chambers fowlers

[kruzer1]

Planning my projects and after searching the archives I could not find an answer... but I am thinking of going with a fowler or shotgun for next winters project since I do have two BP rifles...

Anyway if I don't go percussion I was looking at a chambers fowler. I just want to hear from folks who built them which is the best handling or how they like them. Here in SD I would be using them on pheasant and turkey but not water birds.

Here is what I researched but I would like to hear how they handle as there is a lot more to this than that (I'm average height and build and usually adapt pretty well to most guns/rifles). Time period/style not the top priority here as I like them all I don't mind recoil much either.

New England Fowler
8 lbs (in 11 guage) 46” barrel -10, 11 or 12 guage,
English Fowler/officer fowler
7 ¾ lbs. 41” barrel- 20 guage
Pennsylvania Fowler
6.75 lbs. 46” barrel ”“ 20 guage

Any opinions or experience in these is appreciated!

 

[jdkerstetter]

You simply can't go wrong with Chambers. I don't know of anyone who has not be satisfied with their purchase from them.

Their "kits" are very straight forward. Well thought out and designed.

Personnally I like the PA fowler for it's length and weight. Which you choose depends on your taste. Enjoy, J.D.

 

[Birdwatcher]

Yep, IMHO a fowler oughtta be light or else it might as well be a rifle. I've hefted a 6-and-something pound Mike Brooks, and it felt about like a magic wand, just a joy to handle.

 

[blackpowderscout]

I too like the Chambers kits.

Great folks to deal with too.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Chambers is a good kit. I would get the 20 bore English piece if upland type is your game. If you eant to use ball and a little wingget the PA. If you want a waterfowling/musket type piece get the NE one in the largest bore diameter.

 

[Lorne Johnson]

I would say that it depends a lot on what you're used to. I want a pheasant gun to come in under 7 lbs, and 6 is nicer. But plenty of folks on this side of the Atlantic shoot 8 lb guns, and would find 6 to be very whippy.

I've never heard anything negative about Jim Chamber's quality.

 

[hanshi]

The Chambers kit descriptions sound really good. But I think I'd also prefer the Pa fowler.

 

[Darkgael]

A New England fowler 16 ga. after #9 in Grinslade's "Flintlock Fowlers"... Six pounds four ounces, 43" barrel. It floats up to my shoulder and points like a wand.
Not a Chambers kit, though. By Mike Brooks.

 

[blackdog of vt]

I've built them all and the officers fowler handles the best to me. A 46'' barrel is alot to swing on a pheasant.

 

[Grenadier1758]

I agree with Pete. The 16 gauge will work well on both pheasant and turkey. The larger gauge will lighten the fowler for easy handling. You can load it up for turkeys and lighter for the upland birds.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

I agree with Pete. The 16 gauge will work well on both pheasant and turkey. The larger gauge will lighten the fowler for easy handling. You can load it up for turkeys and lighter for the upland birds.

But that would not be an option in a Chambers kit like the OP is considering as far as I know.

 

[kruzer1]

I'm open to other ideas of course - Right now I am researching for the next project

 

[AkDan]

Birmingham export fowler it comes in 16ga or 20 inlet for a colerain barrel. Not sure on price. Mikes Brooks has it listed.

Check out TOTW they have some kits also.

a few other options.
Light weight new england folwer kit, 32" barrel though at a 28 gauge it may be a tad light for longbeards? http://www.davidpriceflintlocks.com/id35.html

tracks english fowler http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Cate...0/1/ENGLISH-FOWLING-GUN-FLINT-PARTS-LIST/List

I've seen a few more I'll have to go through my favorites at some point this week and dig them up, or I should say saw. Its been awhile since I really looked. I ended up with 2 chambers fowlers in 10ga. Still working on them, long project in the making lol.

 

[AkDan]

http://www.northstarwest.com/catalogue.aspx

 

[Jason Lewis]

I have the chambers new england fowler in 10ga. I've shot pheasants with it, and a 20ga fowler that i also have. i built the 10ga originally with turkey in mind but i haven't gotten one in range yet. soon though, soon.

any of the guns you are asking about will do both tasks equally well, of course the bigger the bore, the bigger the shot load can be. for example, i shoot my 10ga with 2 1/4oz for turkey and 1 1/2oz for pheasant. while the 20ga, i shoot 1 1/4oz for both turkey and pheasant. work up a patterning load and you will be fine.

one thing to consider, if you choose the new england fowler, ask what barrels they have in stock when you order. they are made by ed rayl, and while he is an excellent barrel maker, he is also very, very slow. when i ordered my kit, they had an 11ga barrel in stock, but since i wanted a 10, i had to weight almost a year before i got it.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Yes, if Mike has any stocks of his Birmingham pattern available that is a super option. I would get the 16 bore as stated above. VERY good user friendly stock profile.

 

[seanfidheall]

I have six of Jim's guns. I can honestly tell you that I have nothing but praise for him and his firearms.

I have the Smooth Rifle in 20 gauge which is basically the Pennsylvania Fowler with a cheek piece. Light, fast, handles like a dream, and deadly. I also have the New England Fowler in 10 gauge. A little different that the lighter fowler but still a comfortable shooter. Haven't had it as long so still working with it. You would love that big round faced lock on these. Extremely reliably.

I think it entirely depends on what your going to do with it.

 

[JohnTulle]

I have the English Fowler. Plain Cherry wood with a Cherry stain finish. Brass hardware. 20g. Carved similar to the guns on p.178-179 in Flintlock Fowlers by Grinslade. I even put in a small palm swell by the entry thimble. It looks better than I can shoot it. Oh well, at least I get style points. :grin:

John