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Stupid shotgun idea?

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bwilson4web

32 Cal
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Messages
13
Reaction score
2
Hi,

I have been looking at an Indian trade musket kit, ~$800, to get a smooth bore, flintlock. Then I noticed Dixie sells the flint lock, both right and left handed. So I wondered if I could make a meat-gun:
  • single-shot 12-20 ga shotgun
  • brass case
  • drill and press a brass tube
  • mount the flint lock and fabricate trigger link taking care to not weaken breech block and lock
I'm well aware that smokeless power must never be used in a black powder weapon. However, could black powder be used in modern shotgun?

Having a left and right hand flintlock, a double barrel, flintlock becomes practical at a reasonable price. Either single or double barrel, it would not be 'art' but a meat-gun for primitive weapon season.

FYI, I do not want to be in the field with 'credit card' hunters. They are dangerous. In contrast, primitive weapon hunters are by definition, thinkers.

Bob Wilson
 
Hi,

I have been looking at an Indian trade musket kit, ~$800, to get a smooth bore, flintlock. Then I noticed Dixie sells the flint lock, both right and left handed. So I wondered if I could make a meat-gun:
  • single-shot 12-20 ga shotgun
  • brass case
  • drill and press a brass tube
  • mount the flint lock and fabricate trigger link taking care to not weaken breech block and lock
I'm well aware that smokeless power must never be used in a black powder weapon. However, could black powder be used in modern shotgun?

Having a left and right hand flintlock, a double barrel, flintlock becomes practical at a reasonable price. Either single or double barrel, it would not be 'art' but a meat-gun for primitive weapon season.

FYI, I do not want to be in the field with 'credit card' hunters. They are dangerous. In contrast, primitive weapon hunters are by definition, thinkers.

Bob Wilson


Your idea looks like you may be a "credit card" hunter
 
What is a credit card hunter?
Someone often out of shape who goes to the range once or twice before hunting season. They think an automatic, 12 ga., makes them a great hunter and are appalled by a break-open, single shot. Easily bored, they shoot anything regardless of species. They bring alcohol into or the edge of the field and leave their empties where they parked. Property lines are a 'suggestion'. Their only qualification is a Visa card.

Bob Wilson
 
Hi,

I have been looking at an Indian trade musket kit, ~$800, to get a smooth bore, flintlock. Then I noticed Dixie sells the flint lock, both right and left handed. So I wondered if I could make a meat-gun:
  • single-shot 12-20 ga shotgun
  • brass case
  • drill and press a brass tube
  • mount the flint lock and fabricate trigger link taking care to not weaken breech block and lock
I'm well aware that smokeless power must never be used in a black powder weapon. However, could black powder be used in modern shotgun?

Having a left and right hand flintlock, a double barrel, flintlock becomes practical at a reasonable price. Either single or double barrel, it would not be 'art' but a meat-gun for primitive weapon season.

FYI, I do not want to be in the field with 'credit card' hunters. They are dangerous. In contrast, primitive weapon hunters are by definition, thinkers.

Bob Wilson
Ml tend to be more expensive then many modren guns. Are you looking for flint lock only? H &R produced a shot gun percussion shot gun on a modren break open frame. You can still find them on sites like guns across America ect, and gun shows.
 
Seems like a lot of trouble to go thru just to either wind up with a hefty fine or blow your head off. Why not haunt pawn shops find a old Hawken type rifle there out there, send the barrel to HOYT bore it out to smooth bore and do it right.
 
Someone often out of shape who goes to the range once or twice before hunting season. They think an automatic, 12 ga., makes them a great hunter and are appalled by a break-open, single shot. Easily bored, they shoot anything regardless of species. They bring alcohol into or the edge of the field and leave their empties where they parked. Property lines are a 'suggestion'. Their only qualification is a Visa card.

Bob Wilson

Okay, I get that. I've met a few of those. Thanks Bob
 
Hi,

I have been looking at an Indian trade musket kit, ~$800, to get a smooth bore, flintlock. Then I noticed Dixie sells the flint lock, both right and left handed. So I wondered if I could make a meat-gun:
  • single-shot 12-20 ga shotgun
  • brass case
  • drill and press a brass tube
  • mount the flint lock and fabricate trigger link taking care to not weaken breech block and lock
I'm well aware that smokeless power must never be used in a black powder weapon. However, could black powder be used in modern shotgun?

Having a left and right hand flintlock, a double barrel, flintlock becomes practical at a reasonable price. Either single or double barrel, it would not be 'art' but a meat-gun for primitive weapon season.

FYI, I do not want to be in the field with 'credit card' hunters. They are dangerous. In contrast, primitive weapon hunters are by definition, thinkers.

Bob Wilson
Yes, muzzleloaders have been made out of modern shotguns but it's not as simple as cobbling a lock, barrel and trigger together on a home made stock.
Done incorrectly, it could kill the shooter.
Additionally, you would need access to a lathe along with the knowledge of how to use it.

No offense but, for the guy who asks the question, "can this be done?", asking the question shows he doesn't have the knowledge to do the job right.

You would be far better off buying something that is already made, even if it costs a lot.
 
Less art but a practical way to get field access to primitive weapon season.

Bob Wilson

Really. That's the same mentality that has ruined archery seasons and general muzzleloader seasons for those who truly want the challenge of, and appreciate the history and spirit of, traditional hunting tools.
Why not spend some time doing some research, talking to people who truly appreciate traditional and primitive hunting tools, and get involved with the whole program. I'm not talking about getting into living history or experimental archeology, unless after some reading and conversation you decide you want to. But maybe learn something about flintlock firearms, gain an appreciation for them. Gain some skills with these types of firearms. Rather than going into with an, "it's just another season and I really don't care about this stuff, how can I bend and skirt the rules," mentality.
 
Ml tend to be more expensive then many modren guns. Are you looking for flint lock only? H &R produced a shot gun percussion shot gun on a modren break open frame. You can still find them on sites like guns across America ect, and gun shows.
Yes. Alabama primitive firearms season on Wheeler specifically calls for flintlock:

http://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/hunting_whitetail-deer-hunting_al_aa010103a/245344#

Bob Wilson
Cheaper then Dixie arms is military repos offered by discriminating General or loyalists Arms. You have to drill a touch hole. Their guns are $6-700 range.
You get what you pay for and tgese guns are on heavy stocks and don’t have the fit and finish of a gun 2-3 times higher price. That said they turn deer French at fifty yards well, will put turkey on your plate and rabbits too.
 
Seems like a lot of trouble to go thru just to either wind up with a hefty fine or blow your head off. Why not haunt pawn shops find a old Hawken type rifle there out there, send the barrel to HOYT bore it out to smooth bore and do it right.
Modern steel is relatively light weight and strong. The lock is not under significant stress so it only needs mounting to keep it in position and the 'torch hole' (sp?) aligned.

The only technical challenge I see is the chamber lip which is why I want to brass case as a liner and gas seal. My only safety concern is any gap could hold a smoldering ignition source making reloading in the field more 'exciting' than I prefer.

Bob Wilson
 
I would look for a traditions or other cheap modern flintlock. Cabelas has a store in Huntsville. They put different blackpowder guns on sale often. The law as i understand it doesn't require a smooth bore, just flintlock. I found a used TC flintlock in good shape in a pawn shop. Cost less than $100. I work on and build guns for myself. Couldnt buy parts and build that cheap. Building one the way you describe is not going to be cheap. A modern flintlock can probably be found cheaper if you look around online and in stores/pawn shops, etc. After finding one you need to burn some powder. There is usually a learning curve to over come flinching. When the hammer falls, flint ignites flashpan and gun goes off is different to say the least from percussion. Very easy to flinch, jerk etc. I go through the learning curve again if much time passes between range sessions. Good luck.
 
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