learning curve...62 fowler

[lethemgo]

Thinking about a 62cal fowler rifle and have heard they can be frustrating to a dream. I can live with both but just wondering what is the general feeling. It will be my first flintlock so figure some learning there to.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Like anything there is a learning curve. This place can help. But they are fun and a very versitile ml.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Thinking about a 62cal fowler rifle

Fowler rifle????

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Being a freak of nature the learning curve for me was non-existant as I went from never shooting a smooth bore to being able to place 5 shots fairly closely inside a paper plate off hand at 50 yards within the first 10 shots on the first outing.

This with a North West Trade Gun, no rear sight.

I have shot flintlock exclusively for the last 8 years so that curve was resolved.

 

[lethemgo]

Wow...sorry I wrote that. Guess I'm new to a smooth bore and thinking it wasnt a pistol. My bad

 

[lethemgo]

Nice....guess that's part of what ml is about. The fun of figuring things out and learning. Why I got hooked so fast. Only been at it since mid January and hooked

 

[Joe Ruley]

The ammo shortages got me into it. And I've found that I enjoy my range time even more than I did with centerfire cartridges. I don't shoot as many rounds, but am currently having more fun. From my fowling piece, to my cap n ball Colts and flintlock Kentucky pistol, I have a great time making smoke.

 

[hanshi]

I've had one for several years and love it. There is a learning curve for the flint lock but the rest is simply getting use to the gun.

 

[nwtradegun]

first smoothbore was a nwtradegun in 24 ga. that's 57 cal . 562 rb. took some time but finally got to hit 5 to 7 inch circle at 50 yards. that was back in 1992. since then I have owned 54, 62 cal and now a 12 ga. 72 cal. it is a trade musket. time and patience win out. I ll problably never own a rifled gun again.

 

[Alden]

Don't understand the question and I own the single word "fowlerifle."

 

[Spikebuck]

You can choose between a fowling gun or a smooth rifle.

The smooth rifle will have the features of a rifle, but be a smoothbore. It might be an Octagon to round or a swamped octagonal barrel, or other variations. The fowling gun would generally be sans cheekpiece and rear sight and would probably be octagon to round or all round barrel.

Personally I found my fowling gun harder to get used to. But then I've never been a shotgun shooter, so it was completely foreign to me. My smooth rifle was easy to adjust to. Only difference is the lack of rifling. Eventually I sold my fowler and my smooth rifle and I spend a lot of time in the woods together. But that's just me.

 

[lethemgo]

I know that's the same with me...people say wow that's a lot of work for one shot. I just smile and say....want to try....most it puts a smile on their face.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

The biggest issue is consistency, many will try a flinter and not do great right away, this will usually result in them reverting back to a cap lock because it is easier to shoot reasonably well.

If you really want to do well shooting a flint gun then you must force yourself to shoot the flint exclusively, even if your having a hard time of it at the start, it will come to you and get easier to hit well with the flint.

My first range session with a flint rifle was great while shooting off the bench, when I tried it offhand it was laughable, really. I spent a couple years placing poorly in the monthly shoots with a flint rifle, then I gradually improved but I never strayed from the flint.

Today I am pleased with my abilities and have no problems going head to head with the cap gun shooters.

There is a certain mystique about shooting a flint gun well, there are many that cannot figure it out and more still that are downright befuddled by the mechanics of it, a flint smoothie sans rear sight is a whole 'nuther demension.

If you stay the course you will prevail.

:v

 

[Rifleman1776]

I have shot flintlock exclusively for the last 8 years so that curve was resolved.

Yer a quick learner. :shocked2:
I have been shooting flinters for nearly 50 years and am still on the curve. One thing I know fer certain, fer sure is flinters are forever flustratingly fun. :wink:

 

[olsmoke]

am like you just got my first smoothy at NMRA winter event and Im loving it ya going thru a learning curve but i think it is awsome and the forum has been a great help thanks all

 

[Alden]

Welcome!

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

I have shot flintlock exclusively for the last 8 years so that curve was resolved.

Yer a quick learner. :shocked2:
I have been shooting flinters for nearly 50 years and am still on the curve. One thing I know fer certain, fer sure is flinters are forever flustratingly fun. :wink:

Ya think so.....
I always figured that I was on the slow side of the up take on the flint curve.

It truely is a frustrating progression for sure, I watch intently as others work thru the flint affliction and notice that most are flinching the mechanics of the lock and the rest seem to be moving the rifle off target before they have sufficient follow thru.

 

[Ken Cormier]

Bought my smoothbore in 1980 (dang I am getting old)and never looked back. It is centermark tulle 62/20 gauge. It was also my first flint gunne. And if every thing works out at the shoot at the end of the month I just might MAYBE begin to get things started on getting it figured out hopefuly. :2

 

[lethemgo]

Wow Kenny...you really get a guys hopes up. So your saying it's like sucking at pool but if you cant make any shots you can really get your quarters worth. I'm hoping on bringing home the bacon with mine someday in less than 35 years. Just spoofing buddy...good luck at your shoot.

 

[Ken Cormier]

Well just about the time I think I got it figured out. The gunne says ok time for a new lesson . Go figure but I still have not given up hope LOL