So far, I've been able to get one barrel maker to commit to a 46" smoothbore in .54 . I'd like to have a 48", but not sure who can make one.
Eric, so basically the barrel is just slightly tapered, and flared back to just under that 1" breech??
Lew, I'm still holding on to (very zealously) a cast brass box, that I got from Mr Kettenburg a couple of years ago. But you can buy a sheet metal domed lid from MBS.
Levy, from what I've seen so far, no commercial barrel maker, will make that barrel. I'm sure for liability reasons.
I think if I could find someone to make the .48" barrel in a .54 or .58, I'd go for it.
I'll keep searching.
Eric, I"m with you, .61 cal, 7lb gun, a real cheek smacker.