wanting to build a modern inline Howdah

[USAF_Vet]

Something primal in me has always loved the Howdah pistol. Nothing says 'get off my lawn' better (metaphorically speaking) than a double short barreled 20 gauge.

Every year before and especially after deer season, armslist and other such sites are awash with like new and barely used cheap inline muzzleloaders. I'm thinking about picking up a matched pair and building a break action, double barrel, inline muzzleloading modern day version of a Howdah. I figure I can do this for less than $400.

Aside from what would be a wood pistol stock where I'd prefer synthetic, I think a double inline short .50 cal front stuffer would be just fun as heck.

I'm sure it'll drive the Howdah traditionalists up a wall.

Anyone ever attempted such a beast? I'm thinking it'll be a fun little project.

What says the BP enthusiasts of THR?

 

[Doak]

Intriguing idea. Have you ever joined side by side barrels? Or integrated them onto a break action hinge? For me, the fun would be figuring out the "how to" stuff.

I've joined 2 barrels for a double flinter. Took me a year. Never done the break open thing. Yet.

Gotta a Pedersoli Howdah kit. Fixed it up to shoot small pistol/rifle primers. "Sweet!'' comes to mind.

If you embark on this journey of aggravation and frustration...I'd love to get some updates on progress...very interesting, it is.

Kindest Regards,
Doak

 

[USAF_Vet]

I bounced the idea off a coworker who is big into black powder. He may assist if I go forward, but he suggested against the break action in lines for the bolt action type. Also, to go with a left handed and a right handed ML for each side. And maybe even bore out the rifling on one side and smooth out the bore to just over .50 calibe, like a .52 smooth bore to load shot. I like options, so I may go for that if I can find the right size drill bit an fit it in my drill press.

Aligning the barrels is going to be the hardest part, so... I'll get to that part when I get to that part.

Thinking about maybe molding the stock out of a poly resin and fiberglass mix. I want it to be stainless and black... a real modern look.

I may have to bite the bullet and wind up buying a left handed inline. Hopefully, I can find an identical model right handed one used for the project. The idea kinda hit me as I was rereading the Remington 1740 side by side pump action monstrosity.

 

[TRX]

When you get to the point of barrel alignment, the search term you need is "regulation." There are some serious discussions on the subject at places like nitroexpress.com, in relation to double rifles. It's also done to shotguns, you just don't seem to hear about it as much.

The traditional method involves twisted wire or special tooling to twiddle the barrels in relation to each other, and a torch and solder to adjust the fit of the upper and lower ribs. The modern method involves adjustable wedges.

Normally the barrels are regulated to converge and cross at some point, usually 50 or 100 yards for a rifle. I always thought it would make more sense for them to shoot parallel, but nobody asked my opinion...

 

[noelf2]

I wonder if using octagon barrels would eliminate the need for a rib, and help regulate the barrels as well. That might work to your advantage. Are there octagon in-lines??

 

[inlikeflint]

regulation

The reason regulation comes into play instead of just parallel is the recoil is different in each barrel from weight and that each is off center from the other.