I've been looking at blunderbuss kits online. Most bore DIA's are given in caliber which I understand but two of the bigger ones I'm looking at are not.

One is described as a 4 bore and the other is described as a 4 gauge. Is bore and gauge roughly the same measurement? I've found that 4 bore is 1.052" but can find nothing for 4 gauge. I think they are the same but but I'm not not sure.

Thanks
Terry

Yes they are the same. I believe the term 12 bore or 20 bore is actually incorrect. Shotguns and bore guns were sized by the amount of lead balls it would take to equal a pound. ie. 4 gauge would mean 4 round lead balls to a pound, 12 gauge would mean 12 round lead balls would equal a pound. 20 lead balls for a 20 gauge and so on. I believe the .410 is the only common shotgun that reflects the true bore diameter. The bore being .410".

Might be off the mark so feel free correct me if I am wrong.

You also need to know the actual bore diameter. For example, 4 bore barrels seldom measure 1.052"

Yes bore and gauge are the same thing but as was stated you do need to know the bore diameter. 4 bores measure between .95 and 1.052 as a conical bullet of 1/4 lb is smaller diameter than a roundball of 1/4 lb and often the designation is for shot weight not meaning exactly the strict definition of # of roundballs to the lb.

I have a 12 bore that measures .750 and another 12 bore that measures .726. That is a pretty big range really and the .750 has to be loaded with 11 gauge wads to get a good seal.

Where did you find the 4 gauge blunderbuss kit?

Matthew

quote:

Originally posted by Matthewx:

Where did you find the 4 gauge blunderbuss kit?

Matthew

The first one I'm looking at is from Stonewall Creek Outfitters
LINK

The other is from a guy named Reign Clark. This one is advertised as complete but I' hear he'll sell it in "kit" form too. I haven't made contact with him yet though. His website say's they come in flintlock or precussion ignition.
LINK

I've never owned one but they look like a lot of fun and a neat project. I've been looking at some of the complete india copies too.

Terry

The first one looks like a lot of fun to build. I'm guessing the second one is a lot more expensive.