Question about different types of barrels

[laufer]

Hi all,
I have GPR with hook tang type barrel, and since I am looking to get another BP rifle i am finding that there are different types of barrels, with straight tang and 'swamped' or something like that.
What are the pros and cons for each of them, especially compared with the hook tang which I like a lot on my rifle?
Thanks. :thanks:

 

[Packdog]

You ask a lot there.
Big difference between swamped barrels and straight sided barrels like on your GPR. Swamped barrel get thinner or taper down in the middle and then flare out again toward the muzzle. Not much mind you, but enought that the balance point is moved back toward the shooter and away from the muzzle. Swamped barrels are also a closer reproduction of the original hand forged barrels which had the same taper or flare. Opinions differ but somewhere around 1820 or 1830 stright sided barrels became common but not the only thing used.
Now on the tang, You can get about any shape or length of tang you want but they should match the style of gun you are wanting. Short flared tangs for lancaster styles. Long tangs and lolipop tangs for TN or some Southern style guns. Hooked breech and beaver tail tangs are more the fur trade/Hawken erra.

 

[laufer]

You ask a lot there.
Big difference between swamped barrels and straight sided barrels like on your GPR. Swamped barrel get thinner or taper down in the middle and then flare out again toward the muzzle. Not much mind you, but enought that the balance point is moved back toward the shooter and away from the muzzle. Swamped barrels are also a closer reproduction of the original hand forged barrels which had the same taper or flare. Opinions differ but somewhere around 1820 or 1830 stright sided barrels became common but not the only thing used.
Now on the tang, You can get about any shape or length of tang you want but they should match the style of gun you are wanting. Short flared tangs for lancaster styles. Long tangs and lolipop tangs for TN or some Southern style guns. Hooked breech and beaver tail tangs are more the fur trade/Hawken erra.

Thanks Packdog. After I posted the question, I did some reserach and found a lot of info about all this. I am looking for a Southern style, which would probably have long tang. Thanks again! :front: