Budget Trade Gun

[joshbayles]

Hi, this is my first post on the page, I have been reading it for the past couple of years.
I am currently serving in Iraq for my third tour and would like to order a smoothbore before I come home with the hopes of it being ready when i get there.
I will be home on leave in late november so i can call and talk to builders but am trying to find out as much as I can before.
I am open to styles, but in the future i would like to start trekking in the post French Indian War era in the Ohio country. It would also be used for general shooting and some limited hunting.
My budget is not the largest due to a little one on the way, but dont want somthing that is so cheap that it will not be there to hand down.
I do have some flintlock experience, I bought a kit and a great gentleman by the name of Larry McCoy helped my out by fixing my mistakes and finishing it for me.
Sorry about the long message but am going home with ammo to explain and sell to the better half.
Thank you,
Josh/ Scout2004

 

[paulvallandigham]

Take a look at fowlers, if you are interested in civilian type arms, for a smoothbore. Several kits are available. Chambers, and Mike Brooks are the two that come to my mind. There are others. Tip Curtis always seems to have something in his shop in Cross Plains, Tenn. Track of the wolf sells completed guns, but these are custom made, and usually you pay for what you get. TVM also produces kits.

I don't know how you can get a gun completed in time for you to use it hunting this year. Most smiths and builders are busy already trying to serve the late comers- this is their busiest time of year-- and they also tend to be hunters, and want time away from the shop to be out hunting, too. It takes a couple of months to build most guns, and even a kit will take a couple of weeks to complete , for an experienced builder.

I suggest you look for a used smoothbore in your price range if you really expect to use it this Fall.

Thanks for serving our country over in the Sandpit. :hatsoff:

 

If you are on a budget you probably can't afford Mike Brooks. Check out Sitting Fox:
http://www.sittingfoxmuzzleloaders.com/intro.html

Sean

 

[joshbayles]

sorry about any confusion, I will be home on leave in November, so I am only trying to put somthing on order, I will not been home for good until summer 2010

 

[Bountyhunter]

Sean,

I have heard that Matt has a superior lock on the North Star West guns. How are the locks on these Sitting Fox guns? I see that they are quite a bit less money than some of the others. Do you or anyone know how their locks compare to Matts'?

B

 

[Le Grand]

Ray, You made a point about wanting something that could represent the F&I War time period and that makes me want to recommend the Early English Trade Gun from North Star West. Look at this gun here on their website at www.northstarwest.com. You get choices of barrel length but the 41" would probably be the most appropriate for the 1750s. You also get choices of bore size and the 24 gauge (.58 caliber) is a very favorable selection. And the waiting time, generally, to get one made is only about two months. Yes, you can get kits and in-the-white guns too. Take a look, for sure.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

For an Ohio gun prior to and during the F&I war, I should think a French Fusil would be appropriate and they are good handling guns with a unique style which most builders produce.

 

[Tsegoweleh]

Oatsayo All,
Ive got to say, I purchased a 28 Brown Bess carbine from Loyalist arms. It was intended to be just a reeneacting gun. I paid about 450.00 or so for it.
It is a great gun. I like it better than my 1500.00 custom fowler. Had I bought it before i bought my Fowler, I wouldent have gotten the fowler.
Always fires and shoots good.

Would buy another in a heartbeat

 

Matt's stuff is much better and more PC. If he can afford it, I'd go with NSW before Sitting Fox. Matt uses Long Hammock barrels that he profiles himself to correct dimensions. I think the SF barrels are tubing and the profiles are rather crude compared to original guns. Matt uses walnut on his guns as a standard, which is more PC than maple for European trade guns. I've heard nothing but good things about Matt's locks, while there have been rumbles of some QC issues with L&R locks. Sitting Fox uses L&R and Siler locks, but Silers aren't correct for what he's talking about. I've not seen one, but the Sitting Fox guns appear to be a good value for people starting out.
http://www.northstarwest.com/

I've talked with Matt pretty extensively and he's a very knowledgeable, friendly guy. I'd highly recommend his guns if he makes what you're looking for. If he doesn't, I'd research it a bit more if you're interested in having a period correct gun.

Sean

 

Scout,

Suggestions for your time and place:
http://www.northstarwest.com/early_english.aspx http://www.northstarwest.com/officers_musket.aspx http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(g...um=FRENCH-TULLE-FUSIL-DE-CHASSE-44-PARTS-LIST

Sean

 

[rich pierce]

It's getting to the point where even a trade gun kit is going to cost $650 and well upwards. I'd look for a used gun.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Here is another suggestion.
Spend some more time studying your suggestions above. Research the various brands of locks. Understand what a tubing barrel looks like compared to a barrel profile. Look at some of the different maker's work. Consider saving up for a better quality and more historical piece which may take a little longer but provide more long term satisfaction.

 

[poordevil]

You are one hell of a man to do 3 tours of duty! I really mean that. and in this hobby you get what you pay for. Even with a little one on the way $600.00 used or $1,000 new , both already built and ready when you get home is a small reward for what you have gone thorugh. Plus the nicely built guns from Ten. Vally Muzzleloading Or Northstar West are some of the best. If you have not, go to Muzzleloader Magazine and Check out the Campfire fourm. The people there will bend over backwards to help you. One there just offered a gun to a fellow on a budjet for free! Come over and you will be treated right!

P.

 

[thewho66]

I would also check out Caywood, they make a great Muzzleloader which you have the choice of Northwest, Wilson, french fusil, and english fowler. I have a Wilson and have no conplaints and you have the option to get a rifled barrel barrel with them as well as the smooth bore. Smooth bores are also able to be jugged choked for better overall pattern. Check out there web site.

 

[Highlander73]

Caywood makes a nice gun...Buddy of mine bought his right about 1000 shipped
Highlander

 

[oldarmy]

also Try Jack Garner at TVM..
662-286-5014
[email protected]
He has some finished guns and can build you one or sell you nice kit.
Be sure to tell him you don't want a siler, but a "correct" lock
My son is just coming back from his "3rd tour"
1st time with the 1ID Mech. 2nd and 3rd time with the 10th Mountain.
GOD BLESS YOU.
WE ALL LOVE YOU.
If you need anything... just send me an e-mail and I will see you get it..
Food, Magazines, personal hygiene stuff. what ever you need.
Mike

 

[joshbayles]

Thank you so much for your support. My wife and mom are spoiling me so far, but any blackpowder magazines or books would be great.

SSG Bayles, Joshua A.
A TRP, 1-9 Cav
FOB ADDER
APO, AE 09331

 

[poordevil]

Howdy Scout. Looks like you made some good friends over to Muzzleloader Mag Campfire. I knew those guys would do back flips for you and I am happy to see the response you got. Good luck to you.

P.

 

[oldarmy]

I have a number of old Muzzle blasts Magazines that I will send right out.
Have a number of American rifleman also.
Do you want them also..??
Best Regards
Mike
GOD BLESS

 

[joshbayles]

I will read anything with words so all would be great. I just found the other site.
Thanks