barrel length

[kentucky bucky]

Hey folks,

My next project will probably be a fowler or smooth rifle, so I was wondering what, if any difference is there is in the patterning of a shorter barrel like a 36" compared to a longer barrel like a 42". Is there enough difference in the shot pattern to justify a long barrel, or is it mainly a style or asthetic difference? Thanks KB

 

[Java Man]

I've got a Fusil on order with a 42" bbl. Worried more about round balls than shot. But I plan to work up shot loads too.

Good luck.

 

[Rat]

There would be no difference in the shot pattern between a short and long barrel. Get the barrel length that feels/looks/seems best to you.

36-37" would be a nice compromise between the 30-31" barrels and the long-tom 42 inchers, for a real all around gun.

Long barrels will burn heavy loads a little more efficiently. (sp?) They give you a longer sight radius...but I can't imagine a noticeable increase in accuracy, between a 36" and a 42" barrel on a smoothbore, due to a 6" longer sight radius. The difference in velocity between those barrel lengths would also be minor.

A 40-42" barrel does not really handle badly in the woods...adds more weight more than anything. I loved hunting with my 1861 last year with it's 40-incher...but my Jaeger and Brown Bess both sport 31 and 32" barrels. I wouldn't change the Jaeger, but have often thought the Bess would be better balenced with a 36" barrel.

Hope THAT helped!

Rat

 

[kentucky bucky]

Thanks for the reply. I don't like the looks of the shorter barrels as much, but they would fit in my gun safe better. It is getting crowded with longrifles and modern guns as well. (yes, I live in both worlds) I may have to get a cheaper safe for my less valuable guns and reserve the good safe for my favorites.

 

[robinghewitt]

I have a fowler with a 72" barrel, didn't seem to improve the pattern much, impossible to swing with any alacrity, and the smoke comes out blacker than usual ::

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I have an English fowler, 1730-1740 period with a 42" barrel. It swings like a magic wand and carries like a feather. It weighs just a tick over 7 pounds and I wouldn't
shave an ounce off it. It shoots patched balls nearly as well as a rifle and is a fine shotgun. These long fowlers are not a problem in the woods as most experienced woodsmen and still hunters don't go thrashing their way through thick cover as a rule. And when they move, they are moving slow and careful. When folks bring up barrel length as a negative in the woods, they usually haven't thought it through or have no actual experience with long barrels in woods conditions. The shortest barrel I have is a 27 incher on a T/C Seneca and I don't find much difference between carrying it and my fowler. Neither requires much thought be given to its barrel length in the woods.

 

[CrackStock]

Do a web search under canoe guns.

These are all over the place since the pipe that many of these guys use as barrel material does not even up to 42 inch increments. They sell the extra as canoe gun barrels.

CS

 

[TANSTAAFL]

My fusil has a 46 inch swamped oct/round barrel. Is the extra length more efficient, no, but it sure looks cool and feels more period. With the thin walled barrel extra weight is not a factor.

 

[Musketeer]

Bucky, my 20 ga. fowler has a 36" barrel. I don't have anything longer to compare it to, but it does just fine with shot. I hunt quail with it and have no problems bringing them tasty little birds down. :: I think barrel length in a smoothie is primarily a matter of personal taste. :results: :imo: :thumbsup:

 

[Stumpkiller]

I had a 42" 16 bore and have a 28" 12 bore, both unchoked. The 42" musket threw a decidedly tighter pattern, about equivalent to an IC, but I believe it had a l o n g shot string as I always "nicked" flying birds. Couldn't have been my aim was off. I'm pretty sure we'd still have passenger pidgeons if the flintlock never lost favor. :redface:

The 28" throws about a 3' spread at 25 yards, which is enough to scare the hex out of grouse, and occasionally bring one down. But you gotta be quick if they jump at 20 yards.

The interesting thing is they both throw roundballs equally; around 6" at 50 yards, cloverleafs at 25.