Turkey gun 2018 - Chambers Fowler

[rennikselum]

My latest build for upcoming Turkey season. Jim Chambers fowler kit. Had issues with the trigger guard(as previously posted), still not satisfied with getting it to lay down on the stock perfect, but it will work as is. Also left a little too much finish around the carving.

Open to critique, please chime in. Always looking to improve.

As long as it bags many turkey in place of my Rem 870 I will be happy.

Thanks, Jeff

[wattlebuster]

Well I like it. I couldnt do any better so I dont critique anybodys work

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

From your photographs, I'd say you have done quite a credible job.  But I have a question, since you brought attention to the guard...did you inlet it at all?  The extensions fore and aft appear to be surface mounted.

[Marcruger]

In my opinion it is a very handsome piece of work.  I am not a "fowler" type guy (I don't bird hunt), but this gun might sway me.  I really like the finishes.  Well done sir.  Best wishes, and God Bless,   Marc

[rennikselum]

Taylor, the guard is slightly inletted, not fully like a typical rifle trigger guard. For some reason I remember reading a fowler is more on the surface not fully inletted. In the end I can't say what is correct, but I should have inletted deeper.

On the few guns I have built, my mistakes or miscues always seems show up to me after it is complete.

Jeff

[smart dog]

Hi Jeff,
Very nice gun.  You did well.  The guard should be fully inletted so no edges show.  The inletting on originals is usually very shallow but that is because the guard extensions were very thin.  Modern cast guards are much thicker and should be inlet deeper or thinned like the originals.  Your lock panels are too large.  When I see a fowler with a large round-faced English lock and lock panels wider than about 1/8" on the top and bottom, it is almost always somebodies modern creation.  With a few exception, it is a dead give away to me.  The link below shows 2 original English fowlers.  Note how thin the panels are for the gun with the round-faced lock.  They are a little wider on the one with the flat-faced lock because that lock is smaller and narrower.  With a big round-faced lock it is hard to keep the lock and wrist area looking round and elegant unless the lock panels are very, very thin to the point where they almost disappear on top. 
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=47297.0
I urge you to read through the link because it contains a lot of information about British-style fowlers. Also the other threads in the tutorial may also help.

dave

[rennikselum]

Thanks for the reply Dave, Great information. Also great detailed information on your series of posts on the english fowler. Wish I would have read the tutorial before finishing my fowler.

Jeff