Appreciate all your comments and suggestions on the Austin & Halleck Mountain Rifle gents - both pro and con. Since I plan to only buy one 45/50, I really do want it to be a nice one, both as a shooter and in appearance without having to spend a small fortune for a complete custom job.
While I am sure most of the "production" rifles are a very good bargain (TC, Lyman, CVA, etc.), I can see the writing on the wall that says if I bought one of them I'd be spending as much more again or more to have it restocked and maybe the metal redone.
If I was to say I wanted a good shooter with traditional sights, a plum brown barrel and furniture (no brass) and very nice curly maple stock... what rifles are out there available that I haven't seen or found yet?
BTW, I am not locked in on a "Hawken" type either... Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, trade, etc. would all be considered as long as they are patterned after a traditional rifle (just not any military types). Although I guess I could do a kit (make custom predator calls so have the equipment), I just don't have the time. I even have two 5A Exhibition stock blanks of Wavy Tiger Maple that would be awesome on a rifle - one long enough for a Hawken/Trade, the other for a full stock.... but I have been saving them for custom centerfire rifle projects I have planned.
I know, I know - tall order, but I figure you all here would have a much better idea on where to start than I do. Thanks again for any input you can offer.
Ladobe :bye: