Cumberland Fowler.

[TN.Frank]

Well, I got my Cumberland Fowler today and it's a pretty nice looking gun. Barrel is rust free and smooth. Everything looks good to go, just need to figure out which ball mold to order. Barrel mikes out at .748" and since I'll probably be using wheel weight lead any mold that I get will throw em' a touch larger then stated caliber. I think the .715" mold would work ok with a thick pillow tick patch. My 12 ga Circle Fly wads are just a hair undersize but I think if I get the over powder wads in 11ga the 12 ga cushion wads will be ok. This is going to be a hoot learnin' how to shoot a flintlock smooth bore. If I can get it patterned well I just may try my hand at dove this fall.
The gun looks for all the world like a fusile de chase, guess that's kind of what it's patterned after. Either way I think it's pretty sweet.
I do need to get a tip for the ramrod and a jager so I can swab between shots, just an old habit I can't give up,LOL. Anyway, I'll keep ya'll updated on how it shoots. Talk to ya' later. :thumbsup:

 

[paulvallandigham]

Buy a bore brush in 12 ga. if you don't already have one, or maybe in 10 ga. And get a patch puller if you don't already have one. I like to have a range rod made of stainless steel to use when working up my loads, and for pulling loads if that becomes necessary. The 11 ga over powder card, with the 12 ga cushion wads will be a good combination for you. Stick to the same dram loads you find for modern loads, using 1 oz loads and 2 1/2 dram to 2 3/4 dram loads for dove. The lighter loads will give better patterns, generally, and I use #8 shot or even #7 1/2 shot for dove shooting. The ranges are short, as you usually shoot at incoming birds, or passing birds at short yardage. Its the timing and the lead that makes or breaks a dove hunter. Even when you have the lead correct, doves can turn on a dime, and give you back change! have much fun. I am still convinced that using a black powder fowler, or even a percussion double gun on dove makes it a King's sport. YOu may not make the daily bag limit, but no one will be more proud of the bird they get than you will, and its always worth a picture with the gun. I guarantee that any modern hunters will go nuts seeing you hit a dove or two with a black powder Fowler! The cumberland Fowler takes design elements from the French, and English, and probably a little from the German jaeger, too. They are very elegant, and servicable arms.

 

[Marlan]

Well, next week, I'm FINALLY going to join up at the MSSA range here. After I finish shooting a Cowboy Match the end of the month in Kentucky, I will come back here and I will get a chance to start shooting my flintlocks again on a regular basis. I have only been able to shoot my .62 calibre smoothbore one time....so I haven't worked up a load for it yet.

So, I feel you TN Frank, have fun working up your loads! My barrel is so long (48 inches), that I am going to have to make myself a spare range rod....I don't think they make them that long. No problem, I will probably have that done tomorrow....