Smootbore Decision

[tkstae]

I know you guys have heard this one hundred times before, :yakyak: but here goes anyway. I'd like to make the move to Flintlocks. I've shot blackpowder on and off for 25yrs, and took my first deer with a patched roundball this Fall. After reading this forum for the past week I believe that a smoothbore is what I'm looking for. I spend more time in the woods than I do at the range so It only makes sense to buy a weapon that I can use on Squirrel and Turkey as well as Whitetails. I'm nervous about the fact that I've never shot a Flinter or a smoothbore, and I don't know anyone that does. So I sure could use some advice on which smoothbore might be best for someone just starting out, Or if I should even try this on my own without someone to show me the way. Thanks

 

[chuck-ia]

Kinda depends on what you have to spend. I personally wouldn't go the cheap route, by cheap I mean 2-400.00 factory gun, can't think of any production guns in that price range myself. I have seen some pretty good deals on the classifieds. Might check with both T.V.M.s. I would definatly give Tip Curtis a call and see what he has on hand, there are a lot of others who you can contact, I'm sure others will chime in here. I would look for something with a Chambers lock to start with. My fowler has a chambers round faced english lock, (big lock) and is very dependable, it has a 44" colerain oct. to round barrel in 20 guage, it is becoming my favorite gun. Have no fears getting a flintlock. flinch

 

[Trapper]

I don't know your experience in the woodworking or metalworking area, but if you have some, a kit might be worth a try. You can get a kit very reasonably and with the help of the resident gun builders here on the forum I'll be a cinch. Track of the Wolf, Jim Chambers, Muzzleloader Builders, and you could also buy a smoothie in the white and finish the metal and stock yourself to save some money. I've built two smoothies and they turned out right purdy. Take the plunge and heed the advice here at the forum. Once ya go rock ya never go bock!

 

[tkstae]

I know better then to go cheap. It's more of a problem then it's worth. I looked on Jackie Browns site. I'm not sure if the prices are right but he Carolina Smoothbores starting at 750.00 I know thats not alot of money for one of these types of rifles but, just starting out thats getting close to the upper end of what I want to pay.

 

[Rebel]

I have a Jaclie Brown Carolina .20 ga and really like it. If you call and talk to Jackie he sometimes has some in the white guns for less that just need the wood and metal finished.

 

[tg]

Don't worry about being alone when starting flint/smoothbore shooting get a gun with quality parts and with a bit of help from this forum you will be on your way, you will get some different answers to some of your questions as there are many ways to skin a cat, and some guns like this and some guns like that. I am certain you will enjoy this aspect of the sport very few try flint and smoothbores without getting hooked.

 

[No Deer]

You will not regret your decision to get a smoothbore.

There are a few options on what to get, as stated above it depends on how much you want to spend.
In my opinion, if you decide you do not want to build one, Pedersoli would be a good choice. I have two of their guns and am very satisfied with them. They are very good quality for production guns.

I also have a 20 ga. trade gun that I bought from Sitting Fox: [url] http://www.sittingfoxmuzzleloaders.com/intro.html[/url]

He is reasonably priced and the workmanship is good. Hawkeye also has one of his guns, and I believe a couple of others may also. You can get it as a kit, in the white or finished, depending on how much you want to spend, and how much work you want to do on it yourself.

Again, congratulations, I think you are making a good choice to go with a smoothie. It has been my experience and observation that once you start shooting a smoothie, your rifles will get lonely :v

And as for not knowing how to care and feed one, don't worry about that either, you will get all the help you need on this site.

 

[Many Klatch]

The biggest thing to remember with a new flinter is that it takes about a year of shooting before you really have it dialed in. Don't expect to take it to the range and have it dialed in after 20 shots. Mine still surprise me occasionally after shooting them for 20 years.

A smoothbore can be as accurate as a rifle out to 75 yards and you can shoot shot, buck and ball or round ball depending on what you are hunting.

Many Klatch

 

[RiverRat]

Do NOT be nervous about getting a flintlock! There are more people on this forum willing to answer questions and help out than you can imagine. Smoothbores are just plain COOL! I am waiting on my second to be built, a Chambers smooth rifle in 28 guage. Whether you get a fowler or smooth rifle, you will be looked at the same way as someone who pulls to the local dinner on a 1958 kick start Triumph Bonnie. There are more comfortable ways to get from point A to B, but hell, you are just COOL!

 

[RickD]

I understand your feelings..I bought my first smooth bore and like it alot better than my rifle barrel rifles..Its like owning two guns in one..

 

[tom hargrove]

and nuttin aint cooler than a rat in a canue, less its rats in the corn. :youcrazy:

 

[tkstae]

Thanks for all the help and advice, It has really helped. I used to be able to head to the nearest blackpowder club or shoot for advice, but it seems that fewer and fewer people are shooting traditional blackpowder any more. Heck it's getting so I can't even find anything in the shops anymore. Thanks again.

 

[RickD]

I find every little in the way of black powder supplies where I live and at the shooting range I feel like the lone ranger..Muzzleloader makes it all well worth it

 

[svk9612]

Take a look at Caywood's smoothies. I've been shooting mine over 10 years now, and I'll never get rid of it. Although I can't do it anywhere near as much as I would like, remember---practice, practice, practice.

Happy holidays,
One Ear

 

[LRB]

I would suggest Mike Brooks' new type G English trade gun, in kit, or completed.