I decided I wanted to have a SxS for upland hunting. I just purchased a Belgian SxS from Tradeex. All I know is it is of Belgian origin and was made after WWII. I will have it next week and will check the proof marks then. I would assume being made after WWII it will be proofed for smokeless powder. I was wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions as to the safe pressure limit to stick to with a gun of this vintage. I do reload so I can adjust accordingly. It is chambered for 2 3/4 shells.
Belgian SxS
- Thread starter maliboy67
- Start date
If the gun is mechanically sound it will withstand as much pressure as any other SxS of modern construction. Be aware that heavy loads will loosen up a double with a lot of shooting but for upland hunting you don't need 2 3/4 in. magnum class loads.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
It most likely will be proofed for smokeless loads. However, that being said I have a hammer SxS from Belgium that is only marked for BP loads. Consulting with several experts on doublegunshop, it was determined that the gun was made around 1950-52, not as early as the seller thought. I questioned why a gun from that date would only have the BP proof. I was told by a few that at different periods in Belgium, the law did not require that a gun had to be stamped with the nitro proof mark, even if it was designed for it. Law only required to show that it passed BP. Apparently they had seen other later produced guns from Belgium with only BP marks. So your gun could show proofs either way.
Ok as soon as I have it I'll have a look at the proof marks. It is a hammerless with a top lever. I have done alot of searching on the net and really found no info as far as the pressure standard for nitro proofed shotguns of that era. I know modern standard pressure is 11,500 psi for 2 3/4 if I'm not mistaken.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
I would be shooting low pressure loads under 8000 psi. As already mentioned, while it may shoot stronger loads, this is not a new gun. The gun may loosen up on the action with heavier loads or the stock split at the wrist. Just my opinion.
Might be worth a call and talk to Tony at Tradex....
- Location
- Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
I have the old man's Belgian SXS in 12 gauge.
Apparently this was a bit of a cottage industry after WW2, and my gun doesn't have a maker's name.
There may be quite a variability in quality from shop to shop, and to be on the safe side, I would only use lighter loads.
I'm looking forward to refurbishing my dad's gun - he was quite proud of it, and hunted it a fair bit. The stock is too short for me - it needs a recoil pad and spacers to get back in action.
Apparently this was a bit of a cottage industry after WW2, and my gun doesn't have a maker's name.
There may be quite a variability in quality from shop to shop, and to be on the safe side, I would only use lighter loads.
I'm looking forward to refurbishing my dad's gun - he was quite proud of it, and hunted it a fair bit. The stock is too short for me - it needs a recoil pad and spacers to get back in action.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Perhaps you have a guild gun. These guns usually had no makers name and many were of very good quality. I have a German 16 gauge guild gun and it is a nice light, fairly well made gun.
I asked when I placed the order with Tradeex. They wouldn't really say what would be safe, I really don't blame them as it could lead to liability problems. I have no problem loading below 8000 psi. There are some good powders that can keep the pressure way below 8000 and still give good velocity.
- Location
- Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Well, thank you!
I have started to look into these guild guns and get some info on this one.
So far, I have determined that it was built in 1928 (!), is nitro proofed, and is choked full and full.
The chambers are 65 mm - so not suitable for 2 3/4 shells, I'd guess, unless it has been modified at some point. The Old Man shot all kinds of 2 3/4 inch shells in it though
. He lived to a ripe old age - in fact, he'd be 100 right now.Lots of research to do - thankfully there is a fair bit of info on the web about these enigmatic guns.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Can you post a pic of your gun?
Well, thank you!
I have started to look into these guild guns and get some info on this one.
So far, I have determined that it was built in 1928 (!), is nitro proofed, and is choked full and full.
The chambers are 65 mm - so not suitable for 2 3/4 shells, I'd guess, unless it has been modified at some point. The Old Man shot all kinds of 2 3/4 inch shells in it though
Lots of research to do - thankfully there is a fair bit of info on the web about these enigmatic guns.
