Chunk gun calibers

[Ezra]

In general, what are some the more common calibers found in chunk gun matches?


Ez

[Roger Fisher]

In general and only in 'general' they lean towards the heavier calibers for the heavier guns with wider butts (on the rifle))))!  Recoil is considered sometimes....wind also.

My log gun is a .47 caliber (don't even ask why!)  And a .50 as a backup.  The rifle shoots most of the time but can get contrary like most of the female persuasion!

[Ezra]

I have this big barreled Rice .36 is all...hmmmm


Ez

[woodsrunner]

My chunkgun is .50cal and was made by Dave Dodds. I left the cal. selection up to Dave simply telling him to make whatever he would want to use on an "over-the-log" rifle.

[B Shipman]

Iv'e made 4 in my life. All .50 cal. 1 1/8 and long. One Bill Large which was actually about.47 and 3 Green Rivers. It depends on the rules. 3 were made as normal longrifles and one with a block forend. I'd go with the former as you can shoot it anywhere. Flat butt or no buttplate as the recoil comes straight back and you are on the ground. This is a great time to build a Schimmel. Dixon had an example in his shop years ago, and for the life of me, I can't remember whether it was signed John Boyer or John Derr, but it was perfecly shaped and finished yet had no butt plate and the T.G. was a metal strap. Big , long barrel. Clearly a target rifle that no normal person could hold up. A chunk gun.

[David Rase]

My chunk gun has a .45 cal. 1 1/8" x 46" Getz barrel.  It is stocked in cherry with iron furniture in the style of Elishia Bull.  The front rest is integral to the forestock.
DMR

[mgcrumster]

Greetings,

   I built my Chunk Gun using a Bill Moody 40 Cal., 11/4",48" long, 1x72 twist, so I can pour the coals to her... curly maple, southern mountain style, with Iron mounts....She Shoots FAST, and true....

                                                                                                   mgcrumster

[bob243]

Current one is a 45cal 43" 1-1/8 on a virginia blank with built in rest. 

future project is a 48" 45cal  1-3/8 going to be a scaled up half stock built on my uncle's pattern in ash.  ( waiting for the stock to get here)

[kenL]

Hello I am new here so hope you dont mind me jumping in here. But I am fixing to build two chunk guns and was wondering if any of you would mind posting a picture of your chunk gun for some ideals. Thanks Ken

[B Shipman]

Ken. it depends on rules. Some places the gun has to be built as a normal rifle, though weight of barrel is no factor. Other times , you can leave a large square at the forend to square the the barrel on log or rest. You want to shoot the barrel hard consistent with accuacy and cut the wind at distance. Yet you have no give from recoil. Ergo longish, heavy barrels. Moderate calibers. If you can acually hold it up and point it, and it looks like a normal longrifle, you are legal anywhere.

[kenL]

Thanks for the reply. Around here it seems that the only restrictions are open fixed sights, round ball and no closed ignition. I have one under hammer that I made last year. I am not really happy with it. Shoots fine I just miss my flintlock. I am making a new flint and a percussion for my son in law. They both will be walnut full stock. I already have the wood.
Not sure of style and square bottom on forestock yet. Just looking for ideals. It will probably be a plain gun similar to what is known around here as a hog rifle. Dint know were that came from?? I already know I wont be able to hold offhand. The barrels are 48"-1 1/4"-50 cal.

[okieboy]

 Her's a pic of me and my chunk gun "Daisy" on our way to the Ascot Chunk Matches. As you may notice, the standard cozy (costume) there is a little different from what we usually see on the ranges here.

[bob243]

Ken, That barrel should make a fine chunk barrel.   As far as aesthetics, if you take a walk down the line at the Sgt. York or the Bill Large match you will see some pretty guns and you will see some that look like they were shaped with a chainsaw and left that way, but are definitely fine shooters