20ga fowler - an all around muzzleloader?

[Alden]

Maybe it's another thread...

I have known people who hate them because they detract from the historical correctness. And they get really serious, animated, in their hatred.

Yet they wear Jockey shorts and use Charmin.

I think they're a sound and acceptable annachronism.

 

[Lou_D]

historically accurate no question. what about performance in the field or on the firing line? is there a noticeable delay from flash pan to main charge ignition?

 

[54ball]

From another topic...

My experience...

After all the bugs are worked out such as pan depth, vent hole size and priming which all may require,

Drilled Vent
TPow to T Pow

Outside Cone
Pow tPow to TPow

Vent Liner
Pow to tPow

Hope that makes sense.

 

[Wes/Tex]

Personally, I like them but don't always install one unless the gun has a thick breech and interior coning isn't feasible. I would point out that not all makers are in favor of using them. One maker, Caywood, is so adamantly opposed to their use that not only will they NOT install them on their builds but the adding of one to any of their guns will void all warranties, expressed or implied. I have never seen a vent liner blow out or even heard of such but they are totally convinced of it and they're entitled to whatever opinion they like. Be sure to discuss it with any builder if you intend to use one.

 

[George]

I think they're a sound and acceptable annachronism.

The South-Carolina GAZETTE
November 21, 1768
JOSHUA LOCK
CHARLES-TOWN
HAS just imported, in the CURLING from LONDON A very large assortment of Pocket Pistols, some of them of a new construction, and mounted in silver. And, A curious silver-mounted Gun, with a gold touch hole, the barrel four feet long, and carrying an ounces and quarter ball.

The South-Carolina GAZETTE
October 8, 1772
ROBERTS & TAYLOR Have imported, in the MERMAID, Captain SAMUEL, A QUANTITY of handsome Fowling-Pieces of WILLIAM MANSELL's make, among which are some Steel and Silver-mounted, Bolt Locks, with Rollers and Gold Touch-hole; Gun-Locks;

Spence

 

[Wes/Tex]

:thumbsup:, Spence...actually they were the very finest.

 

[Darkgael]

a 16 gauge might be a better compromise

That is the gauge that I went with with this fowler by Mike Brooks.....very happy with this gun. Patterns well, points like a wand. Just a tad over six pounds.

 

[seaguy]

I have just bought a Track Oct to Smooth 20ga barrel. Trying to decide what to make with it and stay within mid to late 18th century. Cut to 39" so it may have to be a Trade. Comments anyone?

 

[Alden]

A 39" barrel does not a Trade Gun make (or require). Bet that'll be a sweet swingin' gun whatever u do and I would configure the stock for what you personally shoot, or want to shoot, most and add the appropriate sight(s). F&I for me giving it some wide ranging historical legs...

 

[seaguy]

Alden what does your F&I mean? I don't "text" and find I am poor at guessing abreviations.

 

[Alden]

Soz...

F&I; French and Indian War (era).

T7YW woulda looked funny.

:wink:

 

[Wes/Tex]

First & Second "Silesian" Wars and the whole "War of Austrian Succession" gets a bit tedious...ole Fritz just having too much fun upsetting the status quo of central Europe!

 

[curator]

WoAS+ War of Jenkin's Ear in Florida

 

[seaguy]

Thanks for the pics and I really got a kick out of: "a bare .610 ball with dried Spanish Moss wads lubed with bee wax and olive oil." That stuff is in my front yard and I never even heard of that inginuity :thumbsup: I have decided to make an English fowler American style from a trade gun customized to my persona's liking. Called PR this morning and talked it over to make up what I wanted in the order. Nice fellow...he had a little trouble with my accent but we got through it :rotf:

 

[54ball]

"A Voyage to Georgia, Begun in the Year 1735", Moore, Francis, London: Jacob Robinson, 1744.

"“I observed here a kind of Moss I had never seen before; it grows in great Quantities upon the large Trees, and hangs down 3 or 4 Yards from the Boughs; it gives a noble, ancient and hoary Look to the Woods; it is of a whitish green Colour, but when dried, is black like Horse-hair. This the Indians use for wadding their Guns, and making their Couches soft under the Skins of Beasts, which serve them for beds. They use it also for Tinder, striking Fire by flashing the Pans of their Guns into a handful of it, and for all other Uses where old Linnen would be necessary."

Spence

 

[Joel/Calgary]

Soz...

F&I; French and Indian War (era).

T7YW woulda looked funny.

:wink:

Actually, I've seen both "SYW" and occasionally "7YW" used in reenactor/historian discussions with a broader-than-just-North-America perspective.

Regards,
Joel

 

[Alden]

Broader? Than North America!? Like outside, beyond, it!?!? Come'on...

 

[Zonie]

Yup.

Them fellers across the pond were going at it hoof and nail.

Course, it was a rare time when the hooligans on both sides over there weren't fighting about something or other. I think it was their National Sport.

 

[Wes/Tex]

Yup.

Them fellers across the pond were going at it hoof and nail.
Course, it was a rare time when the hooligans on both sides over there weren't fighting about something or other. I think it was their National Sport.

Yep! We were hardly the only game in town! :thumbsup:

 

[Alden]

That's not a bad anaolgy and a good point -- fighting wars as a national sport of sorts! The ultimate one with national will, blood, and treasure on the table...

:hmm: