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Stupid shotgun idea?

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Actually it already has been done, though not in flintlock. There are aftermarket barrels that drop into a modern pump-action that turn the gun into a caplock, using the hammer already inside the gun, to detonate a cap. Basically the chamber is sealed with an adapter that accepts a nipple, and the adapter sits, fixed, where the shotgun shell would be, and the nipple where the primer in the shell would rest. For a while H&R offered a factory fitted optional barrel that did the same thing, you loaded the barrel from the muzzle, then broke the action open and placed a cap on the nipple, and you had a single shot 12 gauge muzzleloader. If it was cylinder bore OR if it was shortened to remove the chokes it was then a cylinder bore, you had the option of ball or shot.

IF you fashioned a steel insert of very good quality steel, you could probably "convert" a break action into a "caplock muzzle loader", but there are two concerns. First..., is the insert sufficiently secure to allow you to be legal with such a gun in muzzleloader season, and second, how badly will crud build up where the forward lip of the insert rests in the chamber? Can you properly clean it OR..., is it a matter of time until the pits are so bad within the barrel that the gun is done?

As an LEO I know of a couple of cases where dudes cut the brass from shotgun shells, inserted those with unfired primers into the breeches of their shotguns, then loaded them from the muzzle with black powder, to do deer hunting in muzzleloader season. Although they sorta "complied" with the law..., the judge found that since the guns could easily be reverted to shoot shells when the hunters were in the field, then they had fallen short of the requirement, and were thus fined for using prohibited firearms in the "primitive" hunting season.

LD
 
One of my early ventures was to look up old black powder shotguns that were absolutely devastated for $10. to $20. These guys had the barrels rusted off and springs broke, but the stocks and locks were in relatively good shape, well, considering the age. I then would gather old single barrel and double barrel cartridge guns that were of the less quality in the furniture and ignition department, but the barrels were proof tested steel. This was not a new idea as I had read the Recreating shotguns book, first printed.
The amount of flub ups were challenging, but patience prevailed and had some nice looking and good shooting old smooth bores. From what I have researched the smooth bore shot more game and tamed more hostile environments that the fancy Hawken Rifle, not to sell the Hawken short, but most pioneers were poor. In the pioneering and trapping days I dare say the native American probably was better equipped than most pioneers, they had the most wealth.
 
Dont use any push in breech plugs secured with O rings to make a muzzle loader. Especially in a hinged action gun. They can when fired open the action and come out. I have never seen it happen but did see the guys forehead after one came out."NASTY"
 
I got to meet Jim Patterson at Calvary Longrifles and we had a great time.

Jim went over the pistol including taking the lock off. Sad to say, the rod seats against the front screw which caused a little problem. He gave me four, pistol flints and then set off a pan load. The pistol worked perfectly.

Jim recommended starting with 15 grains and he showed me a homemade pistol jig for reloading. I've still got to get a pick. Even so, I'm looking forward to going to the MCSSA range near New Market and check the sights.

Leaving I tried to do a loop but the front wheel drive, road tires, rediscovered the lubrication properties of Alabama mud. Jim cranked up a chain saw to clear a couple of small trees and pulled the car out with his pickup.

Jim has a great shop!

Bob Wilson
 
I got to meet Jim Patterson at Calvary Longrifles and we had a great time.

Jim went over the pistol including taking the lock off. Sad to say, the rod seats against the front screw which caused a little problem. He gave me four, pistol flints and then set off a pan load. The pistol worked perfectly.

Jim recommended starting with 15 grains and he showed me a homemade pistol jig for reloading. I've still got to get a pick. Even so, I'm looking forward to going to the MCSSA range near New Market and check the sights.

Leaving I tried to do a loop but the front wheel drive, road tires, rediscovered the lubrication properties of Alabama mud. Jim cranked up a chain saw to clear a couple of small trees and pulled the car out with his pickup.

Jim has a great shop!

Bob Wilson
What had this got to do with
"Stupid Shotgun Idea" thread
 
This topic is getting VERY close to violating the forum rules.

We don't talk about modern guns or making guns that can be converted for cartridges.

We do talk about guns and reproductions of guns that were made prior to 1865 but things like the modern H&R shotgun with the muzzleloading barrel are off limits.
 
Jim sponsors a Kentucky Rifle show at Wheeler, Jan 10-12:
https://www.longrifle.com/event/3rd-annual-alabama-kentucky-rifle-show/

I plan to visit the show and was also visiting to pickup tickets. Jim recommended paying at the door which works for me. Next to see if we can reserve a room at the lodge.

I appreciate the fine artwork that Jim makes and teaches others. He also helps those who want a plain weapon. Being from Oklahoma, a Plains Indian style works for me ... not a fake but an in-kind, style.

Bob Wilson
 
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This topic is getting VERY close to violating the forum rules.

We don't talk about modern guns or making guns that can be converted for cartridges.

We do talk about guns and reproductions of guns that were made prior to 1865 but things like the modern H&R shotgun with the muzzleloading barrel are off limits.
Yea Zonie, you give them the
"What For"
 
My apologies.

I know how irksome it can be to have a new member make inappropriate postings. There was no malice but my ignorance and my fault.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson
 
Mea Culpa....sincerely....:oops:
I think Zonie was quite kind and patient as well. He could've "locked" the topic, but so far has left it open.

While I think that pointing out how other folks have goofed with modern tech to try and somehow make it more like "traditional" and still failed, is a valid point, I understand that it does foster that slippery slope that may lead to a violation of the rules, AND since I'm not the moderator, and have agreed to follow his judgement in such areas since he IS the moderator..., again Sorry!

LD
 
I am a N Alabama guy, I have a local friend who made his first flint turkey gun out of a modern shotgun barrel and jug choked it himself. The dang thing shoots really well with shot and ball, he made most of the hardware and carved the stock out of two pieces of walnut he glued together. Now, this sounds kinda funky but but with a dark stain on the walnut he has to point out where he put the patch. Gun building comes naturally to him, he is not hung up on perfection or high art just complete functionality. Of course he is the original Joseph Bogle's great X5 grandson and carrys the same name.

If you are looking for guns or guns to look at don't miss the Alabama/ Kentucky longrifle show.

3rd Annual Alabama-Kentucky Rifle Show
Rogersville, AL
Joe Wheeler State Park (800)544-5639
Show dates are Jan. 10th at noon on Thursday for setup.
Friday the 11th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Saturday the 12th from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Contact: Jim Parker
Phone: 1-205-680-9219 cell 205-566-1387
E-mail: [email protected]
 
Zonie, is great at helping answer questions. He has helped me several times in the past and recently, both with my questions and reading his replies to others. I was looking at converting an old external hammer breech loading double to percussion muzzleloader. His advice was dont, wasn't worth it and gave reasons. I listened and didn't, saved me time and money. Watching classified on this forum, pawn and gun shops etc have been able to find most guns I want. Asking questions here myself and reading what others have ask is a way of learning. Coming from shooting modern guns to muzzleloaders most of us are extremely ignorant. It is wonderful to be able come to this forum and find answers. I have found answers to questions I didn't even know I needed to ask. Ignorance about a subject doesn't mean a person is dumb, just a lack of knowledge about something. We are all ignorant about different things. This forum has a wealth of information and great people willing to help those in need.
 
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