This is the classic English fullstock fowling gun architecture, that was popular on American flint fowling guns of the 1760 - 1790 era. Stocked in walnut, the brass furniture is neatly engraved. The top flat of the barrel is signed by contemporary builder R.W. Dietz. Used, this fowler has a few small handling marks on the walnut stock. The 20 gauge smoothbore is bright and has been well maintained. Weight is a light 7.8 pounds. Trigger reach is 13-3/4" to fit an average sized shooter.

The 20 gauge 43" octagon-to-round barrel is tapered octagon for the last 15" near the breech. The barrel tapers to a wedding band transition, and is turned round to the muzzle. The .615" bore is bright and has been well maintained. The small post front sight is a classic fowling gun sight, made of brass and fitted in a shallow dovetail. No rear sight is fitted, nor is one expected on a flint fowling gun. Thus, this smooth bore gun is legal for use in the popular NMLRA North West Trade Gun matches, shooting bird shot at ten clay birds on the trap range, and shooting round balls at paper targets on the 50 yard range. With practice, this gun will serve a primitive deer hunter at ranges up to 100 yards. The barrel exterior is finished to a smooth chocolate brown. The top flat near the breech is signed R.W. Dietz 2004. The rear of the barrel is neatly border engraved.

The straight grain walnut stock has a rich brown color with low gloss finish. The stock has a few small handling marks from use. The long ballister wrist makes a smooth transition to the buttstock, ending in a wide, flat, comfortable brass buttplate. The metal to wood fit is excellent on all areas of this fine fowler. Viewed from the top, you can see the long pointed comb of the English buttplate. The comb of the buttplate is expertly engraved with a floral pattern. The lock panels are slightly tapered, wider at the rear, another early feature common during this period. The tang for the hooked breech is polished bright and engraved with a floral pattern. The tang bolt is neatly engraved and aligned with the barrel. A raised carved shell decorates the area around the tang. The hooked breech allows for the barrel to be easily removed for cleaning. Three small keys retain the barrel to the forearm. This fowler includes a custom made brass jag with 8-32 threads for cleaning the long powder chamber of the breech.

The bottom view shows the rounded toe, and wide flat buttplate. No toeplate is used on fowling guns. The long brass triggerguard with an acorn finial at front is correctly pinned to the stock. The acorn was a symbol of strength, and long life, perhaps derived from the English Oak, which made the ships that ruled the world. An engraved floral pattern decorates the bow of the guard. The forend is slim and graceful as it follows the contours of the barrel. The ramrod pipes are brass with with ringed ends. The wooden ramrod is fitted with a flared black horn loading tip at the front. We recommend our #RAMROD-C-44-8 to service this gun. No muzzle cap is used on this fowler. The three keys that retain the barrel are neatly shaped and polished bright. The lock is retained by two domed lock bolts that are fire blued. The brass sideplate is decorated with a floral theme to match the buttplate and triggerguard. No cheek piece is used on this gun, which follows the popular styling of the fowling guns of this period.

The big flint lock is a correct replica of the work of John Twigg - London, made in the USA, by R. E. Davis. Polished and finished to a pewter gray to compliment the finish on the barrel and contrast the stain on the stock. The pan has a bridle arm to support the frizzen, not always found on early English locks. This flint lock is fast, with a strong mainspring, and it sparks well. Order a dozen of our #Flint-ENG-7 gun flints, 7/8" size, for best sparks. The tumblers screw is neatly engraved. The fire blued single trigger has a curled end and is pinned high, for optimum leverage and easy trigger release. The stainless steel vent liner is positioned well above the bottom of the pan, centered on the heat of the flash. If your flint longrifle suffers from that infamous slow whoosh-bang ignition delay, study the work of today's best gun makers, and position your vent well centered on the pan, high above the bottom, to serve as a window on the center of the flash.

Very well fit and finished this lovely fowler has a bright well maintained bore. This fowler will be a joy to shoot and regular use will age it to the patina of a fine original. The lucky buyer will own a treasure that will last a lifetime, and his heirs will raise toasts to his good taste, far into the future. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.