A custom flat horn

**Beaverman** · 7th April 09, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by puffer

I. The significance ?? Let me reword your ?? to read "why" a flat horn vs a round horn.
1. As Tyger mentioned above, this style horn lays closer to your body.
a.Although a round horn that has the "proper curve" ( note, when picking a horn, you should pick 1 that has a natural curve (side ways) that conforms to your body, depending on the side you carry it (yes there are right & left hand horns. note the slight side curve on mine. It is a right hand. The amount of curve on a round horn should be even more pronounced to fit properly.) But even if the round horn is proper, because of it's "bulk" it still does not fit as close.

b. The advantage of fitting closer is:
1. When moving around it basically stays in place.
2. Hangs up LESS on gear (bag straps etc ) clothing, Brush etc.

2. Another advantage, IMHO, is that for me it is easier to use in loading.

3. There is one disadvantage. A flat Horn, normally holds LESS powder, than a round horn of the same length. ( that maybe one of the reasons, it was not as popular in America as the round style.)

II. Powder horns are made from animal horns, The most common here in Amer. were made from Steer Horns, but many were made from Bison. Mine is from a steer horn.

III. Making a flat horn.
NOTE - I am NOT a Horn Maker & the following is from info I have been given by those who are.
The basics of making a horn, whether round or Flat is similar. BUT after the basics are completed the "FUN" begins.

1. Flat Horns need to be "flattened". Each maker has their own way of doing it but it is basically the same.
a. The horn is softened & put in a press ( each maker has their own, often more than 1.) & press into shape.
b. This is multi stage process. A little at a time & depending on the inside/outside curve, care must be taken to maintain the curve.
c. Also, natural horn is not consistent & has flaws ( these most often do not show up until ?? & many a horn is ruined in the final stages. ( note, all those I know also have a large supply of small flat horns ( pistol, priming, salt horns, snuff horns etc.) made from OOPS. Here are a couple of this type. The 1st pic = primer horns Pic #2 = Pistol horn ( bison )

Tyger, I applaud the fact that you have made one & found it to be "easy"
I SINCERELY MEAN THIS.
but because of the above & the time involved,Flat Horns are considered by many to be more difficult to make than round horns

dWF II, I hope trhis helps

Puffer

The flat horns that puffer has displayed here were made by my partner and myself, the process to flatten the horn is a laborious one with risks involved, first the horn is cut to length and cleaned from all scale if it is a raw horn, then the horn is either boiled in water or dropped into a deep fryer to soften the horn, ( the fryer method works very well because using 325 degree oil versus 212 degree water expedites the procees, althoug great care must be taken to make sure you dont wind up with fried horn chips! while the horn is hot and supple, it is placed into the custom horn press that we made and tightened till the horn starts to cool, we usually go half way then stop, let it cool completely and start the process again, Ive had horns crack on me trying to flatten them all in one step, before the horn is heated again, 3/4" thick wedges are cut to fit inside the horns body, when it comes out of the oil the wedges are pushed into the body and clamping process starts again( the wood is to keep the horn walls from collapsing and becoming concave as the horn is pressed, after the entire horn has cooled, them the final cuts are made to length, tip drilled and filed to the desired profile, plugeed and finished, can be alot of fun or a hair pulling experience!

**puffer** · 8th April 09, 08:33 AM

BEAVERMAN,

BTW, This man makes some of the FINEST Shooting Bags out there.

Also will make you a GREAT SPORRAN You can see his work here

http://www.traditionalmuzzleloadingassociation.com/

Puffer