Where to find a single barrel shotgun?

[jtmattison]

Any recommendations on a single barrel shotgun? Something traditionally styled in caplock. I found double barrel models at Cabelas.
I think it's time I started shotgunning.

Huntin

 

[AJFedak]

huntin,
Dixie Guns Works sells a Mortimer in 12 gauge single barrel both flint and caplock.

AJ/OH

 

[Mike Brooks]

I'd go to some gun shows and find an antique that is in goosd condition. Most of the time these go pretty reasonable.

 

[Rebel]

CVA made one called the Trapper that you can sometimes find used. Also the T/C New Englander can be found used. You can interchange the .12 ga barrel with a .50 or .54 cal barrel on that one.

 

[Runner]

The trapper came in several versions. There was a thick wall model. There is the thin wall model that has the choke tubes. There is a model called the Gobbler that is a thickwalled model with a choked barrel. They are pretty nice little guns for what they cost, with the emphasis on little. Mine kicks like a mule with turkey loads. Mine has the .50 barrel with it as a set.

 

[rayb]

Have a CVA Gobbler, discussed above. Good patterns with right load, but also as mentioned, light and recoil can be a factor

Also a Mowrey, mine is brass frame, steel barrel, cylinder bore, built froma kit. I think they can still be obtained, i just bought a Mowrey rifle kit, steel framed, with a shotgun style butt.

An antique as mentioned above, might be good, i've never have tried that route for shotguns.


Look around a bit after you get back from the sandbox.

good luck, come home safely, prayers for you


rayb

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

I realize that the following doesn't qualify as a traditional smoothbore for shotgunning purposes, but I've used one over the years and worked quite well. (Though it was/is a little on the smallish side in bore size)

The T/C Renegade in .56 smoothbore is roughly a 28ga gun and like I said, it looks more like a rifle, but it will give you all the "fun" of shotgunning and these are usually available on the various auction sites for about half of what their rifled barrelled cousins would bring as a selling price.

There may be some of the old Ultra-Hi guns still making their way through the hands of some shotgunners out there as well. Again, not too traditional, but has all the utility you need and generally not too expensive.

You bring up a good point. There really are NO entry level single barrel (traditionally styled) muzzleloading shotguns available now that CVA has went to strictly Inline designs (excuse my use of the "I-word"). It was just like a knife in the back from CVA to many of us, but now ALL used guns go up in price as well due to scarcity and artificially created demand. We really need someone like Traditions to come back at us with a solid sidelock single barrel shotgun. Nothing fancy, just utilitarian and a good value.

I think a good many people would take up muzzleloading shotgunning if the guns themselves were not so pricey. The frontloading 12bore is just as effective as it's smokeless breechloading cousins AND it can be custom loaded in the field to suit one's needs at any particular time. We would like to have a least one version of it as a steel shot capable gun, and we don't necessarily need screw in chokes. The possibilities are endless.

ALWAYS use a BIG enough gun, & remember to shoot safely,
WV_Hillbilly

 

[Ohio Rusty]

There are still a few H&R Huntsman's floating around. They were a single hammer, nipple thru the breech. I saw one last year at a local gun shop in 12 gauge.
Ohio Rusty

 

[JackAubrey]

Have you considered a musket?Possibly a Brown Bess or Charleville in flint?A Springfield 1816?Or if you like percussion, an 1842 Springfield smoothebore?While they are a tad long they are effective and quite historical.Just a thought.Best regards,J.A.

 

[rmark]

A used TC New Englander would be the easiest place to start - good quality and good warranty. They made both unchoked and screw in choke barrels (I think replacement screw in choke barrels are still available. They turn up on[url] Gunsamerica.com[/url] for around $175-200.

 

[papellet]

I have a new englander and its a very good shotgun. I see a few listed on[url] gunbroker.com[/url]. Plus you can always buy a rifle barrel for the new englander.

 

[jim gray]

Are you really set on a single barrel? I know of two shops in my area that have used SxS 12 gauges(as of a week ago) for $325 and $335, I think. If you are interested let me know and I'll give you their numbers.