Smoothbore vs Trade Gun class

[pajeepguy]

Is there any real definition of Trade Gun versus Smoothbore class (by NMLRA rules)?

Several local club shoots and rendezvous have a trade gun classification and allow smoothbores with rear sights, while others do not. Aren't Trade guns just that? Single trigger, smoothbore, no rear sight, etc;?

Your thoughts?

 

[tg]

Generaly a trade gun/fowler has no rear sight, once a gun has a rear sight it becomes classified as a smoothrifle for most event purposes, though there is more to it than just rear sights that make a smoothrifle. I think some places have events for both.

 

[Many Klatch]

According to the rules we play by at the Friendship Primitive Range a smoothbore can not have a rear sight above the plane of the barrel. The caliber must be .54 or larger. It must have only a single trigger, no set triggers are allowed. If you want to shoot a trade gun, English Fowler or Brown Bess as long as they meet those requirements they are considered to be smoothbores.

Because we have had some idiots show up with a rifle with the barrel rebored for the last couple of inches to look like a smoothbore, all guns used to shoot a smoothbore match must be inspected by the range officer to ensure that there is no rifling.

Smoothrifles have their own matches or they can shoot against rifles. They can have a rear sight and set triggers.

Many Klatch

 

[mark starr]

Take a trip to the fur trade museum in Chadron Nebraska. Take a good look at the smoothbores you will find rear sights on alot of them, and quite a few in a 28 guage 54 cal. just some food for thought.

 

[bwhoffman]

...and a trade gun hasta have a rock lock.

 

[PGTMG]

...and a trade gun hasta have a rock lock.

What is a rock lock?

 

[Le Grand]

"What is a rock lock?"

A flintlock

 

[paulvallandigham]

A " Rock Lock " is an expression of Derision by those who won't shoot flintlocks, and a term of endearment to those of us who do! Perhaps it brings out the " rebel " in all of us, a bit! :rotf: :thumbsup:

 

[robertdale]

a long time ago we also said that the lock could not have a "fly" but to much pressure from some ended that. most all "trade guns" were simple locks and most did not have bridles on the tumbler/sear. the rear sight issue has been solved by the research that showed none of the guns were shipped with rear sights. a lot were field modified by their owners.
just an old guy sounding out. :wink: