Thinking about a Canoe Gun

[larryp]

Looks as though the concensus has shifted to allow short rifles into this thread about short smoothbores....

I didn't criticize accuracy, just perceived loudness. My wife's H&R Buggy rifle won stacks of medals for her. But, under range cover it was terribly loud.

MtMike had asked if a short 20" barrel rifle was accurate at 30 or so yards so I was answering about our family's short rifle, that's all.

 

[Col. Batguano]

Do you ever get them jug choked?

Long barrels are quieter than short barrels, (at the shooter's ears) all else being equal.

 

[Zonie]

To all:

This is the Muzzleloading Smoothbore area of the MLF.

Please keep this topic on the original subject.

We don't discuss cartridge guns on the forum and rifles have their own section on the forum.

 

[Col. Batguano]

All else being equal, a shorter barrel is going to be stiffer than a longer barrel, and intrinsically more accurate. However, with a shorter barrel powder charges are less likely to be fully consumed, meaning faster powders will be better, and velocities will be lower, or perhaps less consistent.

I would think that beyond a minimum length, the shot pattern for a short barreled gun would be about the same as that for a long barreled gun (same terminal choke).

But, first things first. If you're hankering for a canoe gun, do you already have a canoe?

 

[kopfjaeger]

I love my canoe gun. It has a 24" smooth round barrel and is a 24 gauge ( .58 caliber ). The stock is plain maple, brass furniture, single trigger, and a queen anne pistol lock. I wanted to build something small in size and light weight. It's great for rabbit hunting in the thick brush around home with #6 shot pellets, and it will hold a decent group with a .570 lead round ball and a .018 patch at 50 yards, but past 50 yards the groups open up. The only change I might do to it is add some brass tacks to fancy it up some since the stock is plain. It's a lot of fun to shoot. :thumbsup:

 

[krolick]

I've never thought much about these all purpose short barreled guns, but I did just test fire one today. Now, I can give an opinion. First, it was actually fun. It was fast to load...the short barrel 16". This one has a wide front site so it was quick to aim and once I got the site picture I was able to get some solid hits at 25 yards. This one is a .56 cal. smooth bore of course. I found 30grains of 3f with a thick patch and a .535 rb did quite well. I've seen plenty of 20 gauge versions of these, but the smaller bore might be the way to go. In the end, I've got a positive thumbs up for the canoe patterned guns. I've included some images of the test gun. G.S.

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[AZbpBurner]

It's Bad/Evil/Wicked for you to not only mention a 16" smoothie, but to add further damage by actually posting pictures to drool over.

A few years ago I was looking at canoe guns, but actually wanted a rifle, so I ended up with my GPR. A shorter barrel .54 rifle came next.

The short barrel musket idea is burned into the back of my mind and occasionally pops up to remind me that I still want one.

I already have 2 other guns in the works, and after I'm done with them a 16-18" .60 cal is undoubtedly in my future.

 

[BrownBear]

...a 16-18" .60 cal is undoubtedly in my future.

I'm right with you, but more likely a 22-24" barrel in 62 or 69 caliber. Mine might live its whole life without swallowing a round ball down the muzzle. I'm looking for a short, fast handling shot shooter balanced just right for wing shooting and ultra-fast snowshoe hare in tight cover.

I'm after shot loads no heavier than 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz, and the 69 is likely to give better patterns in that charge range. For that matter, I might even go to 72 caliber if I found the right barrel profile/weight for my dream gun.

 

[gunmaker43]

Like this only bigger hole ? 4 lb out the door.

click to see made up....Tom

 

[Hermit]

Mine is 28' 72 cal. less then 5 lbs. after some changes i made, it's all i use for hunting.
Hermit

 

[BillinOregon]

Gulielmus, good to see you posting. That's a righteous little peanut in those photos of yours. I'm starting to twitch with a case of the "I want" sweats ...

 

[coloradoclyde]

That's ........

Canoe guns have never apealed to me before.
I think you just changed that!
:thumbsup:

 

[Grandpa Ron]

Short barreled guns can be accurate, just as some pistol shooters can out gun many rifle shooters.

The truth is a long barreled is in general more accurate for most shooters.

However, you will shoot the gun you like best. So, if you like a certain length barreled go for it.

It is not a popularity contest.

 

[starlight]

Bill, that's where my Bess carbine came from.

Picked it up cheap locally with a burst in the last few inches of BBL.
Got it checked out by the local 'smith who said it would be OK to shoot if shortened.

Now it is what is known locally as a "Goldfields Police carbine".

Many Bess (and Patt 38) muskets were shortened to 20-24" and then used for the gold escorts from the goldfields to the big banks in Melbourne and Adelaide. Just handier on horseback I guess.

 

[BillinOregon]

Starlight, I am afraid we'll need some photos of your short Bess.

:hatsoff:

 

[starlight]

Hope this works.

or this?

 

[starlight]

Starlight, I am afraid we'll need some photos of your short Bess.

Can't seem to get them to load.

I sent one to your email, hope you don't mind.

 

[BillinOregon]

Here you go David:

 

[starlight]

Many thanks, Bill.

:hatsoff:

 

[BillinOregon]

Tis a handsome and handy Bess, mate!