blunderbuss

[blunderbuss907]

I've recently become infatuated with blunderbusses and now I'm trying to find out if they can be used for anything other than boarding enemy ships. If I was to sneak up on a deer (maybe 10 or 20 yards),do you guys think a PRB would be effective and ethical? With some 6 or 7-1/2 lead shot, would it produce tight enough groups for close range small game? Naturally there are things that can do all of the above better but would it be tolerable as a close range hunting implement? Thanks.

 

[Darkgael]

Given that the BB is commonly .69 caliber, the PRB would be effective at close range.
As far as bird hunting is concerned, I've always felt that a BB could be useful in heavy brush where the shots are fast and close. How close? You'd have to pattern the thing, like any other SG, at the intended ranges.
Pete

 

[Curt LaManna]

I have a couple of Blunderbusses. 1 in 4 Ga. the other is brass barreled .75 cal./11 Ga. Both are fun, but not good for hunting, unless your talking close. 7 yrds. max. These are basically sawed-off shotguns of the day. Neither has a front sight and I wouldn't think it to be an ethical shot on a large animal, such as deer, unless I could hit it with a rock close.
As for ground birds, such as we have here, Quail, If I were that close, I'd feel OK to make a shot.
This has been my experience.

 

[Shine]

I have a friend that just took an old cva buss on a rabbit hunt with dogs. Report to follow.

 

[Curt LaManna]

Also, I should tell you that the smaller .75cal.
gun has a longer barrel, about 15" and shoots a smaller, denser pattern. If I were Wabbit, Fudd pun intended, hunting and had a longer range shot, I'd like this one better than the 4 bore gun.

 

[Zoar]

Blunderbuss--- WELCOME! And Join the club! There are many of us who are fascinated by "The Blunderbuss" I made a four gauge last year and I really enjoy it. I can hunt turkey with it. I use 3 to 4 ounces of #4 shot over about 100 Grains of 2F Black Powder. I also can hunt deer with it. Dense woods, most shots are close, within 20 yards. Although quite frankly for turkey hunting or deer hunting I usually use OTHER implements: (Bow, modern shotgun, rifle)

...Most of the time I use The Blunderbuss to entertain guests: make everyone from little kids to old people laugh and educate them a bit more about the mighty Blunderbuss. And yes I load it way down for them (either just a thick CORK wad OR 2 ounces of #6 shot over 70 grains of 2F and I let THEM SHOOT it! Never had anyone NOT enjoy it! You can find alot of pictures of the member's various Blunderbuss's here if you do a search. Or if you send me a private message with your email I will send you pictures of the 4 gauge Blunderbuss I built.

 

[Mike Brooks]

I can't find a way to sight constantly with the bell of the muzzle in the way. If you other fellas can, more power to ya.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

That's what I was thinking Mike, I think they're more for hip shooting.

 

[Shine]

drill a hole through the top of the bell use it for a peep sight. :grin:

 

[Zoar]

I also shoot traditional long bow with NO SIGHTS and can reliably put the arrows into a 4 inch target at 25 yards. I can do just about the same thing with my blunderbuss. So, yes, I can hunt with my wood bow and my blunderbuss, although as stated above I usually hunt with other implements rather than my blunderbuss. I have hunted turkey with it and I took it out for deer although I didn't get a shot at one yet. (Note: I also find shooting the blunderbuss far more comfortable from the shoulder and NOT the hip.)

 

[Darkgael]

Zoar: It would be nice to see a picture of that 4 gauge BB.
Pete

 

[Zoar]

http://s722.photobucket.com/albums/ww226/zoar_photo/?action=view&current=Blun1007.jpg&newest=1[/img]

 

[blunderbuss907]

Thanks for all of the info guys. Zoar, that is truly glorious. Did you build it from scratch or was it a kit?

 

[Curt LaManna]

Pretty Cool, Zoar! I like it! :thumbsup:

 

[Britsmoothy]

http://s722.photobucket.com/albums/ww226/zoar_photo/?action=view&current=Blun1007.jpg&newest=1[/img]

:thumbsup:


Most smoothbore muskets and fowlers want to shoot high with a ball what with the front sight being low, a blunderbuss bell mouthed muzzle may help in this regard!

Brits.

 

[Mike Brooks]

Most smoothbore muskets and fowlers want to shoot high with a ball

Most I have had experience with will shoot low.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Mike you have much more experiance than me for sure, the few guns I shot/shoot mostly go high with the exception of a doudle.

My sweeping comment may not be all that accurate!

Brits :thumbsup: