Bow View -- That's a good looking deer rifle (great reviews, too), but unfortunately it isn't period correct, which is what we're striving for here. If you ever get a chance to pick up a historically accurate rifle -- wooden ramrod, fixed iron (or brass, silver, or copper) sights, no plastic, correct silhouette, etc., we'd love to have you.
We probably need to come up with a list of firearms that fit the 1840 to 1865 period. I'd hate for someone who wants to get involved with TAPS to buy a gun that doesn't fit the period. A good choice would be a Lyman Plains Rifle, but I know there are others out there.
Caleb