Shortening barrel?

[William Lincoln]

Think about it, how much less will 10" weigh? Even on a SxS it would not make sense.
Black powder does best in long barrels. They make a 1.5 f , for longer barrels. Also,
for point and shoot a long barrel is more accurate. I vote for the do not cut ticket.
When in doubt, leave it out.

 

[Treestalker]

Why not offer it here on the Forum for trade for what you want? I have used smoothbores from 20 to 12 guage in barrel lengths from 21" to 32" and see no difference. A 42" Jackie Brown .62 cal would remain long in my possession; I would just add a canoe gun or blanket gun in the same caliber for those up close edibles. Please do not destroy a handmade gun like Mr. Brown's. It is a work of love.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I would say appreciate the gun for what it is...and start looking to buy a new (to you) gun with an already shortened barrel.

 

[brazosland]

@Traddawg, are there any cons to shortening your Mike Brooks' Fowling Gun?

Yes. The main con is the extreme loss of value. Mike Brooks makes a highly respected and sought after Fowling Gun. Shortening the barrel as much as you propose will reduce the value to a quarter of its present value. It may seem to be handier, but many have not found a 46" long barrel a detriment to performance once the shooter overcomes a belief that short guns are handier. The short gun will likely not be as accurate on target. Seven to 10" shorter won't really make much difference in handiness in the field. Maybe in a sxs.

Brooks didn’t make it. Jackie Brown did. Probably has the worm eaten wood he likes to use.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Just what I get for trying to remember a post from a couple of days ago. Shortening a Jackie Brown gun, not so much as a Brooks gun, but still a reduction in value.

 

[Runewolf1973]

I contemplated buying one of the cheaper Indian made muskets to turn into something like this...but I wouldn't touch my Caywood, lol.

 

[Traddawg]

@Traddawg, are there any cons to shortening your Mike Brooks' Fowling Gun?

Yes. The main con is the extreme loss of value. Mike Brooks makes a highly respected and sought after Fowling Gun. Shortening the barrel as much as you propose will reduce the value to a quarter of its present value. It may seem to be handier, but many have not found a 46" long barrel a detriment to performance once the shooter overcomes a belief that short guns are handier. The short gun will likely not be as accurate on target. Seven to 10" shorter won't really make much difference in handiness in the field. Maybe in a sxs.

It's not a Mike Brooks fowler it's a Jackie Brown lol

 

[Grenadier1758]

Yeah, I was mistaken about the maker. I still believe that shortening the barrel will reduce the value, especially if the barrel was originally swamped, and there will be little benefit in handling.

 

[Rawhide67]

I'm partial to shorter barrels for hunting. I have an older Italian fowler with a short barrel (28") and choked bore. Doesn't throw a round ball worth a damn. But out to 25 yards, Mr turkey is in trouble.

My other fowler from Roy Stroh has a 42" barrel, and that will throw a round ball. I like both guns as they are and I wouldn't modify either one. If you can afford or just want another gun, I would go that route.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

IF it was a 36" barrel, I'd say do what you want, but it's a pretty rare to find 46" smoothbore barrel.

So that's the reason I recommended either simply buying a shorter kit gun, OR selling the 46" barrel gun, and then use that money to get the shorter gun.

You could even see if somebody would sell you or trade you a shorter barrel, and have it put into the gun, and sell off the 46" barrel.

LD

 

[old ugly]

i shortened a lyman rifle barrel a few inches, the weight i took off was minimal. but the balance of the gun was improved drastically. as far as accuracy i would say its a gamble.
my opinion. (for what its worth) if you cant hold the gun because of the weight or balance, sell it, shorten it. or tuff/n up.
ou
tom