Rifle from Dixie won't bother you in that regard.

Of course, you could pay $2000 and have a hand made item built for you, swamped and all....   Ho Ho Ho!!!