chambers flintlocks

[sar]

after tons of going back and forth trying to decide, I've decided on getting a Chambers New England Colonial Fowler/Militia Musket Kit in 10 bore.

The barrel is very long (46") anyone have one of these and can give me an idea on
1) the build time after I get the kit
2) expected accuracy-I'd like 50ish yards out of it
3) any other experiences with this gun?

 

[Ridge]

I have the PA fowler.

I didn't build mine but the guy who did only took a week before it was done. He took it as far as staining the stock. I had to hand rub the linseed over the stained stock myself.

The only other thing that I can tell you is that I love the 46 inch barrel. It seems a little long until you start carrying it around. After you get used to it your other guns will all feel like carbines. I won't have another muzzleloader built without at least a 44 inch barrel.

Forgot...at 50 yards I can keep it on a paper plate. That's good enough for me. I've fired it all the way out to 200 yards for giggles. Once you learn the elevation and say a little prayer, you can come amazingly close to what you are aiming at!

 

[Dane]

I'm not sure which kit you actually have. I've built two of the NE Fowlers in 10ga, with Cherry Stocks. You'll have around 100 hrs in completing one. They are extremely nice pieces. My first three round balls out of the barrel, touched at 25 yards. Even with a fudge factor, that should get you with in 4 to 5 in @ 50 yards. Very acceptable accuracy for hunting.

I was also getting great patterns @ 25 and 50yards with shot. ( barrel was jug choked).

Hope this helps.

 

[J.D.]

These Chambers kits are not in-the-white kits where the parts simply "plug in" like the production guns. They are essentially a parts kit with the hardest work done, though there is still a considerable amount of work to do.

If this is your first build with a parts kit, I suggest renting or buying the "building the Chambers Kit Gun" DVD so's you know what you are getting into.

That said, the Chambers kits are the highest quality parts kits available. I'm sure you will be satisfied with the finished product.

As far as accuracy, that's kind of a personal thing. The gun is capable of pretty good accuracy, but it may take a little work for you to
realize its full potential. :v

My 11 ga bess will ring an 18inch gong at 100 yards if I do my part, and I'm sure that fowler will do the same when you learn to do yours. :wink:

That 10 ga is gonna be a real thumper.

Good luck
J.D.

 

[J.M.]

Mike Brooks built me a 12 in that pattern, and I am very pleased with it. I need to get some smaller round balls to try, the ones I bought are too tight to allow patching, so I cant comment on accuracy yet. It is jug choked and patterns very nicely. I mostly use it for birds and small game.

 

[bebloomster]

J.M. -- What size balls do you need? I have some .715 if that will help.

 

[J.M.]

Thanks for the kind offer, unfortunately I tried .715s and they are too snug. I just ordered some .690s to try. I figure that will give me some "wiggle" room with a patch.

 

[bebloomster]

Ok... hope that the .690's work for you. I don't have any molds between .690 or .715 though they probably exist. Like you said, the .690 should give you a bit of wiggle room to try different size patch. Hopefully you will come up with a good combination.

 

[Rebel]

You can get a Lee .690 mould for around $20 from Midsouth Shooters Supply.