Author Topic: Fowler on the way. (Read 551 times)

Ramrod · « **on:** March 12, 2004, 02:49:21 PM »

After putting my smoothbore project off for what seems like a year, I finally ordered the parts from Track of the Wolf. It's going to be a 20 gauge English Fowler pattern, 42 inch barrel, but with a fancy maple stock rather than walnut, sort of the way an early American gunsmith might stock a broken fowler or Chief's grade trade gun. I went with the long barrel and front sight only so I can still hunt deer with my deteriorating old eyesight. Heck, most of the deer I have killed even with modern guns were within a stone's throw, what do I need a rear sight for, if I can't see it well? Should do OK for tree rats and bunnys with shot loads too.

Sooo... can anybody tell me what sabots I should use?

Just kidding, but would like to hear from anyone shooting one of these little smoothies, ball or shot.

Next up, maybe 10 or 11 gauge turkey gun. If I ever finish this one!

rollingb · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2004, 02:58:45 PM »

Ramrod,.... All I'm gonna say is,..... "YOU'LL LIKE YORE SMOOTHIE"!!

I see thet TVM has breeched 12" octagon-to-round .62 pistol barrels, fer $50.00
Think I'll buy a couple of'em!!

filmokentucky · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2004, 12:23:04 PM »

I've had one of these for a few years now, and won't ever let it go. I sprung for the fancy maple too---well worth it----and the gun weighs in at just over seven pounds. Throws shot or round ball with equal efficiency and is a dream to carry. A couple of years ago, I got caught out in a freezing rain in December. The gun was covered in ice. I scraped the ice from the frizzen and the flint and it went off first try. Sometimes I take take it out and just look at it---it's that pretty. You've made a great choice.

simonkenton · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2004, 12:23:52 PM »

Those fowlers have been catching my eye lately. I was checking one out in a gun store, I like the feel of it.
It is interesting that these were so common in frontier days, since they were so versatile.
I have killed a lot of deer, and most of them I have killed with a scoped 30-06. But, as I think back, 9 out of 10 of them would have been within range of a fowler and that big round ball.

Hermit · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2004, 02:12:46 PM »

Ramrod.. I am also in the process of building a TOTW 42" fusil de chasse with premium maple upgrade, wrist piece, fancy sideplate etc that I am half done with and making Chiefs grade also. It's still 20F and snowing here but I can't wait to finish and go shoot it! I plan on both ball and shot, hopefully putting meat on the table with it too :? Being a few months shy of 50 I don't worry about that durn rear sight neither :-D Hermit

Ramrod · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2004, 01:48:30 PM »

Hermit, how are you finishing yours? (Metal and wood). My parts have arrived, now I have to find time to get them assembled!
filmokentucky, what kind of load are you using for ball?

rollingb · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2004, 02:46:31 PM »

Hermit, and Ramrod,.... You lucky rascals!! It's fun build'n them smoothbores!!

My next project is build'n a English Dragoon pistol, with one of TVM's oct. to rnd. .62 barrels.
This will be a "parts" project, 'cause the only thing I'm git'n from TVM is the barrel.

Anybuddy know wher I can git "plans" for the Dragoon??