Howdy folks. We have a new member from Colorado interested in getting a smoothie. Jake, you said in your introductory post that you were new to traditional guns and that you were interested in a T/C New Englander. I know shotguns that fit our style are pretty hard to come by, and I don't know your financial position, but with you being new to these guns I thought I would pass on a little advice. In the event you can't find a New Englander, or another suitable smoothie for a reasonable price, There is a name that gets bounced around here quite often. Bobby Hoyt... Mr. Hoyt is in the business of customizing barrels at a more than reasonable price. So, just an option, you find a New Englander, a Renegade, or another model of T/C rifle used and pretty cheap, he can turn it into a shotgun for you. Then you have what we call a smooth rifle. A shotgun with rifle sights. You will need to find a T/C that has the one inch barrel that hasn't been drilled and tapped, and I don't think he will take it all the way out to 12 gauge, but I've heard tell that 20, 24, and 28 gauge is no problem. Just a thought because I know it can be frustrating looking for a traditional muzzleloading shotgun. If that looks like a viable solution just put his name into the search bar. His number has been posted here many times, and several guys here have had work done by him that were very satisfied. Me? Never met the man myself but am planning a project for re-bore and he is the guy I will be calling. And, sometimes from what I've heard, you can buy that used rifle, pay him to bore it, and still be cheaper than a shotgun off gunbroker. Just food for thought... Happy hunting. Our turkey season starts in the morning. Guess I better go get my stuff together...
