My New Smoothbore Flintlock Rifle

[Compressorguy]

Just wanted to share this beautiful smoothbore I picked up from a local club member the other day. Thank You! I’d been looking for a 20ga Fowler and this fell in my lap for a very reasonable price and after seeing it in person couldn’t resist. I believe it’s a Chambers Smoothbore Rifle Kit from about 20yrs ago in .62/20ga, with 46” barrel. The weigh on this rifle is deceivingly light at 6.8 lbs. The stock has some beautiful curl and the brass has developed some nice patina. The sights consist of a front post and shallow rear V groove cut into the tang. I had my heart set on buying/ building a more traditional “Fowler” but this is so close dimensionally, other than the very small cheek piece and patch box. After shouldering, it fits and points perfectly and should prove a fine turkey, fowling gun. Plus after seeing a winning target from a past match is no slouch to shooting round balls either! Can’t wait to shoot it!

 

[MountainSmoke]

Very nice, I've been looking for a while myself, seems no one wants to part with their smoothbores. I like that one very much. Nice score!

 

[hanshi]

Your smoothbore is a real beauty and I like it! That gun will certainly set you up for any game hunting.

 

[pheenix99]

She's gorgeous.

 

[JRBCo.]

Very nice. Beautiful wood.

 

[granth]

Beautiful gun.

 

[CMHouchins]

That’s a beauty!!!

 

[Compressorguy]

Very nice, I've been looking for a while myself, seems no one wants to part with their smoothbores. I like that one very much. Nice score!

I know what you mean, I’ve been looking for months and couldn’t find one exactly as I wanted and/or in my price range. I had finally given up on a completed Fowler and decided to get a kit and build exactly what I wanted. As luck would have it, the Friday I called the shop to order it they were closed, the next day this one dropped in my lap! Sometimes they find you.

 

[brushblind]

That's a real beauty but it must've taken you awhile to find a tree tall enough with no low branches to get that shot! Congrats!

 

[Celt5494]

Beautiful Fowler!

 

[Treestalker]

Oh, Son...

 

[brewyak]

Nice could you show a picture of the groove in the tang? I’ve have seen it once before and I’m thinking about going it with my Fowler kit when I get it
Thanks

 

[Compressorguy]

Nice could you show a picture of the groove in the tang? I’ve have seen it once before and I’m thinking about going it with my Fowler kit when I get it
Thank you

Congrats and good luck on your build.

 

[Grenadier1758]

I make sure the slot in my tang bolt is lined up with the barrel. With the cheek weld I use; I can see the slot in the tang bolt and the front sight. The aiming procedure for most fowling guns requires being able to see the entire front sight, some of the barrel and the slot in the tang bolt to properly point the fowling gun. With practice, the cheek weld and alignment becomes a natural action and conscious alignment is no longer necessary.

Note the alignment of the slot in the tang bolt just behind the breech. Admittedly having the groove means that you don't have to take care to ensure the slot is aligned.

 

[Compressorguy]

Here’s another pic

 

[Grenadier1758]

When developing the fowling gun alignment for the groove in the breech, use a grease pencil to mark the breech. Align the front sight, barrel and grease pencil mark until the marks on the fowlong gun align with the point of impact on the target. Then file the groove.

 

[Tradbow]

My next gun will be a fowler. I would love to have one that’s just like yours. It’s a beautiful gun.

 

[Compressorguy]

Thank You everyone for your replies!

I do have a question. Where are you guys getting your shot from, like #6? Is there one best source that everyone seems to use?

 

[Kev308]

Just beautiful! Good luck with it

 

[cynthialee]

turkey, grouse, dove, deer, black bear, hogs...there isn't much you couldn't hunt with that gun

Nice looking piece.

Make smoke!