Pistol while deer hunting......

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Hello all;
Haven't been out hunting with the muzzleloader yet this year.....hopefully next weekend I can take off for a couple of days and fill one of my tags (haven't been out deer hunting at ALL yet this year).
Anyway, I was thinking that during our states muzzleloading season, small game season reopens again....rabbit, squirrel, grouse, and pheasant become legal targets. Shooting one with a .54 or .62 cal lead ball would be a bit messy.....so I thought about packing a smooth bore single shot loaded with bird shot. Anybody else ever do this? I'm just curious as to range, bore size, ect. Does anyone out there know of any good kits that might make a good summer project?
I currently carry a 1858 replica in .44 cal as well as my rifle, but I'm thinking about something I can use to take running shots at game. I already shoot a .62 trade musket, so if there is a pistol out there in this caliber, it might be ideal.
Thanks in advance.............

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

You pose a very interesting question about a shot-loaded pistol for woods loafing. I have a percussion .45 rifled single shot pistol that I like to carry afield stoked with patched round ball. I think a .54 or .60 smoothbore single shot pistol would fill your request.

I recall in the past handguns ran to the larger calibers and I read about a .58 caliber M1855, as I recall, Calvary single shot that was rifled. A .58 caliber smoothbore would be ideal, in my view, as it could use patched round ball or shot as the user desired. I do not know of any such handgun or kit, but Pedersoli or some other maker should bring one to market. A .58 smoothbore with an ounce of shot would be a great small game getter.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Hello Adam;
Found this on Dixie Gunworks site.....only thing is, I can't tell if it has a rifled barrel or not. Seems to me this would work, although I'm wondering how to carry it securely. It is a .58 cal copy of a Harper's ferry pistol.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/images/RH0225.jpg

The gun comes in kit form as well, and is currently on sale.....hopefully the sale will continue until after the holidays.

[new guy]

I don't know the rules concerning BP hand guns but for your own sake make sure the ATF won't call that a sawed off shotgun. Sure sounds fun though

[buckhunter]

In my Republic you cannot carry a pistol when hunting deer with a bow, shotgun or muzzleloader period. Penatily's are harsh. Awe liberal gotta love em.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

That pistol should work whether or not it is rifled. At handgun distances, an ounce of shot would "smoke 'em." I made a holster, of sorts, out of scrap leather that carries my handgun well. It is no work of art, but is functional. Hope this helps.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Hello Adam;
I've loaded shotshells for pistols before (.38/.357) and rifling does HORRIBLE things to the shot; splatters it all over the place, and only close range (we're talking feet here) targets get the charge.....why wouldn't there be a similar effect with a black powder charge and shot in a rifled barrel?