Fowler: Price and recommendation

[yarrum]

I thought I wanted a kentucky rifle. But the more I think about it I think I would like a fowler. The two questions I have are 1) Do I have to spend a $ 1,000 to get a NEW one? No, I don't think I want to tackle a kit. I just want a reliable gun to introduce me to the world of flintlocks. If I get hooked on it (sounds like there is a good chance) I could always upgrade 2)If I am going to have to spend a grand +/- what would you recommend? TVM? Sitting Fox etc..

Thanks for the help

 

[tg]

Most of the fowlers you will get for under a grand will likely have parts and maybe stocks from the same source and will likely be pretty equall in quality, I would call several and get quotes/sources of their furniture/barrels/locks toss out some questions here about the specific builders for a "rating" I hear ERA does a good gun for a good price but have not handled one myself, also determine whether the gun need be PC/HC or not, this could determing lock choice and other minor to major elements if the gun is representative of a specific time/place, best do the homework and ask the questions now rather than after a nice gun catches your eye and wallet.

 

[thewho66]

Go to the links page of the forum and look at all the sites that have fowlers offered. TVM, Caywood, Ever Mike Brooks will offer a good value for your dollar. Tvm is cheaper than Caywood as far as a fowler goes, but you only get the one barrel. Caywood gives you the option to purchase other barrels later. Mike Brooks will give you a one of a kind fowler that has a different look and feel that only you will have since its a one of a kind gun.( his are hand made and you are not limitied to options that the others have)

I chose a caywood based on the fact that I could order a rifled barrel to go with it and increase the use of the gun. Its cheaper since they are set up to do that.

I like Mikes guns for the reasons stated above and for the fact that his guns are more period correct.

price wide you are looking at 1000.00 to 1600.00 depending on whick one you choose.

My last advice is dont go cheap because you will find that you would want more or different in the future.

John

 

[Dave K]

In another thread, there was talk of Tip Curtis. I don't think you can get a gun for a $1000, but you may for a little more. I bought a "kit", well a bunch of parts in a preinletted stock and without going though my bills, you will have under that number easily in that fashion as a kit. He can build it complete for or in the white and you can do the finish and not be much more than you are wanting to spend, I think anyhow. Mine has a Colerain barrel and I can also get the same contour barrel in a rifled version.

 

[hanshi]

I have a nice fowler coming from TVM(uzzleloading) in 20ga/.62. I had a rear sight installed on mine as I will be shooting more prb than shot. What I'm saying is unless you simply want a combo gun, one barrel is all you really need. There are many good builders who can give you a fine gun-some were mentioned in the previous posts-for a bit over a grand. My experience has been solely with TVM. They will talk with you on the phone in detail about what you want and build a gun with the stock hand built to your dimensions. Their site lists only a basic gun but you can have virtually any lock, barrel, finish, lop, drop, grade of wood, etc that you want. Mine is one of a kind and there's not another one out there just like it. Used guns in great condition are also for sale if you check around, especially on the forums. Good deals are out there.

 

[ozark57]

I was at Danny Caywoods a couple of weeks ago, and was drooling over his fowlers. Plan on 3 months to get one, but man, they are nice!

 

[Tommy Bruce]

3 months is a fast turnaround time. I read on another thread that ERA is 2+ years behind. Most builders run on an average of a 2 year wait, give or take a little. I'd opt for spending just a little more and get a custom gun. Keep checking the trade blanket and places like track of the wolf. You might stumble on what you want. And I'll second the fact that Mike Brooks makes one of the coolest looking fowlers I've ever seen.

 

[smoothy]

North Star West has finished smoothbores slightly more than 1k. They have in the white also for a little more savings.
I didn't get a gun from them, but I got a 20 gauge 41" long barrel from them for a fowler I built and have no regrets.

 

[PvtC]

The Caywood NW gun is a good value. Best workmanship I've seen for the price. The big roundface Rowe lock is dependable.

 

[Darkgael]

I have a .62 cal Fowler, Poor Boy, from Matt Avance at TVM. It was less than $1K. It is a nicely made firearm with excellent wood and workmanship. It always goes Bang. I have looked at the other guns and makers; I decided on the TVM because it was and is a good value; it fit my budget at the time.
I am saving my nickels and dimes to have our own Mr. Brooks make me one of his fine guns but that'll have to wait a while.
Pete

 

[Eric Krewson]

Tip Curtis probably has some ready to ship or at least in the white. He keeps a large stock of finished guns and in the white on hand. This is Birddog6's picture.

 

[redwing]

You can get a TVM smooth gun for around $1000.00. Yes very plain but they fire and shoot very well. This old gun has won a few matches. She is not a show horse, but a Damn good ole work horse. :thumbsup:

 

[akapennypincher]

Think Caywood. Great guy to deal with, and one of heck of value per $$ spent.

 

[PaulN/KS]

I got a nice fowler from Greg Christian a couple years ago. Nothing fancy but it shoots good... good price too.
He's a member here, goes by olflint I believe. :hmm:

 

[KHickam]

His dad - Bobby made mine. No complaints. :thumbsup: