4 Bore Proof Test, And Results

[huntingsgr8]

As a Russian friend of my Russian (now American) friend once said;
"Is gun. Is not safe."

I was hoping for one such a reference

[huntingsgr8]

I think it's pretty cool! Don't know that I'd want to shoot it but it's cool! Awww...I'd have to try it....once.

Well I figure with one of these you cold test people's sanity. Once is a test, twice means they're a masochist, and three times or more means they're certifiably nuts.....I wonder where I'm gonna fall...on that scale I mean

[webradbury]

I saw one of these one time...I think it was called a "swivel gun"! Will

[Sharpsman]

You must have something big around the house you want to kill.

Me wonders....if he's married to Rosie????

[Nicholas]

Yes to the swivel gun reference. Would be great for fending off home invaders for that purpose loaded with grape. Or taking out a flock of turkeys at once come the spring season. Alternatively, go with Bubba and mount it on a carriage. There is no way I would ever put that gun to my shoulder. I am sure an insurance company, either life or health, would balk at a claim based upon its use as a shoulder mounted weapon.

[fouronesix]

4 bores (aka 4 to the pound) were very common during the late 1800s for ivory hunting in Africa. While the recoil is big, it can be managed. There is another thread about shooting a 4 bore flintlock trade gun in the forum. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...k-Range-Report

Obviously, the easy answer for firing one of these from the shoulder is to start with a light charge and work up.

Re: shooting a 4 bore muzzleloader. Firing one load of 15 drams (just over 400 grains) of "coarse" BP and 4 oz hardened lead ball under another similar powder and ball load, as described by Frederick Selous in his book, A Hunter's Wanderings in Africa - a compilation of his journals from 1871-1881, almost ended his career as an ivory hunter.

[725]

fouronesix beat me to it. I'd experiment with a round ball. But, really, this is your game. I'll love to read about your future developments. What will the stock look like? Better take a mono-pod / walking stick with you into the woods.

[Don Purcell]

Ten Tea, that was also my first thought. That and whenever I hear 5" Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum mentioned.

[Col4570]

There is a Two Bore somewhere in England.It was owned by the late Ivan Barby an avid Antique gun collector.I had the privilage to shoot it a few times.It was very long and heavy,on bringing it up to shoot, your front leg would need to be well in front and the other well back.As I recall he loaded with Ten Drams of BP and a cup full of Shot.Ivans Son inherited his collection and the Gun might still be with him.Apparently the Gun was built in Oxford and funded by contributions from Two Scottish Villages in order to feed them with the prolific Wildfowl that abound in those regions.In retrospect I wish I had paid more attention to it and taken Photos as a record.If I ever get the chance again I will do that.It is a mighty Shotgun and I well remember the recoil.

[sharps4590]

Two bore....an 8 oz. projectile. Shouldn't that have wheels and be called a "1/2 pounder"?

[Col4570]

Two bore....an 8 oz. projectile. Shouldn't that have wheels and be called a "1/2 pounder"?

Yes it would measure two balls to the Pound.but bear in mind this is a shotgun so would not fire a single projectile.I remember the Big Ramrod,it was a percussion gun.I remember a Lady shooting it by resting the barrel on Hay Bales since she could not hold it up,she screamed when it fired.

[BigEyeBob]

The English man explorer Sir Samuel Baker owned a 2 bore muzzle loader and carried it in Africa.
his was nicknamed "Baby"
what was the saying ? ,,,, mad dogs and English men go out in the midday sun

[ksfowler166]

Got to love the 2ga punt guns. So much more manly than those girly 4ga guns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzwbcVbE9rw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9r_ZckAmkc

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

Some early 2 and 4 bore guns were used as "wall guns". No doubt they could cut a swath in any attacking group. Pretty much like a swivel gun, maybe a little more mobile.

[dondiego]

Get your "ducks in a row" and punt!

[Col4570]

Captain Peter Hawker,had a Double Punt gun made that had one Barrel Flint and the other percussion with a single trigger.On Firing the Percussion Barrel ignited fractionaly before the Flint barrel.The effect was to hit the Birds on the water and those that escaped and where rising where hit by the flint barrel since the recoil raised the Bow of the boat and of course the Muzzle.Apparently very few of the Flock ever escaped.The idea came from the fact that once a single barrelled Punt gun had fired it would take a considerable time for any birds to come back.

[Geezer in NH]

I would try a flat base bullet and dump the hollow base as the charge seems to blow the skirt off. That is not good for penetration.

Many here seem to think a big gun is not needed but they are just jealous. Beware of those. [another quote from UC]