Rook Rifles

[Brian Williams]

Why Don't we in the US still have some type of gun similar to an English Rook rifle? We could call it a Groundhog gun or a Crow capper..... Something small and light weight in a mid sized caliber but small case. I.e. a small break open in 32-20 or falling block in 25-20. Most of the guns in the US are 6 to 8 lbs where many rook rifles are about 4,
I would like to find a small break open shotgun in 410 and have a barrel made for it in 38 spec or 32-20.

 

[Gordon]

I'm interested in your post.Not the usual yadayada, but very 'riflely' for sure!
Your on the right track with a 32-20 as a rook rifle.The .310 Greener Martini were mostly rechambered in 32-20. Mine is in .22K Hornet however. I USE the 32-20 alot for slugging things around the ranch, but I use a Win Model 92 or a Savage 23 bolt gun . My Favorite Rook rifle is an Old Stevens Favorite converted to 32 S&W long, it is light and with the tang sight, deadly to 50 yards on bunnies ect.
If I were you, I'd look for an old Savage 219 32-20, maybe with a .410 barrel if your lucky. This will give you the old time 'rook rifle' look and feel and is a good investment. You should be able to find one for $200 or so with out the shotgun barrel $300+ if it's got it.
People who haven't shot small animals with a flat lead .32 bullet at subsonic/trans sonic velocities are missing a real treat!

 

[Skofnung]

Why not? Because most shooters don't think they need something like this. Too simple, and it doesn't come in .300 WSSBWRM (Winchester Super Short Butt Whomper Remington Magnum)

I'd buy a Stevens Favorite in .32-20 or .38 Special in a heartbeat... If someone would make one...

 

[mustanger98]

Well, here's an idea... but not exactly a dedicated "rook rifle"... take a Winchester 94 (16" carbine) in .32Special and download it. Add a Foolproof or Guide rear sight. Use a buckshot the appropriate size over a light charge of Bullseye or Unique, maybe 5-8grs like (that article I read and can't remember where it was). Of course, it won't be like using a .32-20 and it won't be quite as light as the 4pounders. Just adds versatility to an already versatile carbine.

Why not? Because most shooters don't think they need something like this. Too simple, and it doesn't come in .300 WSSBWRM (Winchester Super Short Butt Whomper Remington Magnum)

From what I see at the gun shop and the range both, I'd say that's about the truth.

 

[cracked butt]

I like Mustangers idea.

I already have a 1903a3 rook rifle that shoots cast lead bullets at low velocity that makes not much more than a 'plop' sound. Of course it weighs 2x as much as a Rook rifle

 

[Skofnung]

I've got an old Spanish Destroyer Carbine in 9mm Largo. I've used it for years around the family property as a rook type rifle.

It's not much to look at, and its a repeater, but its accurate to a fault out to 100 yards, and light enough to carry anywhere.

The major drawback is ammo. It's hard to find, and overpowered for very small game such as squirrel. One of these days I'm gonna find some dies and reloadable brass for it and make up some lead small game loads. It has worked great on hogs, feral dogs, foxes, turkey, racoons, possums, and crows.

I'd still like a Stevens Favorite in .38 Special...

 

[Gordon]

Destroyers are cool! I wish I had a nice one!

 

[Bullet Bob]

Me too.

I have a Browning single-shot in .22 Hornet, that probably comes closest to the concept. I also have a Browning 53 in 32-20, but of course a repeater isn't a "proper" rook rifle.

I would think your best bet is to buy a used 12/15 Martini that are selling for about $350.00, and have it rebarreled to 32-20 or 25-20, or even .38 special wadcutters. It will come with a great set of aperture sights. If you go to rimfirecentral.com and search the Martini section, you will find examples of people who have done just that.

 

[hillbilly]

We do have an American "rook rifle."

It's called a ".22."

hillbilly

 

[Commissar Gribb]

Why Don't we in the US still have some type of gun similar to an English Rook rifle?

I think having ANY rifles is better than what england has.

 

[Skofnung]

I think having ANY rifles is better than what england has.

Good point.

The poor souls...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

A rook is a crow. My rook rifle is a Kimber M82 in .22 Hornet. Got six of the raucus buggers the other day.

 

[mustanger98]

I was fixin' to say... when I was a kid, my Daddy used a shotgun for that.

Hung two or three dead crows up in the middle of the corn patch. Other crows wouldn't go near it. Smelled like something died though.

 

[moewadle]

Recommended for a rook rifle

Considering your specifications for the desired rook rifle why not a modern
Savage Model 30 "Stevens Favorite" in the .22 Magnum. The rifle is light, 4 1/2 pounds, and a 22 magnum should do just fine out to over a 100 yards. Put a peep sight or a scope on it and checkmate those rooks. moewadle