Most Popular Smoothbores?

[bourgeois]

Hello,

I am new to smoothbores and was wondering if there is a model/brand, bore size, etc. that is more popular than others.

I am considering a 20 gauge, which I believe is a 62 bore??, but not sure about barrel length.

Any recommendations from those with more experience?

What should I be looking for and where is the best place to start looking?

Thanks.

 

[fyrfyter43]

Jus t one option, but I am very happy with my 20-bore fowling piece from TVM.
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/257556/post/992955/hl//fromsearch/1/

 

[Celt5494]

Are you looking for something that is Military like a Bess or Charleville? Or something more along the live of a civilian type such as a fowler or trade gun?

 

[Lt Frank]

For the price and shootability, it's hard to beat Jackie Brown's guns.

 

[Coot]

If you tell us what you want to do with the gun (if hunting, for what game, if re-enacting, for what period, etc) it will help get you focused answers.

 

[Dave K]

Yes, the 20ga/62cal. is pretty popular. You may also want to look in Tom Grinslades book to see what the originals were using in the style that you like. Larger ga.s were pretty common as well.

 

[Dausener]

Like Coot said. It depends on what you want to use it for. Do you do re enacting? What time period and area do you want to represent? There are fowlers, tulles, NW trade guns, and of course the military styles as well. :hmm:

If these things make a difference to you it will help narrow down your choices a bit. I too have a TVM fowler 20ga/.62and love it. It is my most versitle gun. If I could have only one ML my fowler would be it. Good luck. :v

 

[Tony Logan]

there are a lot of options. I am new to them also. I would have by passed my modern gun era if I had know about them. They are that much fun. I guess 62 is the more popular. Do some studying. Best tip I have is to get one. you will love it.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Jackie is retired. He will be devoting his time to raising his three year old daughter and enjoying his hobby of hot rods. His website is gone.

 

[KHickam]

Yes, but Jackie Brown posted a few guns for sale on two other boards recently.

 

[tg]

"There are fowlers, tulles, NW trade guns,"

That kind of gun is a Tulle?

 

[rich pierce]

A lot of folks who want an all rounder end up with a 20 ga as they can shoot ball and shot comfortably. It takes a lot of lead to cast some 12 ga balls and lob them down range, but a 12 ga is great for shot. I think a 28 ga is a good compromise round ball/shot bore in a smoothie (.58 or thereabouts). Generally these will have a heavier barrel though as many of the barrel makers use one external profile for several gauges, and the smaller gauges have a thicker barrel wall and this makes it swing more like a rifle than a fowling gun.

Then after you think about utility, there are many choices for style, period, etc if that floats your boat.

 

[tg]

Typo Rich, should be .24 gauge/.58 bore, not trying to pick on ya, hope you catch mine to, I make a lot of them

 

[rabjr]

Lets not forget "Canoe guns" too but you really need to know the length of your canoe before choosing one, theres not a one size fits all. Generally the longer your canoe the longer your canoe gun. :wink: :v

 

[Stumpkiller]

Yeah. Like the punt guns.

When you don't have to carry it in your arms you can take a BIG gun!

 

[Stumpkiller]

Which brings us back to Bourgeois' question: the "best" shiotgun will depend on what your intended prey and means of hunting are going to be. A turkey is hunted differently from a grouse or rabbit and it takes a different tool.

 

[hanshi]

That must be the gun that fired the shot heard "round the world".

 

[Rifleman1776]

I'll bet, like most of us retirees he is doing what he wants, when he wants to. I do 'stuff' in my shop and try to make a few bucks at it.

 

[bourgeois]

Are you looking for something that is Military like a Bess or Charleville? Or something more along the live of a civilian type such as a fowler or trade gun?

After doing more reading on the subject, I am leaning toward a trade type gun. Maybe a NSW model. I want a top grade/quality rifle.

 

[bourgeois]

If you tell us what you want to do with the gun (if hunting, for what game, if re-enacting, for what period, etc) it will help get you focused answers.

Probably will do some hunting, mostly upland, turkey and just have fun shooting it No reenacting but want to have a period correct gun.