Where can I buy a smoothbore?

[SharpHunter]

I would like to start off simple, and buy a couple of smooth bore percussion muskets that I can put on my SGC (or old gun that can be added to a certificate when I wish to use them).

I have an FAC, but I dont want to wait 8 weeks or more untill I can shoot with one.
So ideally I would like to buy a musket that is in order to fire, and will be able to fire lead shot or lead single balls.

Preferably get a couple of different guns to try out, and see how things go, before going for the FAC rifled versions out there.

Been searching for shops near East Sussex on Google, but I cant seem to find any shops at all that supply details, a price, and a photo of the gun.

Thanks!

[snoj]

I am based in West Kent, but theres quiet a few gunshops based around Tunbridge Wells, one of which specialises in antique stuff and is well worth a visit for the dribble factor

These two are in TWells, might be worth a phone call
http://www.pantilesguns.co.uk/
http://www.gun.co.uk/

The Gunsmith I used to help out delivered to GT Guns in Cousldon, they do list a BP section
http://www.budgetwebsiteservices.co.uk/gt/index.shtml

Theres also two shops in East Grinstead, one in West Malling and another in Biggin Hill
http://www.egguns.demon.co.uk/
http://www.faanderson.co.uk

http://www.the-internet-pages.co.uk/.../guns+fishing/

http://www.bigginhill.co.uk/saddlery.htm

Difficult to say who is worth a visit, but they should answer to email or phone calls. The Pantiles shop is well worth a visit, just to see some real works of art.

[robinghewitt]

For antique guns in Brighton there's the Lanes Armoury and Westons, but the prices make my eyes water

http://www.thelanesarmoury.co.uk

[SharpHunter]

You are a star! thanks very much. I knew Christ potter guns as I worked there. Didnt know the other one though.

Problem is, tomoro I drive passed a few on the way to the airport but thats at 5am, so I cant 'pop in'.

I will visit them though, thanks a lot for a quick helpful reply

[SharpHunter]

For antique guns in Brighton there's the Lanes Armoury and Westons, but the prices make my eyes water

http://www.thelanesarmoury.co.uk

Cheers, pitty im a bit poor at the minute and il have to make do with some lower end guns.
Which reminds me do give me a shout about the Hex should you be wishing to sell it. You have an IM

[snoj]

Have you been in to Potters recently? The company is under newish ownership, but Chris is the manager. Not BP related but I did not realise until a year or so ago that RPA are based just down the road in Tonbridge
http://www.rpa-eng.com/
I used to work 500 yards form them and didnt have a clue.

[SharpHunter]

Yeh, I work the odd day or two with the gunshop, or help out on fairs.
Good shop, they treat people well I think.

RPA are a possible choice for my next stalking rifle. That, or a Sauer in 6.5.

But there is a BP club in Tunbridge wells, and I want to get into it. No offence to anyone, but 25yard .22rimfire starts to loose its edge after everal weeks on your stomach. Good for breathing control practice for long range shooting though I admit.

[robinghewitt]

Best prices are at auctions. If you have to shop, Michael D Longs in Nottingham and Kranks in Pudsey are well worth a rummage

[AD_K]

My mate got a lovely Repro Parker Hale 1858 2 band musket from Fultons at Bisley. About £300 odd quid and ready to fire. .577 cal smoothbore. Shoots balls / mini balls at 100 yards pretty well !

Great fun, all on your SGC and it wont break the bank!

ADK

[SharpHunter]

Thanks! I know Bisley is a range, didnt know they have a shop?
Is it possible to turn up any time and see their guns? cheers!

I see im not the only bird at 4am

[SharpHunter]

Going out to a few now to see if I can find something! heres to hoping

[AD_K]

Yep. Fultons at Bisley are open every day of the week to everyone. Standard opening times. The website is crap.. they have far more actually in stock. http://www.fultonsofbisley.com/ But if you do go there make sure you haggle, there price tickets always have a little room for movement!! Good luck!! Let us know how you get on! Adam

[Smokeless Coal]

Sharphunter you could try 1066 RPC in Hastings. I shoot m/l revolver most tuesday evenings and you would be welcome to sample it.

We have members who shoot long rifles down the 25m indoor range and when the club go to Lydd once a month.

[snoj]

But there is a BP club in Tunbridge wells, and I want to get into it. No offence to anyone, but 25yard .22rimfire starts to loose its edge after everal weeks on your stomach. Good for breathing control practice for long range shooting though I admit.

Have you got any details of the club in TWells, is it only BP or other stuff as well? I fancy something a bit closer to shoot between Bisley visits.

[Smokeless Coal]

Snoj Hastings shoot up to full bore (downloaded) down 4x25m tubes inc bp and m/l. With a 49m out door range for airguns or zeroing 22's on a vermin ticket(outside of normal range times)

We are open every night 7:30 (6:30 tues) til 10/10:30 ish and Sunday mornings 10 till 1:30ish.

With full bore meets at Lydd or Romney once a month.