One gun for everything

I had a plan for this year to have one gun to use for everything all the way through the season. So, because of my interest in the subject, I decided to try to recreate a gun like a very late 18th or very early 19th century Cracker Cowboy would have been carrying during that time period. They had been described as having carried guns that had been shortened for use on horseback and I think it's likely that they would have liked smoothbores for their versatility.

I also, because this gun will likely see a LOT of abuse, wanted to use this build as an exercise in artificial aging. I don't normally post pics of my builds but I'm particularly pleased with how the aging process turned out. I still need to do some engraving on the lock and sideplate and I might add a patchbox but right now it's a useable thumper of a gun.

Late 18thC New England style Fowler, 12Ga, with 34" barrel (the longest that can reasonably be loaded on horseback), Carbine style RR pipe, saddle leather buttplate, aged to represent having been shortened by a gunsmith and then carried around in the swamp for maybe 10 or 20 years.

Naturally, as soon as it was finished and right before we can hunt again I go and severely tear my bicep and will be pretty much out for the majority of the season after my surgery on Tuesday. But I'll be getting a lot of engraving practice I guess. lol It'll be hitting the swamp about mid November.