Building a Fusil de Chasse

[Comfortably_Numb]

So after I asked my dumb question the other day I did a little research and determined that a fusil de chase and a trade gun are both shotguns so what is the difference then, stock design? Hardware? Finish?

"Fusil de chasse" is French and translates to "hunting gun" See Hamilton's "Colonial Frontier Guns" for great pics and a great explanation of the model. "Trade gun" is a generic term we use these days to describe guns that were traded to the Indians. Could mean anything really.

 

[Rob M.]

Yeah , just design and country of origin . Fusil is French . Trade gun is just a generic term for guns specifically made for the fur trade , decent quality guns but were lowest priced guns . If I were to say Carolina Gun or N.W. Trade gun then you'd know they were of English origin. No dumb questions bud , gotta learn somewhere . I read a LOT of T.M. Hamilton in the 90s to get me started in this stuff. Take care

So after I asked my dumb question the other day I did a little research and determined that a fusil de chase and a trade gun are both shotguns so what is the difference then, stock design? Hardware? Fin

 

[Rob M.]

"Fusil de chasse" is French and translates to "hunting gun" See Hamilton's "Colonial Frontier Guns" for great pics and a great explanation of the model. "Trade gun" is a generic term we use these days to describe guns that were traded to the Indians. Could mean anything really.

LOL ! We were on the same wave ! Ya Just beat me to the punch !

 

[Rob M.]

You can also "card" the inside of the pipes with a stiff steel brush or bronze cleaning brush, it leaves the brown so it won't rust anymore later but knocks off all the loose stuff that schmutzes up the ramrod.

I got a heavy-duty hole brush set with brass, steel, and nylon brushes in all manner of sizes from hobo freight for $5 and use it on all sorts of stuff.

Also a question: do you neutralize the LMF with a baking soda solution before oiling it?

Naw , I didn't neutralize these parts like I usually do with plum brown . No signs of needing to. He ain't showing up for a couple weeks to pick it up so I'll be watching it and learning this " new to me stuff " s ways and means . My first time using Mtn. Laurel for a whole build . Love the way it looks but , knock on wood, we'll see !

 

[Rob M.]

Heat bluing the trigger and some screws ....

 

[Rob M.]

Dont like the way the screws and tang bolt look ...gotta make new ones ....meh :/

 

[WALT53]

Heat bluing the trigger and some screws ....

Rob are you using map gas or propane in your torch.

 

[Rob M.]

Rob are you using map gas or propane in your torch.

Propane ....

 

[Rob M.]

Weird or funny observation... My first complete browning job using Mtn. Laurel Browning so for a test I did not go through the baking soda step on the barrel , B.P. and pipes but I did soda the S.P. and lock parts .... The parts I soda'ed have more corrosion build up than the parts that I just soaked in oil ! LOL ....now I know

 

[Rob M.]

Lock together for final ...finally . I'm remembering why I prefer to build NW guns now .....

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

The parts I soda'ed have more corrosion build up than the parts that I just soaked in oil !

Which look do you prefer?

 

[Rob M.]

Look wise , I'm with Comfortably Numb , love the rust and pits ... But speaking of this build , the looks of both sets of parts are pretty much identical ....thank God . It looks good , just been fighting me . Finally got it all together. I'm not happy with the B.P. screws and TG. screws so gonna make new ones but the rest of the gun I like .... I like em rough though ...like hillbilly women !! LOL !!

 

[Rob M.]

Ok...darn near done. I dont like the TG screws so gotta make new ones ...but heres some pics of the Fusil de Chasse ....

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

VERY nice … even with the lock on the wrong side!

 

[WALT53]

Ok...darn near done. I dont like the TG screws so gotta make new ones ...but heres some pics of the Fusil de Chasse ....

Very nice indeed.

 

[IanH]

Another nice handmade gun is born! Congrats, Rob!

 

[fjrdoc]

Very nice Rob. As a shooter, do you have a preference in handling/ "shootability" between the Fusil vs trade gun?

 

[Rob M.]

Another nice handmade gun is born! Congrats, Rob!

Thanks bud

 

[Rob M.]

Thx bud

Very nice indeed.

.

 

[Rob M.]

Very nice Rob. As a shooter, do you have a preference in handling/ "shootability" between the Fusil vs trade gun?

Hey bud ... I really love em both but I'm more and more smitten by the English guns ... With a moderate to heavy charge the Fusil will pop you in the cheek , I dont shoot hot charges , I shoot 60 gr., but lots of folks shoot much higher grains , and I still get it a little but dont really mind ...The English guns , NW and Carolina guns , even at 4.5 to 6 pds , depending on barrel lengths , are not only a pleasure to carryall day but a nice straight back recoil and no pop in the face ....