IGA Coachgun needs Barrels Regulated

[flip1]

I posted this on the Gunsmith Pages too, but I thought I might reach a few others here as well:

Just bought a like new IGA Coachgun in 12 ga from a fellow CGN member. Took it out this weekend to practice for CAS and found that I couldn't hit anything with the left barrel. Sighted it at 20 yards and realized that the right barrel (I/C) is dead on, but the left barrel (M) is shooting 16" high and 12" to the left!! Move farther away, and the problem gets worse - the barrel is actually aiming to the left, not converging with the right barrel.

I have spoken to 2 gunsmiths and they both tell me that the cost of repairs is more than the gun is worth. I could bore out that one choke to CYL, but that would only make the pattern reach my point of aim. It will not necessarily put enough pellets into the POA to do the job.

Does anyone have any suggestions? To his credit, the seller has offered to take the gun back, but that does not solve the problem, it only transfers the issue back to him. I truly believe that he did not know about this issue prior to selling the gun.

Help if you have any thoughts. Thanks

 

[Sharptail]

Flip1, I do not believe that IGA guns are regulated during their construction, at least not in the manner that you are thinking of. The amount of regulation required is calculated, a shim of appropriate dimensions is then made by the thousands, and the guns are assembled. Differences in tolarance from gun to gun result in degrees of varience from the calculated point of impact. While your example is a little extreme, I think you can look long and hard before you will find a well regulated coach gun.

Briley's (the choke tube makers) claim they can fix problems like this with eccentric choke tubes, which costs less than re-regulation, but is still worth more than the IGA. Perhaps an eccentric boring of the existing choke could be done. Try Stephen Milton at Precision Arms in King City, Ontario for work like that. Some old gunsmiths used to be able to "bend" barrels on a double (without separating the ribs), but I don't know who could do that today.

Sharptail

 

[simulate]

I had one and it never shot straight-I can hit targets with all my other shotguns and I pattern tested it and both barrels were way off. I sold it and now use a Norinco 97 for cowboy shoots and I hit things just fine. I concluded IGA guns are junk. Cut your losses and move on.