Gunshy Hounds

[swampsinger]

I was told that the report from a blackpowder shotgun is quite different than a, modern shotgun, and even though my Beagles are gunned over regularly the sound of the blackpowder would send them skulking for home. Any thoughts.

 

[BrownBear]

Negatory. At least in our experience raising beagles for 15 years. They could give a whiff what kind of bang it was, as long as they got to go hunting. About half the rabbits I took over them were with a ML 12 double, mostly cuzz I couldn't hit the rabbits on the run with my rifles. We shot ML rifles around them all the time at home though, and all it did was make them want to get out and hunt. They were absolute pests any time something went bang.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Maybe it's the hot shower of smoldering brimstone they don't like. :winking:

 

[swampsinger]

Thanks, I didn't think that story about the blackpowder noise "sounded" right. The little buggers must be telepathic they can sense when I'm getting ready to go. I can relate, I hate that, when someone goes hunting without me.

I'd like to add the ml aspect to the activity. I've been snooping around for the weapon that would suit me, maybe you could tell if I'm off track, heres what I want and why. Single barrel 20 gauge smootbore, shot for snowshoe hare and partridge, ball for deer. Shorter barrel, percusion cap, I mostly hunt in cedar/balsam fir swamps thru the winter months often on snowshoes. I shoot left handed, but I feel a percusion lock on the right hand side wouldn't bother me. I've been looking at antique fowlers but have not found anything I'm comfortable with. I'm thinking I might commission one.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Sounds like a good choice. I have a T/C New Englander rifle/shotgun with swappable barrels. My 12 ga barrel for it is straight cylinder bore and that makes it a close range affair (for better or worse). I believe I'd be happier with a 20 ga with a bit of choke (I've considered a Tula or jug choke, but to have a pro do it would cost about what the kit originally set me back).

I had a 42" barrel flintlock musket that was 16 ga and that was a dandy bunny and squirrel getter, but was hopeless at trying to out jink a grouse. If you are looking at originals don't shy away from the "odd" gauges (like 17 and 18) Circle Fly sells the wads for anything imaginable and after that it don't matter how you load them.

 

[BrownBear]

I'm a lefty too, and none of my righthanded caplocks bother me. I really pine for my old 12 gauge double, which I let go when steel shot came on the scene, but before bismuth was available (I used it regularly for ducks). Funny you should mention the 20 single, cuzz my mind has been running along the same lines.

I spotted this left handed smoothbore 20 flinter from TOW. At under $600 for parts I might try to take it on myself, or else hire it done. Sure looks like the right gun for me, and maybe for you.

Most of the time I never needed the second barrel on snowshoe hare in front of our dogs. Something about white hares on white snow and white smoke made it kinda worthless!