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black powder shotguns

DWA57DWA57 Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
edited October 2001 in Ask the Experts
I am interested in purchasing a new or used black powder, .12ga. shotgun in percussion.Either single or double barrel would be okay.Any suggestions? Manufacturers?
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Comments

  • bigbossmanbigbossman Member Posts: 154 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The "Dixie Gun Works" catalog has a full line selection of these, as well as all of the assorted wads, shot, flasks for those items, etc., cleaning gear, etc that you'll need. Cabela's caalog also used to have completed guns and/or kits for these. Both of these outfits have websites. Good luck....
    Fight Crime- Shoot Back, and Better !!!
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  • AdamsQuailHunterAdamsQuailHunter Member Posts: 2,022 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    1. As mentioned above, both Dixie Gun Works and Cabela's have black powder, muzzle loading shotguns. Dixie Gun Works has a considerably larger selection as well as a larger selection of components. My first suggestion is to get a copy of the Dixie Gun Works catalog. There is a wealth of information contained in it.2. Be prepared for sticker shock. A modest field grade muzzle loading shotgun by Pedersoli (well know Italian gun maker) is going to be $450+ dollars, up to around $700 with all the bells and whistles.3. Do *NOT* be tempted to buy a less expensive - older Damascus barreled muzzle loading shotgun. Yes, I am the resident "nut-case" who regularly hunts with a Belgian made - Damascus barreled - muzzle loading shotgun that will be 150 years old in 2004. However, I know the history of the gun and how it was cared for. More importantly, I have a gunsmith who know his cookies with Damascus barreled shotguns, and has the fiber optic equipment to check for any hint of delamination in the barrels. My old girl is thoroughly checked at the end of each season. Any hint of delamination, and it will become a wall hanger. So unless you have access to a gunsmith with the knowledge and equipment to inspect the inside of a Damascus barrel, you have no business with one.4. There are now and again, muzzle loading shotguns on this auction site, usually under the antique/curio section. However, do not pay more for a used one than you can buy a new one from Dixie Gun Works, or Cabela's for. 5. Get of copy of Black Powder Hunting by Sam Fadala - Stackpole Books. You can usually get a good used copy from Amazon.com. Read it from cover to cover, paying particular attention to "Small Game and the Smokepole", "Upland birds the Old Way" (the amount you have to lead the birds is different on black powder than on modern cartridge shotguns), and "Waterfowling with the Black Powder Shotgun".6. Don't play it by ear. If you don't know, don't hesitate to ask.
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