50 cal smoothbore

[Pete453]

I just picked up this 50 cal smoothbore. It's slim and trim, and light in hand. The makers stamp looks like J. W. Heckert. It's a beautiful gun, and I would like to contact the maker. Does anyone here know of this person?

 

[smokeum54]

No no no, i can't let you carry around something that ugly. Let me know where to send the check nice.

 

[Pete453]

No no no, i can't let you carry around something that ugly. Let me know where to send the check nice.

Ok, but if I'm going to sell it already, you might not like the price!!!

I'm just now sorting out the ammo, got a wad punch on the way. I'm looking forward to shooting it, it should be fun.

I appreciate your concern for me, thank you. What a thoughtful group we are!

 

[smokeum54]

Always had a fondness for small smoothies. Looks like a good lil squirrel getter, enjoy.

 

[Britsmoothy]

That is going to Impress you sir.
3/4 Oz of shot. 3f or finer. About 50gn.
Bet it shoots ball just perfect this side of 50 paces.
Use some paper balls for wads, if the ground is damp mind!

 

[tenngun]

What a cutie!

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Can this actually be effective enough with shot for squirrel?

 

[Britsmoothy]

Can this actually be effective enough with shot for squirrel?

Do see why not, this .45 manages it.

 

[Flanders]

Very nice gun!

 

[Pete453]

Thanks Britsmoothy, the load info I got with it said .480 ball and 50gr 3f. I've had the same thought about range, and I can keep the range pretty close behind the house, like 30 feet close.
A wad punch came in the mail today, I'm going to try some thin cereal box cardboard for wads. What do you think about a felt lube wad between the powder and shot wads?
Also, the bore measures .498", I'm thinking about going closer to .470 ball with .018" patching. I prefer thicker patch, smaller ball for easy loading. My 20guage trade gun shoots very well like that

 

[Pete453]

Can this actually be effective enough with shot for squirrel?

Wouldn't be much different than a modern .410 to my way of thinking. Besides, I like #4 shot, it should blow clean through within range

 

[Britsmoothy]

Thanks Britsmoothy, the load info I got with it said .480 ball and 50gr 3f. I've had the same thought about range, and I can keep the range pretty close behind the house, like 30 feet close.
A wad punch came in the mail today, I'm going to try some thin cereal box cardboard for wads. What do you think about a felt lube wad between the powder and shot wads?
Also, the bore measures .498", I'm thinking about going closer to .470 ball with .018" patching. I prefer thicker patch, smaller ball for easy loading. My 20guage trade gun shoots very well like that

A few thin cards will be ample.
I have used old hat felt in the past and they work very well also.
Beer mat are good to. Don't get to much beer on them!
Try two ball also. No patches, you might be surprised.

 

[Pete453]

Thanks, I think I can find a cardboard beer box or two! I'll wring it out and see how it performs. Appreciate your advice, you seem to have a pretty solid handle on the small smoothbores

 

[springfield art]

No, but if you send it to me, I'll try to locate him for you!

 

[kyle_kalasnik]

That is sharp looking. I like it.

Never ventured into smoothbores with “smaller calibers” like that one.

Might have to now.

 

[BillinOregon]

That really is a love flinter you have there, Pete. Eager to hear how she does at the range with both shot and patched ball. As to J.W. Heckert, I found this:
https://www.jeffsgenealogy.info/Coo...eckert--Rifles-and-Muskets-on-the-Swatara.pdf

 

[Pete453]

Hey, thanks Bill! I'll read it tomorrow on my lunch break. I wanted to shoot it a bit this weekend, but had a club swap meet and 22 woodswalk to set up and run, my weekend wasn't my own. I'll get a report up ASAP

 

[Pete453]

That is sharp looking. I like it.

Never ventured into smoothbores with “smaller calibers” like that one.

Might have to now.

Give it a try, we only live once. I've wanted to build a 28 guage for a while now, no time. I would say it's about time, even if I didn't build my own

 

[2 shots]

i think brits 'beer mats' are what we call coasters.not the carton.

 

[Hermit Tim]

Can this actually be effective enough with shot for squirrel?

Yes. Better than a modern .410..