Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Traditional Firearms => Flintlock Long Guns => Topic started by: ridjrunr on November 03, 2013, 06:38:02 PM

Title: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on November 03, 2013, 06:38:02 PM
I am in the process of finding myself a smoothbore. If you own or have owned one,please tell me about its ups a downs. Also interested in a couple different styles,nw trade gun and French fusil de chase or ordinair. Have lots of questions so please, if you have input lets hear it. Like, how does the fusil differ in how it shoulders as compared to a nw trade gun? Kind of thinking 16 or 20 gauge.
Thanks , ridjrunr
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: mario on November 03, 2013, 08:28:31 PM
Ridjrunr,

I have a Fusil de Chasse that I've been thinking of selling. Made from a Track of the Wolf kit. Major inletting done by Alex Efremenko, woodwork done by me. 44" barrel in 20ga, walnut stock (hand scraped like the originals).

As far as your shouldering question, the FdC has a curved stock, while the NW gun is about as straight as it gets. It takes a little getting used to, but no big deal.

I've been shooting smoothbores exclusively for 6 or 7 years. Will likely pick up a rifle in the next year or so as we are moving South.

Mario
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: prairie dog on November 03, 2013, 09:00:09 PM
Dan,
you are welcome to shoot my Chief's gun and see how you like it.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: gunmaker on November 03, 2013, 09:09:47 PM
For a lot of people the excessive "roman" nose on French guns makes them  really hard kickers.  Your choice, but shoot a FDC before you buy it.  The English fowlers/NW guns are a better fit for most a us.  Here's a 16 bore 42" round bbl. Davis "twigg" lock rebuilt by Bob Roller,     Just my 2 cents worth....Tom

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a555/TomKnight43/16BoreFowler/th_16borestockshaping524-13_zps391a2bd8.jpg) (http://http)
click on pic to see progress so far.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Captchee on November 04, 2013, 10:09:42 AM
Dan , here is my 2 cents / IMO .
 The French stock design and the English stock designs are different do to a different style of shooting .
As Mario mentioned . The NW gun can have at times very little drop  .But not always .  The comb is also very flat across the top , which IMO also takes some getting used to .
 But the reason they are that way is that the English style of shooting a gun  was basically how we shoot today . IE you  step into the gun as you shoulder it . Just like you would a modern rifle or shotgun .

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7RNqO73OIHg/TWlrTCIHdmI/AAAAAAAAi6I/vXCMHsxOKkM/s1600/Unknown.jpeg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gRsmrZo7hEA/TWlreKF6tyI/AAAAAAAAi6U/QWMS6nqQr9A/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg)

With the French designs , they often “depending on the maker “ have a lot moor drop to the heel and a more rounded profile to the  nose of the comb . This calls for a much more erect stance  when shooting .  IE your head is up  not forward and down .
  Thus if you have large cheek bones and  try and lean into the gun  with your face forward , the  rise in the comb often will end up recoiling into your  cheek bone .
  When I learned and accepted that  difference and thus began shooting my de chase , with a more erect stance ,  the gun not only became much more comfortable to shoot but my accuracy also improved greatly  
De Chase
(http://www.trackofthewolf.com/imgPart/french-tulle-fusil-de-chasse-42-parts-list_1.jpg)


 Now note I said depending on maker .
 The reason I say that is that not all French designs have that roman nose to the comb .
 What the largest % that I have seen do however have in common is a greater drop from the nose to the heal then on English guns .
 While this isn’t a De Chase  you can see what im getting at

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/SXS/117436882_vSvUh5pJ_flintlock01_6949-1.jpg)


 Now as to the ups and downs .
  The plus is I  can reload much quicker then  I can a rifle . Also I have the ability to shoot either shot , ball or both . I actually to a very nice cow elk some years ago while hunting grouse , because of that ability . Literally I saw the herd coming down the ridge , was able to  quickly pull the over the shot card , dump out the #7 ½ that I was loaded with . Drop a ball in and  push the over the shot card back in  and still have time to make the shot .

As to a draw back . I would say that would have to be accuracy at ranges  past 75 yards .
 However that also may not be an issue  while hunting . As you know a lot of times out  harvest range back here is  rather close . As such  , frankly  I see no difference between  how accurate my smoothbores are  compared to my rifles at those closer ranges .

 Now one thing that I have had a problem with is heat waves coming off of my smoothbore barrels . Especially the longer barrels . They distort your sight picture much more then they do on a rifle with an octagon bore  when you out shooting on hot days .


 Now his is just my opinion but considering you build , you may find the NW gun to be rather small in stature for you . But at the same time  your probably going to like the larger  trigger guard . With your height and size , if you do go with a NW gun , I would find someone who would build you one  that’s based more on a early design with much more drop  then those commonly seen today. IE something that’s alittle more then  the original  I showed in the first photos .

 Now the other thing is price .
Doing a French gun correctly , is much harder then doing a NW gun . Thus they cost more .
 But the plus is that they were also done “depending on the model you chose “  in degrees of very simple , to modestly decorated , all the way to very extravagant gentleman’s guns.
 Not so with the NW gun  which even in so called chiefs grade , is  not  very ,,,, how should I put this , gentelman ‘y   LOL
 But then they don’t really need to be .

 Now myself I have owned  several NW guns and more then a few De chase .  I prefer the French designs . One of the only things French that I do care for .

Let me also put in little plug here .
  I don’t know what price range your  thinking of  or  time fraim . But  if your  thinking of a frenchy and  of something  more then the run of the mill trade gun or  De chase , give me a call . I would most certainly  enjoy entertaining the concept  and challenge of building you a fine piece.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Hanshi on November 06, 2013, 04:37:09 PM
My smoothbore is an early American design.  I recommend a 20 ga as the best all around bore size.  Mine has a rear sight so I can shoot it like a rifle but it is a personal choice.  I really can't think of a downside (after you've found a gun you like) for you can shoot deer with ball at 50 yards (at least) and shot at around half that distance.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: graybeard on January 08, 2014, 07:42:05 PM
I have a fusil de chasse,tulle, and really  like it.  the 44" barrel is a bit long for hunting grouse in heavy cover, but fun.  usually use it as a 20 gauge shotgun, but plan to try for deer next year.  Normally hunt deer with a .50 TC hawken but don't take long shots (over 50 yards) with much of any rifle.  graybeard
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 08, 2014, 08:41:00 PM
Thanks for the responses, I have a trade pending and will be acquireing a 20 guage fusil de chase built by Matt Avance. It is used but well taken care of. may be getting it next week.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: gunmaker on January 09, 2014, 12:23:30 AM
Good for you ridjrunr,  lets  see her when you get it.   Tom
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 09, 2014, 02:19:29 AM
Thank you Tom,will do. I am trading a flint pistol and some change,just have to scrape together some post holiday change,  :Doh!
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: 4-Liberty on January 09, 2014, 04:11:00 PM
I only have but one smoothbore, so I can only speak to it. It is a 42" Colerain barrel FdC made by Sitting Fox Muzzleloaders. It doesn't have a very pronounced nose as is common for the FdC so it's pretty easy on the cheek. I've only used it for bird shot so for, so I can't really speak to it's PRB capabilities, but it sure is fun to hunt grouse with; challenging, but fun. I plan on patterning it for a PRB in the very near future though. There's a deer walking in the woods right now with my Tulle's name on it.  :lt th
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 21, 2014, 02:47:33 PM
Just opened the mail and will post some pix after work. All I can say is WOW, she shure is pretty. People ain't kiddin when they say Avance builds a nice smoke pole! Now I need to throw some ball before Sunday 8)
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Bison Horn on January 21, 2014, 04:01:08 PM
Hey Dan I'll be at work all nite holler at me 10-6. BH
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Hanshi on January 21, 2014, 04:29:35 PM
Quote from: "ridjrunr"
Just opened the mail and will post some pix after work. All I can say is WOW, she shure is pretty. People ain't kiddin when they say Avance builds a nice smoke pole! Now I need to throw some ball before Sunday :happy  Yes, yes, yes, pics & more pics; yes, yes, yes..................!

Matt does do truly fine work as my gun cabinet will attest. :hairy
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 22, 2014, 04:33:58 AM
I think it's gonna get a sling ;)
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 22, 2014, 04:43:00 AM
I got it used but one of the last emails the guy sent said he never shot it :shock:
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Roaddog on January 22, 2014, 05:39:14 AM
I bet you two will play real well togather. Very nice lookn smoothy. :rt th
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: 4-Liberty on January 22, 2014, 05:40:25 AM
Just in time for turkey season!
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Riley/MN on January 22, 2014, 10:57:43 AM
:hairy
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: sse on January 22, 2014, 12:33:20 PM
Looks pretty nice...thanks for posting the pics... :bl th up
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: prairie dog on January 22, 2014, 01:31:18 PM
Oooh aaha,  that looks nice.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Hanshi on January 22, 2014, 02:45:08 PM
That's a handsome, elegant gun and would look good with a sling (and convenient).  I added an aftermarket sling on mine and am happy I did.  Here she is with her first deer.

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt74/hanshi_photo/PICT0586.jpg) (http://http)
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 22, 2014, 03:08:24 PM
Very nice Hanshi!tell me what style that is. The comb is different but not like a nw tradegun,and round faced lock plate.
Looks great.thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: KHickam on January 24, 2014, 05:07:56 PM
Looks like my G. Christian built fowler Hanshi
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Hanshi on January 25, 2014, 01:49:52 PM
KHickam, ridjrunr, the gun is a TVM early American fowler with a Colonial Va lock from Chambers.  It was ordered with brass mountings but because of a communications snafu; I received it in iron.  I could have sent it back for a switch to brass but it was so nice I didn't want it to be out of my sight that long.  I really like this gun!  The sling makes it even nicer.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: KHickam on January 25, 2014, 02:51:49 PM
Thinking they could be kin

(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/3859100_0783.JPG)
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: 4-Liberty on January 25, 2014, 03:24:03 PM
I think fowlers look better in iron anyway! Both are nice looking guns.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 26, 2014, 04:38:44 PM
It was a fun day at the range. I got my monthly done and started breakin in the Fusil.
This is the first three shots out of the fusil at 28 yards. Load was the same all day,70 gr. FF, op card, cushion and .015 patch around  .605 rb,lube as always hoppes BP +.
This is benched,poa center of target.three shots,6oclock low
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 26, 2014, 04:41:31 PM
Next three,poa top of target paper 12 o'clock,(compensated)
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 26, 2014, 04:45:48 PM
Last three offhand at 23 yards.,poa top of target paper,12 o'clock.(one of the bullseye shots was my friends shot in this pix.) I figure I'm gonna end up really liking this fusil. :toast
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: sse on January 26, 2014, 06:16:55 PM
darn good shootin...
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Roaddog on January 27, 2014, 06:15:24 AM
+1 :rt th
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: prairie dog on January 27, 2014, 09:28:22 AM
Looks like you have a shooter!
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: KHickam on January 27, 2014, 11:05:57 AM
good shooting
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Hanshi on January 28, 2014, 05:29:07 PM
Quote from: "KHickam"
Thinking they could be kin

(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/3859100_0783.JPG)




I'd say 1st cousins at least if not sisters. :hey-hey

And, ridjrunr, that is dang good shooting.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 28, 2014, 08:28:04 PM
thanks,couldnt be happier with it
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Captchee on January 28, 2014, 09:59:26 PM
Now you see dan , smooth bore are not suposed to shoot that good LMAO .
 i seem to recall trying to talk you into getting a smooth bore along time ago . BUT oHHHHHHHHH no you were alltied up in those  plains rifles   :toast
good shooting there budy
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 28, 2014, 11:06:25 PM
LOL,ya but now that you mention it,..speaking of plains rifles, like Hawkens and stuff.I need to talk with YOU about a .58 cal. tapered Large barrel I have.  :toast
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: prairie dog on January 30, 2014, 10:41:24 AM
Dan,
Have you had a chance to shoot any bird-shot out of that new gun yet?   I bought a bag of shot for mine this week, based on the price you would have thought I was buying gold.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 30, 2014, 01:50:15 PM
No I haven't pd,but I have some. Maybe this weekend I will be able to try that out.
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Uncle Russ on January 30, 2014, 03:17:44 PM
Ridj, I hope you have better luck finding new shot than what I've experienced.

Like PD, I was totally floored last year when I went to buy a bag of shot.
$49.95 plus tax comes to about $54.00 here is this state...I left it at the store.
I have been shooting re-claimed shot for some three or four years now, and although I don't like it, I suspect I will use it until it's gone.
The only defense I have against such prices is simply not to buy it, which will likely change nothing, but I totally refuse to pay that kind of money for a bag of shot!!  :evil:

Besides that I'm totally capable of making drop-shot myself, and although I don't particularly care for that either, it will do fine for the little hunting I get done with my smoothies.

Uncle Russ...
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Captchee on January 30, 2014, 03:44:26 PM
luckly i have 3 bags left of #7 1/2 , and #4  not to mention a couble bags of reclaimed shot . when thats gone , it will be drop shot for me . im not going to pay those kinds of prices
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: KHickam on January 30, 2014, 06:03:11 PM
What I do is go by old gun stores - lots of time people will bring ammunition in with old guns they sell - most stores don't want to sell the ammunition but I was given a few boxes and I just took the shell apart and kept the shot
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: ridjrunr on January 30, 2014, 06:42:12 PM
I have a couple of plastic juice bottles with some that was given too me. so i will start with that.
definately something to think about(price of shot)
Title: Re: Smoothbore experience
Post by: Lakeeagle on April 12, 2014, 11:42:40 AM
[be taking the trade gun out for Spring Turkey this year    got a nice bird last fall  with it  been fooling around working up my loads and thinking of have the  barrel Jug choked.   seems to be ok for now but want to reach out ju a bit more  any one else shooting this spring