Rifled fowler birdshot load possibility?

[ADK Ephraim]

I've acquired a flintlock fowler with a rifled 24ga (.58) 46" Getz barrel. Is it possible to shoot a birdshot load in this barrel with a modified modern shot cup or any other configuration? Your suggestions appreciated! Thanks mjw

 

[blafen]

I would think that the rilfing would cause your shot pattern to spin and centripital force would cause you to get doughnut ring patterns.

 

[renovato]

It's hard, if not impossible, to get a decent pattern from any rifled barrel. Even if the shot cup doesn't want to grip the rifling, the compression of the shot column upon firing swells the cup into the grooves, so it's going to pick up some spin. This spin is what ruins patterns.

Thompson used to make the Contender pistol in .410. It was conventionally rifled, according to law, but it had a choke on the muzzle that had straight "rifling" to cancel the spin of the shot column before it exited. It worked out pretty well, actually. That's the only way I know of to get a decent shot pattern from a rifled barrel.

 

[Emet Huntsman]

Tried it. Didn't work for me. Rabbits just laughed at me! :haha:

 

[ADK Ephraim]

Thanks for the input, everyone! I was afraid it wouldn't work, but wanted to ask, anyway. As always, the Forum is the place to get the answer! mjw

 

[Many Klatch]

Wayne, if it is rifled it isn't a fowler :grin: . What you have is a really long barreled rifle. With a sight plane that long it ought to be really easy to hold on target if you are strong enough to hold the gun up.

Many Klatch

 

[ADK Ephraim]

Agreed Many Klatch! Had the opportunity at a recent local mini-rendezvous to shoot a friend's 'true' fowler soothie, but really loved that long sight plane! Besides, Getz barrels in octagon-to-round are noted for their lightness; they swing nicely! Thanks guys!! mjw