Barrels for chunk guns

[Habu]

For no logical reason I can see, I've lately been playing with sketches for heavy match rifles/chunk guns.  Before I get too far into this, I thought I'd check to see what barrelmakers folks are using.

I don't think I can get the architecture I want with a barrel larger than 1 3/8", probably 40" minimum length.  Unless I can find a reason for a larger caliber, I'm probably looking at a .54.  Since I intend it for a rest rifle, are there any arguments (other than architecture) to use a swamped barrel rather than a straight octagon?

Any suggestions or recommendations?

[Hungry Horse]

 I would suggest a much smaller caliber, and longer barrel. something like .40 or .45 cal. X15/16" across the flats, straight octagon, and perhaps 44" to 46" long
 would be easier on you, and not require the barrel to be so large across the flats. Most chunk matches, to my knowledge are shot at around sixty yards, in the prone position. Traditional Chunk targets are scorched boards, with an X cut from corner to corner. A .54 cal. is going to tear some big holes in a fence board, dish out a fair amount of punishment when shot prone, and possibly making it hard to score. JMO.

                 Hungry Horse

[Habu]

Thanks, Hungry Horse.  I've no plans to actually shoot matches with it, I just want to build one.  I may use it for some long-range experiments. 

Caliber was selected because the .54 generally moves less in the wind than lighter calibers, while still being more economical than some of the larger bores.  Barrel dimensions were selected because that is what was used on the style of rifle that has fascinated me so much lately. 

[smokinbuck]

Habu,
Remember a couple of things. First, there is no weight limit on chunk guns or caliber restrictions. The primary restrictions involve the sights and recoil pads. Peeps and apertures are a no - no as are rubber recoil pads. IMHO a .50 caliber would do very well with a heavier barrel, 1" - 1 1/4", by 42" - 44"would be nice an steady on the rest with little or no vibration. The recoil even with heavy loads is negligable. The only lifting will be from the shooting position to the loading bench and if you place them close together it should not be a problem. Architecture; from the front of the lock mortice back, a lot of chunk/bench guns don't even have a forestock, especially the underhammers. All chunk gun matches are shot at 60 yards, bench matches are shot at varying ranges.
Mark

[smylee grouch]

You might want less drop in the stock for chunk and bench shooting. Shooting prone can cause some special problems because of the position of butt on your shoulder.

[smokinbuck]

Smylee,
I build my comb up paralell with the bore and depending on how high my sights are, sometimes just below the top flat of the barrel.
Mark

[Don Getz]

I shot my best scores with an 1 1/8", 46", 50 cal. barrel.    If you make the barrel too big and heavy you will find that it makes
you rather tired by the end of the match.  I also liked a barrel that was 44" to 46" long for easier cleaning.   Remember you
willl be cleaning between shots.  I also had a loading stool that  was about 10" high, made cleaning much easier........Don

[Dphariss]

For no logical reason I can see, I've lately been playing with sketches for heavy match rifles/chunk guns.  Before I get too far into this, I thought I'd check to see what barrelmakers folks are using.

I don't think I can get the architecture I want with a barrel larger than 1 3/8", probably 40" minimum length.  Unless I can find a reason for a larger caliber, I'm probably looking at a .54.  Since I intend it for a rest rifle, are there any arguments (other than architecture) to use a swamped barrel rather than a straight octagon?

Any suggestions or recommendations?

I would not go over 50 and I shoot where there is a lot of wind.

18 pound match rifle. 1 1/4" x 44" x 50 cal.





This was shot off a "plank rest" not a chunk.

Dan

[smylee grouch]

Smokenbuck, sounds like you have a good setup for chunk. If you have too much drop its hard to get a good cheek weld on the stock in prone position as your head is raised up to see the sights.

[Habu]

Thanks guys, but I'm just looking for sources for a barrel (40+ inches long, 1 1/4"-1 3/8" across the flats, and in .54 caliber or larger).  I'm not interested in chunk gun shooting, the rules of chunk gun matches, etc.       

Dan, you see what I have in mind: something along the lines of #124 and #129 in Kindig, or RCA #100, or the heavy caplock Fordney and the unsigned heavy flintlock rifle shown by Kaufman, and a few rifles that have been shown here over the years.  I'm thinking .54 cal or larger because in my earlier tests with the .48 cal Dickert, the ball was getting blown around too much at longer ranges (compared to past experience with a .54 starting out at 2000 fps).  I think that even at 200 yards, a .54 would have done better. 

Actually, I kind of like the .75-.95 caliber rifled wall guns, but if I built one I'd soon find myself building a blockhouse, and I just don't have the time. . . .

[bob in the woods]

I think, from your description of what you want; the "chunk gun" is mis labelled.  Keep in mind that 60 yd standard .
You seem to be describing more of a bench gun build to me. 

[Hungry Horse]

Well, I think this is a spelling error. A 1-3/8" barrel 40" long in .54 Caliber is the formula for a CHUNKY gun, not a Chunk Gun.

                   Hungry Horse