Need help choosing a smoothbore

R

rlm5

Inactive
I'm wanting to try hunting with a smoothbore, my question is this and I'm sure this has been gone over many times before. Should I get a single barrel or double barrel, what are the pros and cons? I'm thinking about a 16 gauge,again what are your thoughts? Currently I hunt with a .54 Renegade, just want to expand my horizons. Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks. Roger
 
What are you hunting? Finding a serviceable 16 gauge black powder shotgun will not be easy in either muzzleloader or break barrel. Don't rule out a 12 or 20 gauge since you can adjust your load (if reloading shells, or muzzleloading). I use a 10 gauge sxs muzzleloader when I don't plan to move around so much, like still hunting for turkey. I like the backup shot, but the gun is kind of heavy to walk around with so I use a 20 gauge single barrel (.62 cal) smoothbore for squirrels and sich, or ball for deer. Others may have different preferences, but those are mine.
 
I live in the Socialist Republic of New Jersey so only single barrels for big game. I will mostly hunt small game with it as I have a .54 Renegade for deer. Just wanted some ideas and preference as to single barrel vs double, I've heard that sometimes on double barrel the load in the second barrel will move once the first barrel is fired.
 
If it being a traditional style weapon is not important, have you looked at the Traditions Pursuit Shotguns?
I have one in 12 gauge. Traditions Pursuit Pro. Chrome lined barrel, 209, break action. And changeable chokes. Mine came with Extra Full. Currently it has an IC choke in it. Works well for turkey (Extra Full or Full), rabbits, squirrel with the IC choke. It has fiber optic sites.
It cost about $400 a couple years back. Price and function are both nice. I'm sure there are better ones out there, mine is good for me. I have shot #4, #5 and #6 from it. Varying charges of loose 777, FFFG, yeah I know FF is the correct granulation. I use what I can get.
Haven't tried it on birds in flight yet. The stock is not as straight as many point and shoot guns. However it may be fine for pheasant etc.
 
A lot is going to depend on your budget as well . . .

If you're talking a "traditional" . . . .

Check out a good NorthWest Trade gun or a French Fusil de Chase . . .
these were originally flintlocks but you could also get one "converted" to percussion . . . there are a number of custom makers out there . . .

I have a Fusil de Chase - basically a .62 soothbore (20 gauge). I shoot patched balls and also use conventional shot gun fiber/cardboard wads for shot. A lot of folks will poo poo a smoothbore and no, you aren't going to be able to take the eye out of a gnat at 100 yards . . . but, it's like anything else . . you need to practice and learn how your smoothbore shoots . . . .
it all depends on your game laws but you'd have no problems taking a white tail with a round ball or getting tree rats, rabbits and fowl with shot . . . if it's legal where you are

And don't underestimate a flinter . . . they are reliable and fast ignition if you have it set up correctly and know what you're doing.

Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top