Handgun barrel

[theoldredneck]

I have a 50 caliber flint lock smooth bore handgun. I want an extra barrel that is longer and rifled for hunting. Bought a 50 caliber inline barrel cheap that I can fit to the stock and lock. Questions are 1. How deep/ much thread does the breech plug need to be safe with deer loads? 2. Is there a rule of thumb for barrel wall thickness at powder charge? 3. This is a blue steel 50 caliber with a 1 in 28" twist, will it stabilize a patch round ball? From measurements the fit is doable. The barrel was cheap, I don't have that much in the flintlock smooth bore handgun. There would be a good bit of lathe and fitting to make a really nice gun. I can do a hunting gun with a lot less. The hunting gun is what this project is about. I am open to any suggestions good or bad. Thanks in advance.

 

[gunmaker43]

Kind of out of my line, adapting barrels, but 1/2" breech thd will give plenty of strength on that end.
I have adapted "those" bbl. for under hammers & I just cut off back of bbl. & used existing breech thd for a new plug.
Only shooting will tell if a 1:28 will stabilize a ball, why not use a bullet, going to be close range shot isn't it ? Tom

 

[theoldredneck]

As to range, if accuracy and energy/velocity permit, out to 50 yards. I know patched ball and modern handgun ammo are different. With open sight modern handguns have taken deer shooting from a rest at much greater distances. The accuracy and energy would be the limiting factor in range. Most deer shot around unless over a green field are under 70 yards. In woods under 50. After looking at it I will probably build without giving thought to putting smooth bore barrel back on in future. Can open stock some and turn barrel less. Barrel plug threads are metric. I was going to cut barrel off, easier to retap to standard threads than try to find bolt with that fine thread. Is something to think about with breech end of barrel that is left.