4 Bore Smoothbores for dangerous game?

[4 Bore]

Gentlemen:
So sorry for the late reply. I should spend more time here but I'm not much into computers or phones.
Anyway, this thread is of great interest to me and for the past few days I have been emailing 4-bore. It is my hope he will attend the double shoot here in Alaska May 4th.
For what it is worth:
Greener states in his book a smooth bore will shoot as accurately as a rifled bore to about 60 yards.
I've had a a couple of smooth bores and they all shot very well--better than I could shoot.
If all is equal (barrel length, powder charge, projectile weight, etc.) a smooth bore will give higher velocity as the projectile does not lose velocity by forcing itself through the rifling. And, recoil will be less for the same reason.
I believe there is a 4-bore Paradox in the Holland showroom in Manhattan, in the gun room on the 5th floor.
Now, I'm not much of a shot, but here are two 40-yard targets from my 4-bore Hughes; 28-inch barrels and fully rifled with a bore diameter of .970". I have shot both loads with an additonal 20 grains of Blue Dot but the groups opened a bit. The distance here should easily give pie plate accuracy at 100 yards. I've only shot two animals with the 4--two bison in South Dakota. One was a meat animal and the other a good trophy.
Oh, if anyone is interested, the 4 is for sale. It's not cheap but it's one hell of a double: accurate, good condition, 22 pounds (23 when loaded), shiny bores, rebounding hammers.
In researching my book on British bore rifles, I would guess approximatley 100 double rifle 4s were made in the vintage years, more shotguns, of course, and some single shots that were made for the lighter charges of powder and lead.
4-bore: can I interest you in this 4? I will make a nice pair with the one you are having made.
Good day to you all.
Cal



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Thank you so much for the informative post , Cal. That is a very impressive grouping you made ! The 4 Bore by Robert Hughes which you have , certainly is an impressive beast of a tool. . If money were no object , it certainly would make a nice accompaniment to the old l am having made .

 

[4 Bore]

4 bore, I would love to see your old .450 Rigby..any photos..?

You also casually mention that you carried a friends .600 double in Africa....would you care to elaborate wich brand it is..? History..? Any pics..?

We love old double rifles around here, especially the old british ones...

Sure , Pondoro .
l am inboxing you some photos .
The .600 NE was from an American Gentleman , a Mr. Butch Searcy . I would not know the accurate history of the rifle , though .