N.W.Trade gun..what ga. what barrel length

[rusty]

I am just about ready to order a NW trade gun kit from North Star West,but I can't make up my mind what ga. and barrel length I should get I have no experience with either 24 or 20 ga.I need all the help and advice I can get Thanks ..rusty

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Rusty- what are the main uses you intend to put it to? The twenty is more versatile than the 24 and probably a bit lighter since a lot of these barrels are bored from a blank with the same profile.

 

[Rebel]

Have you checked out the NW Tradegun kit that Track Of The Wolf sells. I had one, and it was a nice gun. Also had a N. Star West.

 

[Wart]

Rusty, I've got a 54 with a 36" barrel that I enjoy for trekking (due to the weight and mobility in the woods). Its one of TOW kits. Its not pretty, its my beater gun but its a shooter.
I've also got a 62 with a 44" barrel. This is the one I shoot monthly at the bp club I belong to as well as most rendezvous/events I do. This was a custom gun made by Randy Wolf (no, not the blacksmith - this Randy is from Heath, OH.). Its curly maple with fancy metal work. Guess you would say, its my show off gun. Its a shooter as well. Both are great guns. Hope this helps

:thumbsup:

 

[ffffg]

i believe, and that doesnt amount to much, 36 inch minimum if you want it to be an all round gun.. it should not be too heavy out front tho.. 42 inch looks better and handles better when you reach for the trigger.. there is a lag time when you pull the trigger, maybe inperciveable but the longer the barrel(within reason) the better it will shoot in my opinion...short barrel shooters are very happy with thier guns im sure, but the longer guns well done just look right, and can shoot fine.. dave..

 

[Cruzatte]

How particular are you about historical accuracy? If you want to recreate the NW Guns sold by such firms as the NW Co. or HBC, read The Northwest Gun by Charles E. Hanson, Jr. available from many dealers, or directly from the Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron NE. Or, better yet--GO to the Museum of the Fur Trade. I have never seen so many NW Guns in one place in my life. :shocking:
Cruzatte

 

[The Baron]

If your uses will include hunting game with shot (turkeys, rabbits, etc) I'd say go for 20ga. :imo:

My 20ga. fusil has a 42" barrel and it's well balanced and points beautifully. A 36" barrel might be a bit handier in the bush, but don't be afraid of a longer barrel. They're not as awkward as they look.