Taylor/Pedersoli Mortimer Whitworth Rifle (percussion) .45 32 5/16" Barrel Standard Version

I bought mine in 2014. First thing I did was put on a quality leather recoil pad. I am no delicate flower, but with a 550gn paper-patched bullet over 70gn of 3f black powder, the steel butt plate was abusive. The second thing I did was invest in a mid-range Soule-type rear sight. Now, I regularly ding gongs at 500 yards (the limit of the local range). I added a leather sling and this is my go-to setup for deer and antelope muzzle loader seasons on the Colorado plains. I would not hesitate to use it for elk; or even moose, but the powers that be have declared the 1.25oz bullets 'too small'. With the trapped wedges and a hooked breech, it is very easy to clean. The Italians put a lot of effort into the wood and the finish. It is simply an elegant rifle.