I think that it is probably a given the the Model 1873 is the best pistol caliber LA rifle for BP when it comes to ease of cleaning but the prices on them are unreal. Of the more affordable weapons (Puma, Marlin 94, Win 94 etc.) which would be the best in this regard? Specifically wanting easiest to clean with least likelyhood of getting gunk in the action. Ease of detail stripping would seem to be important.

mike

I like the 92. It's much smoother & faster than a 94 IMO.

See http://stevesgunz.com/WorkSG.htm and watch the video of his Race Ready action job.

As far as cleaning gunk out of the bore... don't get any in it. ;)

No, really. Clean with a Bore Snake or equivilent from Breech to Crown. That way you never pull fouling into the works. What little fouling you do have from blowby or back pressure on ejecting is relatively limited and easy enough to clean - especially if you go stainless:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/MrMisanthrope/myrossi357.jpg

I really haven't done any reloading for BPCR rifles, but the guys who are into it seem to prefer the .44/40 over the .45 Colt because the cases seem to work much better as far as keeping crud out of the action. You could try to find a rifle chambered in .44/40, but then that would most likely be a 1860 Henry, 1866 Yellow Boy, or the venerable 1873 Winchester clone.

A lot of the gamers I know use .38sp in their 92s, even loaded with BP.

That's a nice looking rifle.

Kills deer too. :)

excuse my ignorance, but what is BP and BPCR? Thanks!

Black Powder and Black Powder Cartridge Rifle.

Black Powder and Black Powder Cartridge Rifle.

duh.. I feel stupid now..thanks!