Sitting Fox Colonial Fowler ????

[Razz]

I've about made my mind up on getting this kit from Sitting Fox, Ray has been a real pleasure to deal with. Does anyone have any experience with the gun and especially the barrels? My wonderings are more towrds balance and feel. I've been told that some fowler barrels out on the market tend to feel muzzle heavy. I'm looking at a 42" barrel. Any other thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Thanks!!
Razz

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

FWIW I have a Sitting Fox French fusil 44" barreled kit from Ray and it is a tubing-based barrel. As stated, the breech area is the same dimensions going forward to where it transitions at the wedding band.

My Caywood Wilson (English) 42" barreled version of the above French fowler/musket has a thinner walled barrel and continuous tapered breech end.

My Fusil kit isn't complete (needs final finishing) and while they weigh about the same (< 8-ounces separate them), the Fusil definitely is more muzzle heavy IN THE HAND. But once MOUNTED AT the SHOULDER, the Fusil hangs beautifully!

I suppose this is due to the more drop on the French design buttstock. Whatever it is, I can't wait to shoot her, as she hangs better, points more naturally, and just feels more solid in the offhand position. To me ... anyway ...

 

[Razz]

Thanks! I heard back from Ray, I can either have a barrel made by TVM (Tenn Valley Mfg. ) or for a slight upcharge one from Colerain.

 

[cowpoke1955]

I've been keeping my eye on that Colonial Fowler from Sitting Fox for some time. I think it's beautiful and a nice price. Let us know how it goes, you luck dog :thumbsup: .

 

[paulvallandigham]

I you want to put monster powder charges in that gun, get a straight octagon barrel, and have it rifles, in .62 caliber. Then you can fire as heavy a load as you can stand.

But, if you are going to shoot it with both a PRB, and shot, then go for the fowler, smoothbore, and don't even think about putting heavy charges in the barrel. They are not needed, BTW, as once you get that huge ball moving, it keeps on going. Most deer shot with a .600" RB will see the ball pass completely through the deer. The tremendous frontal area of the large ball disturbs substantial numbers of nerve endings un the skin, and as the ball flattens to .90 caliber, it destroys a lot of internal organs.

The lighter balanced fowler barrels make swinging the barrel on flying game, with shot loads much easier than if you have a full octagon barrel. How your gun balances of course will depend on other dimensions of the barrel, lock, and stock. The benefit of choosing a fowler is that it DOES give you the option of using a single gun to hunt both Deer, and upland game. Many are also used to hunt Turkey, and are successful at that task. As an all-around firearm, a flintlock fowler is about as versatile as you can get. :thumbsup:

 

[oldarmy]

If you plan on keeping the Fowler, go with the TVM Barrel. They are a good value.
However, if you plan on re-selling it at some time.
The Colerain barrel will get you a better price in the used gun market.

 

[dlpowell]

I finished my Colonial Fowler kit on the 4th. of July this year. Best handling gun I've owned in over 30 years. Kit went together easily. Took about 80 hours of work. Ray is great to work with. Am planning another kit from him in the near future.