56 CAL.

[Keppy]

Looking at a smoothbore. TC in fact. I would like an opinion on using the 56 smoothbore with birdshot. It has rifle sights on it. I would like to hunt grouse and upland game. Thanks

 

[Todd Rickard]

The only issue I see is the difference between 'pointing' a shotgun and 'aiming' a rifle sighted arm. It may take a bit of practise to wingshoot with rifle sights. It can be done.
Of course if you shoot small game on the ground (oh I can hear the groans now...) as would no doubt be 'period corect' for a game getter putting meat on the table, I think the gun would be perfect.

 

[FishDFly]

If you are an experienced shot gun shooter, I do not see a problem, just follow through like you were taught.

Only limitaition is 7/8 oz shot. Try different combinations of wads and over the shot cards to see what patterns the best.

 

[jethro224]

I have a .56 smoothbore Renegade. Have not yet tried it for wingshooting but did use it for squirrels this past fall. Mine has a bead on a post front sight and no rear sight. 50 grains 2f/over-powder card/ 1oz #6 chilled shot in a homemade post-it shot cup/over-shot card. Kills squirrels dead at 30 yards. :thumbsup:

 

[Slamfire]

I've pretty much abandoned the use of shot cups in mine. Now I'm just using overpowder cards on both sides of the shot charge. As for the sights you can take the rear one off if it bothers you. It will shoot quite low when you do that though, so I substituted a different blade for the front sight and filed it down so it centers the pattern at 25 yards. :v

 

[Wes/Tex]

Of course if you shoot small game on the ground (oh I can hear the groans now...)

Yeah, those flying bunnies are tough to hit on the wing!! :rotf: Actually, the .56 is just a touch larger than the 28 bore of .55 so shooting birds should be a snap, assuming the sights don't interfer. Good luck.

 

[davecampperry]

If you need more choke, powder the gun then seat a O/P wad, then seat a fiber wad with a hole punched through the center, then a O/P wad, then shot, and a thin Over shot wad. The bigger the hole in the wad the tighter the choke effect, to a point. For a more open choke, use an X card, which divides the shot charge into four vertical sections. Do not use a thicker O/S wad than necessary, as this will cause a 'hole' in your pattern.

 

[Keppy]

Thanks Guys
Great info here. I'm going to kept looking.The rifle I was looking at, the barrel is pitted pretty bad. Might be OK for shot but pretty ruff for PRB. But I think that would be a good cal. to add my collection. (45 and 54)