Muzzle Loading Shotguns

[Duncaninfrance]

Can anyone point me in the direction of information on modern produced muzzle loading SHOTGUNS that would be good for clay shooting? Also loads etc.,
Here in France there are no local clubs catering for modern clay shooting but on in Bordeaux has a BP set up which I am trying to find out more about.

 

[Duncaninfrance]

Can anyone point me in the direction of information on modern produced muzzle loading SHOTGUNS that would be good for clay shooting? Also loads etc.,
Here in France there are no local clubs catering for modern clay shooting but on in Bordeaux has a BP set up which I am trying to find out more about.

 

[JCT]

You might check Cabelas, last I checked, they had some nice blackpowder shotguns.

 

[arcticap]

It sounds like you might like a double barrel since they do allow for shooting doubles and quicker follow up shots.
But there's some single barrel models, and several of them are inlines.
Some are threaded for removable chokes, and installing an extended choke tube is an advantage for quick removal & ease of loading, especially for some types of wads & if you want to use a tight patterning choke.
Here's a single barrel Ardesa 12 gauge for sale in Germany:
http://www.frankonia.de/shop//_/sea...orm/isortiment/Vorderlader/so/all/search.html

Pedersoli is still one of the most popular.


Here's a recent post about shotgun loadings:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=314416

 

[Duncaninfrance]

Here's a single barrel Ardesa 12 guage for sale in Germany:
http://www.frankonia.de/shop//_/sear...ll/search.html

Thanks mate. I have had no end of problems with their French shops. To date I have ordered 4 separate items from them including a Mosin Sniper and on each occasion I had to cancel the order because of them messing up on delivery.

I can get lots of Italian copy single barrel weapons here without problem, it's the double barrel ones that seem to be missing.

I should find out more about the Bordeaux set up this week.

 

[Docinfrance]

'Here in France there are no local clubs catering for modern clay shooting '


Duncan are you looking in the right pace?
The call it Ball trap over here.
The federation Francaise de ball trap (FFBT) list clubs all over France. There are 8 in my region of the Jura alone.

I could tell you how many you had near you but I don't know which region your Blaye is in.
Try the FFTB web site from this link.

 

[Duncaninfrance]

Thanks Doc.
I live north of Blaye on the Gironde Estuary - 33. There is a good list of clubs but I am not sure where most of them are. Need to sit down and have a serious look.

 

[Docinfrance]

Glad to be of help mate.
It's funny theodd terms we pick up in France.
I'm used to seeing ball trap signs on my travels and dismising it as 'trap and ball' like they play in British pubs.
I only cottoned onto the fact it was clay shooting when I stopped the bike for a ciggy just after passing a sign this summer and heard the guns.

I see from your web site you do lets (gites?) so how's business? Good enough for you to stay with France?

 

[Duncaninfrance]

I see from your web site you do lets (gites?) so how's business? Good enough for you to stay with France?

It helps to pay a few bills but I am never going to be rich!! Was back in the UK a couple of weeks ago - boy am I glad I don't live there anymore

 

[rusty bubbles]

Duncaninfrance- I was interested in your post about DB muzzle loader shotguns, as I had a 19th century percussion one myself, and had loads of fun with it!
I couldn't say what loads I used- - I was given a "Sykes" powder flask with an adjustable spout-, and used anything from No.4 shot to BB.
Importantly, I always loaded, standing with the gun held between my knees, left barrel, then right barrel -thus, no chance of a double load! For wads, a wad punch, and any hardback book cover!

BTW- I get the feeling that life is much freer in France, from what you say, than over here- is that so?

 

[Duncaninfrance]

BTW- I get the feeling that life is much freer in France, from what you say, than over here- is that so?

Depends where 'Over Here' is If you mean the US than I would say probably not in the gun world but if you live in the UK or Australia then yes. The French attitude to rules helps a bit too!!!

 

[Duncaninfrance]

I just found out about the Bordeaux BP shotgun range.
It is an 'Only for Fun' set up at the rifle range that I shoot at from time to time. You can use Nitro Proofed S/S or O/U with BP cartridges only so that makes it easier. Need to source some paper hulls now!

 

[rusty from italy]

Duncan, there's almost two producer in italy of a double barrel, Pedersoli and Euroarms!
But the rules for shotgun competition is to load only a barrel, so many shooters choice the single barrel Pedersoli Mortimer!
The news of 2007 from pedersoli is a Gibbs with smooth bore cal 12 gauge!
ciao
Rusty from Italy

 

[Duncaninfrance]

Grazie Rusty.

In this area of the SW there are no Clay Shooting clubs that I can discover. The range at Bordeaux is available all year though so it would be just for fun. In the summer most of the local Hunt Clubs have what they call 'Ball Trap' competitions that are open to anyone. By buying a modern O/U I can shoot at both!

I would like a muzzle loader and ARDESA make a 12g Fowler Shotgun to a 19C English design - very nice.
ciao

 

[arcticap]

I didn't notice it before, but the fact that the Ardesa has a cylinder bore means that it won't be as effective at shooting clays as a tighter choked gun. The patterns of BP shotguns are usually wider open and have less effective range than a comparatively choked modern shotgun anyway. So you might at least want to find a modified choked gun if not something even tighter.
You can always try to compensate by over loading a modified choked gun with more shot, but a cylinder choked barrel just won't shoot as far.

 

[rusty from italy]

Ardesa look like similar to a mortimer, sure cheaper than Pedersoli
Look here http://www.cnda.it/CNDA/galleria_immagini_volo.php
Is a shotgun competition
Here is a euroarms smoothbore http://www.euroarms.net/euroarms_netPDF/CATALOG_2006_12.pdf
I have seen now that euroarms didn't make no more the double barrel
This is a new single barrel shotgun from D.P. http://www.davidepedersoli.com/armaDettaglio.aspx?Articolo=S.230&lang=it
This is the most used in competition:
http://www.davidepedersoli.com/ArmiCategoria.aspx?CategoriaId=170&lang=it

ciao
Rusty

 

[Duncaninfrance]

Hey Rusty - I like the look of that Gibbs and the Mortimer. Trouble is I just know I cant afford either so will have to sit here and cry Thanks for the liks.

 

[Steve499]

Trouble is I just know I cant afford either so will have to sit here and cry

You could sell me that rusty, clunky old Baker. Or better yet, maybe you could rent it out, sort of prostitute it, as it were, for so much per shot. Have a gunsmith inspect it periodically to certify it won't hurt the customers and you should be good to go. You could troll it at the range, let it give everyone there that "hey, sailor" look. The money would come rolling in!

Steve

 

[Duncaninfrance]

You could sell me that rusty, clunky old Baker.

What a thing to say Steve
Think I could get a large selection of my all time wants if I sold that one but I grew up with that piece on the wall at home and that's the way I like it

Now, if you wanted some brand new ROA parts then that's no problem.......

 

[Steve499]

I thought you were about as likely to sell the Baker as a politician would be to admit corruption, but, hey, I thought I might catch you in your cups or something.

Seriously, I have no percussion shotgun, either, but have been having a good time shooting bp in full length brass cases from an old single barrel 12 gauge.

http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=66181&d=1193435419

You can reload those with minimal equipment, and I think they'll last a long, long time if kept clean. If you would be interested in trying some, I have a few I'd donate to you if there aren't any rules against mailing them. PM me if you're interested.

Steve

 

[Duncaninfrance]

Here Is The Result .........

Thanks to Steve.
LOAD:
5 grams 3F
30 grams No:7 shot
Winchester Large Pistol Primers.
My mate Alain shooting his Baïkal Coach Gun.





Need to set up a Pattern Plate now and sort out some Clay Loads.