I have found someone who can make a muzzleloading 2 bore smoothbore over here. Problem is I can't try before I buy and even owning a 585 cannot prepare me for it. Half pound balls at what 1100, 1200? fps is in another class. Over 200ftlbs of recoil from a 35lb gun or something!
So welcoming any thoughts/advice/ridicule/MEDICAL OPINIONS on whether these things could actually be fired, or if any are still in circulation.
Also asking for any authors/names of books, about these rifles or even the 4 bores of old(even the smallest reference)(Baker? Harris?)
Thanks guys, Karl.
Posts: 3533 | Location: various | Registered: 03 June 2000
Baker mentions them in several of his books. There is an outfit in Idaho called October country, I belive who makes either 4 bore or 8 bore rifles. They do have a website but I don't have the link right here. The last issue of Rifle I think had an article on 4 bores too. Good luck and let us know how the gun does.
Keep in mind that Baker's 2-bore ("Baby") eventually made him so punch drunk and brain-damaged that his wife had to lead him around by the hand. He became a walking vegetable. Now go take a cold shower, meditate up on the joys of being able to think and make decisions, (even very, very silly ones) and find some other way of entertaining yourself!
Posts: 2690 | Location: Lakewood, CA. USA | Registered: 07 January 2001
500, I think the 18lb muzzleoader that John shorb makes at October is the 4 bore.
BBS- About $2000 AUD .The bloke I am discussing it with is Al Vaisham who does the Blackpowder column in the ASJ.
Like anything, reduced loads are possible(but VERY slow).You can also run 'lighter-than-ball' shot charges for hunting. I might downgrade to a double 4 yet. Keep the posts coming
Karl.
Posts: 3533 | Location: various | Registered: 03 June 2000
"October Country's Heavy Rifle weighs about 14 pounds in 8 bore and 18 pounds in 4 bore configuration. The stock is "A Fancy" grade English walnut with checkering at the pistol grip wrist and the forestock and it has an ebony nosecap. The ramrod is �" diameter and features a rod end on the stock end and a brass loading tip under the muzzle. All metal parts feature a hot blue finish. The barrel has a two piece breech, a three-blade express rear sight and a steel bead front sight. The breach is threaded 5/16-24 for musket cap ignition. The barrel is 30" long and features Forsythe style slow twist rifling (1:144). The eight bore rifle is tapered octagonal from 1 �" to 1 �', and it fires an .820 diameter round ball that weighs 835 grains. The four bore rifle is tapered octagonal from 1 �" to 1 �", and fires a .989 diameter ball that weighs 1,400 grains. $2,995.00"
Karl, If I ever needed proof that Queenslanders were a breed of their own, You've provided it.
Where is the company that manufacture? I wouldn't mind having a look but I'll leave it for someone else to fire.... It's not shooting, It's defenceless boxing.
Hunter, The company is Green River rifle works in South Australia somewhere. They haven't built one before but are looking for an excuse(/suicidal maniac)to.
Karl.
Posts: 3533 | Location: various | Registered: 03 June 2000
quote:Originally posted by DB Bill: When you shoot it will you please take video and have the next of kin send it to the Forum?
What Bill said... Reminds me of watching my friend shoot a heavily loaded blunderbuss from the hip. I felt bad for the car fender he flew into. Wish we got that one on video too.
[This message has been edited by Wstrnhuntr (edited 09-30-2001).]
Posts: 10190 | Location: Tooele, Ut | Registered: 27 September 2001
Wish we got that one on video too.