Lightweight 20 gauge smoothbore stock

[Ray Settanta]

Because of my old body, I can no longer tote a heavy gun around the woods anymore. So I want to build a very lightweight smoothbore for shooting round balls and occasionally shot. I have a very light Rice 20 gauge barrel. I want to build a flintlock in the 1740 to 1800 period. Since I am a bit concerned about recoil and cheek slapping, what stock styles should I avoid?

[smart dog]

Hi Ray,
I am very biased.  The best smooth bore guns for fit and shooting during the 18th century were English fowlers.  Any style gun from that period can be made to fit and shoot well without cheek slapping. Any gun with a fairly straight wrist and drooping comb could potentially be a cheek slapper but not always. The New England fowler below has a bit of that combination but is one of the best fitting guns I've ever made, although probably not for everyone.  However, it is hard to beat the English fowler pictured below the NE gun.
 














caged bird summary
dave

[Dennis Glazener]

Ray,
I have nothing to prove my thoughts on fowler recoil, but in the several 16 GA and 20 GA I have built and/or shot I believe recoil is as light or even lighter than a 20 GA. If I were you I would seriously consider a 16 GA. Depending on the barrel you choose a 16 may well be lighter in comparably length.

Dennis

[Waksupi]

I would recommend avoiding anything with a Roman nose.

[Ray Settanta]

Thanks for the replies. Some good info here for me to chew on.

[Nhgrants]

I have not thought the recoil from a 16 gauge to be heavy.  Nothing near a modern shot gun with
Turkey loads. 

[bob in the woods]

I have built 2 Chambers New England fowling guns, one with a spectacular curly maple stock, and one with a visually interesting cherry stock.  The cherry stocked gun is noticeably lighter. Neither gun is a "cheek slapper"   

[Daryl]

This gun, although of 'later' vintage, is MOST pleasant to shoot with shot or ball.
It, too, is of English flavour.