A kit rifle invites a builder, and the Traditions 1853 Enfield is a .58 caliber black powder rifle supplied for assembly. It copies the famous British pattern used in the American Civil War, and it appeals to reenactors, hunters in muzzleloader season, and anyone who enjoys a weekend project.

Because it is a kit, you finish the rifle yourself. Plan for time with files, finishing supplies, and careful fitting. The result is a rifle with a character that a factory-assembled piece does not have.

Black powder shooting requires its own gear: powder, caps, bullets, and a cleaning kit. Read the manufacturer's instructions on assembly and loading. Check your state's rules on muzzleloader transfers before ordering, as they differ from cartridge rifles.

Sold new. Pick a local FFL dealer when you order; we ship there, and the background check is done at transfer. Buy it for the job you have in mind, and keep a cleaning kit and a few boxes of ammunition ready for the first outing. Check local transfer and ownership rules in your state before you place the order.