Best value smoothbore

[minish]

The Pedersoli Indian Trade Musket is $1,245 finished and $1,050 for a kit that just needs sanding and finishing at Dixie Gun Works.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Keep in mind during the period guns were very expensive as well.

If you’re serious about this thing, save up and invest in a quality custom gun, or if you’re handy, build a quality kit.

Then, learn to shoot it well and use it often. Let it pay for itself in range fun and if you’re a hunter, in meat.

They’re high, but worth every dime. Just make sure to get the gun or kit you want.

 

[Kansas Jake]

A used CVA or Navy/Pedersoli double can still be had for less than $1000. Often in the $600-$800 range if you bide your time. Don’t overlook a decent antique. There are several in the classifieds right now.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Do you have a website to go to?

Mike Brooks flintlocks.com
I sell brass these days, I don't take any commissions on guns anymore.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

What's best option for a quality smoothbore

Will you be using it as a "do everything" gun" or basically as a rifle is used?

 

[Vintage Gunsmith]

Rob M is absolutely correct in urging folks to build their own. But you have to really want the gun. Maybe you're short on funds (that have to be wasted on foolishness like food, clothing, housing etc.) then building is the best option. Decide what you want to build, don't get in a rush to acquire parts. Shop around, trade, check out yard and estate sales, etc. There are a lot of kits and building projects started by folks who didn't have the stamina to complete them. These often show up at yard sales, flea markets, estate sales. Things that you cannot find or just don't want to buy, figure out a way to make them--ramrod pipes and tips, barrel tendons, wedges, front and rear sights, butt plates, trigger guards and so on. All can be fairly easily fabricated without a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After most or all of the parts are on hand, and before beginning to build, start thinking of the project piece by piece, not as a whole intimidating finished product. In short, break it down into a logical sequence. Once you get started, expect to make some mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn. A really important facet of doing it yourself is to not get in a hurry. Take your time, stop for a cup of coffee occasionally, relax----there won't be a pop quiz. You will be surprised by your own abilities once you gotten past the idea that, "I could never build something like that. It takes a real mechanical genius and years of experience." Everybody started at the beginning, they didn't just show up and casually throw together anything. When you get YOUR GUN completed, put you name on it. That is important.

 

[James Kibler]

We'll have a very authentic trade fowling piece kit out, likely before the end of this year. It will probably go for around $1200 and I'd consider it to be the best value by far.

 

[2 shots]

We'll have a very authentic trade fowling piece kit out, likely before the end of this year. It will probably go for around $1200 and I'd consider it to be the best value by far.

dont toy with us jim. we have been waiting a while for the dang woodsrunner to make way for the fowling piece

 

[nhmoose]

The one you can afford to buy and use. Screw the elitist's. One that you can use is the best. You do not need a top dollar gun to hunt or have fun.

 

[TDM]

What's best option for a quality smoothbore

Jason, if you want to build one and don't have much building experience I'd suggest putting money aside now for the Fowler that Jim Kibler will be bringing out. And if you want a ready made, quality smoothbore, that you'll be proud to own and use I'd suggest contacting Rob Miller, @Rob M., I doubt you'll be disappointed either way. Just start putting some money aside, time passes quickly.

 

[Rob M.]

Rob M is absolutely correct in urging folks to build their own. But you have to really want the gun. Maybe you're short on funds (that have to be wasted on foolishness like food, clothing, housing etc.) then building is the best option. Decide what you want to build, don't get in a rush to acquire parts. Shop around, trade, check out yard and estate sales, etc. There are a lot of kits and building projects started by folks who didn't have the stamina to complete them. These often show up at yard sales, flea markets, estate sales. Things that you cannot find or just don't want to buy, figure out a way to make them--ramrod pipes and tips, barrel tendons, wedges, front and rear sights, butt plates, trigger guards and so on. All can be fairly easily fabricated without a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After most or all of the parts are on hand, and before beginning to build, start thinking of the project piece by piece, not as a whole intimidating finished product. In short, break it down into a logical sequence. Once you get started, expect to make some mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn. A really important facet of doing it yourself is to not get in a hurry. Take your time, stop for a cup of coffee occasionally, relax----there won't be a pop quiz. You will be surprised by your own abilities once you gotten past the idea that, "I could never build something like that. It takes a real mechanical genius and years of experience." Everybody started at the beginning, they didn't just show up and casually throw together anything. When you get YOUR GUN completed, put you name on it. That is important.

Well said ! I was just thinking today while I was workin in the shop. It would be fun to make a loose leaf book or VDO on making a flintlock for the first time builder BUT with heavy emphasis on making it as inexpensively as humanly possible .... for folks that can't afford a finished gun . I'd use the NW trade gun as my example , shocker , LOL ...but not just because my affinity for it but the parts are so basic so it'd be the easiest to make . Be pretty fun and a great aid for folks me thinks ... Pryor Mountain Bill Newton s book is the best book to build a NW trade gun by but its not in print anymore as far as I know . Anyone that wants a copy just holler at me . His daughter gave me permission to send folks copy of her dads book via email .

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

The one you can afford to buy and use. Screw the elitist's. One that you can use is the best. You do not need a top dollar gun to hunt or have fun.

Nothing quite like a good custom gun from elitist builders.

 

[Rob M.]

What you do isn't gun building...it's art!

Just damn ole trade guns . LOL ....they are better lookin the farther you stand from them good tools though for makin meat

 

[Snydly]

The Pedersoli Indian Trade Musket is $1,245 finished and $1,050 for a kit that just needs sanding and finishing at Dixie Gun Works.

Love mine. shoots great. My picture at left is my Fowler.

 

[Redlemur60]

We'll have a very authentic trade fowling piece kit out, likely before the end of this year. It will probably go for around $1200 and I'd consider it to be the best value by far.

WoooooooooYAH!

 

[Crow#21957]

Build your own from Pecatonica.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Interesting little thread going here.

 

[Paul-in-PA]

Two barrel option is intriguing to me. Smooth bore rifle, is going to give you a heavier muzzleloader (barrel wall thickness) Let's see what Jim's next project is. Maybe he will offer a Woodsrunner with a smooth bore option?

 

[DixieTexian]

A used CVA or Navy/Pedersoli double can still be had for less than $1000. Often in the $600-$800 range if you bide your time. Don’t overlook a decent antique. There are several in the classifieds right now.

I picked up a CVA double in 12 gauge for $400 this past Spring. It's definitely not the fanciest, but it goes bang reliably and you can load one side with buckshot and the other with round ball when looking for bigger critters in the brush.

 

[smo]

What's best option for a quality smoothbore

Give Deer Creek Products a call..
Jim , bought out Tip Curtis’s inventory after he passed away..
I think he still has some of Tips “in the white” assembled guns.

Great guns and no waiting on parts…

I bought mine from Mr. Tip in 2016, started shooting it the next day and have let nature take its corse with the finish…

New..

Now…