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Woods Dweller

45 Cal.
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I am looking to buy a flintlock rifle or smoothbore. My prosaic is of a working man in 1780's. I was thinking of a brown Bess, any advice? or place to buy such?
 
My question is what you gonna use it fer?

A rifle and a smoothbore are kinda way different

A smoothbore can be a musket, or a trade gun.

Id no know what to do with either, for I only shoot a flinter rifle.
 
Bess is a good choice for hunting deer or fighting battles. Not the best for rabbits or birds, but it will accept a bayonet.

A rifle has the advantage of increased accuracy and range, but not so good on fast moving small animals.

A fowler or trade gun is lighter to carry and much nimbler, so upland game is possible (and a bunch of fun) while round balls can still be launched 60 yards or more with killing effect on large game.
 
Need to define your context a little more. Location; what kinda game; for protection as well as hunting? What sort of Working Man? Settler/Farmer in fields on edge of the Wilderness? Crafts or tradesman in a remote Shop? I've often thought if I was a Farmer/Settler on the fringe of Civilisation and not in the position to afford/need a custom piece I would probably get a hold of a Charleville or Bess, have my local Gunschmidt lop a foot or so off the Barrel, load it up with Buck & Ball, and then go plowin'. But give us a little more info - there's lotsa choices, all of which could be equally appropriate.

Eric
 
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