What's the differences...

[Soinkuhndog]

What's the difference between "smoothbore," "shotgun," and "fowler"?

So. IN. Kuhndog

 

[TFoley]

What's the difference between "smoothbore," "shotgun," and "fowler"?
So. IN. Kuhndog

A shotgun IS a smoothbore - the terms are used to distinguish a smoothbored firearm from one that is rifled, but is otherwise of similar appearance.

The word 'fowler' oroginates over here in yUK, where long-barrelled guns were used to take game such as geese and other water-fowl - the British English term for game-birds of all types is wildfowl - here we still use the term 'wild-fowler' for somebody who shoots birds over water from a punt or a hide. Generally a modern fowler - the gun, that is - is of a large bore than the usual 12 gauge. Most popular here for the bigger birds at longer range are the 10 gauge with 32 - 34 inch barrels.

tac

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Does anyone still call them birding pieces? I really like that one!

 

[roundball]

What's the difference between "smoothbore," "shotgun," and "fowler"?

So. IN. Kuhndog

And...let's not forget the "smooth rifle".
A smoothbore barrel with rifle sights...ie: my GM smoothbore barrels have rifle sights and techincally should be called "smooth rifles"...but in the context of discussions about shot loads, I just call them smoothbores or shotgun barrels...suspect most people do

 

[Zoar]

I have a double barrel shotgun with smooth bores but rifle express style sites, front and rear. I call it deadly.