late 1800's Greener Shotgun steel shot restrictions

paulalastair

paulalastair

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Manitoba
Afternoon all,

My grandfather and I were going thru his modest collection of sporting arms as he is getting on in ago (87) and no longer shoots. In doing so I came across a very nice side by side Greener, he was given this shotgun by a friend from the states back in the late 50's and tells me that he was once offered 4,000 Canadian for it.


It is a beautiful piece of work with engraving along the metal frame and an inlaid saftey (that is how I would describe the saftey) on the left. I looked all over for a date but could not find one.

Needless to say I am of the mind that a gun such as this needs to see the light of day and with season upon us I wanted to take it hunting, my only concern is the idea of using steel bird shot in it as it was designed when lead was the primary shot.

Do any of you fine men or women have any advice on this issue,

Thanks in advance and happy thanksgiving.

Paul Alastair
 
An emphatic no on the steel shot. Sounds like a real nice English double not a good choice for waterfowl what with the nasty weather, upset canoes, wading in loon sh*t and the like. If you could post pics of the proof marks on the barrel flats(beneath the barrel) or the water table(the flat part of the action not visible when it is closed) there are guys on here who can tell you when and where it was proofed and what loads are safe. In that time period it may not have been nitro proofed(smokeless powder), not to say it wouldn't be safe with light field loads in smokeless powder, it just might not have been proofed for them. If it is a good tight double it should be fine even with damascus barrels but it should be checked by a GOOD GUNSMITH before firing. Greener made good shotguns in a wide range of grades, some economy, some very fine and expensive. If you get it checked out it would be a great gun for upland hunting as you may use lead shot in it perfectly legally.
 
None at all. For a 1972 Wingmaster, you could run steel through it but recognize you are still damaging it incrementally. For your Greener, never ever ever shoot steel through it. You have a VERY valuable gun, which would be ideal for grouse and pheasant and someone will pay dearly to get it.

Pictures are required, you know.

And for God's sake don't chop off the barrels to make a Cowboy Action gun. :)
 
Grouse Man said:
None at all. For a 1972 Wingmaster, you could run steel through it but recognize you are still damaging it incrementally. For your Greener, never ever ever shoot steel through it. You have a VERY valuable gun, which would be ideal for grouse and pheasant and someone will pay dearly to get it.

Pictures are required, you know.

And for God's sake don't chop off the barrels to make a Cowboy Action gun. :)
Click to expand...

Couldn't have said it any better! Good sage advice!

Cheers
Jay
 
Yes, as already mentioned, NO STEEL SHOT. Also as already mentioned, you need to take pics of the proof marks to determine age of this gun and pressure loads. If old enough, it may not even be wise to shoot the modern lead shells through it as the pressures may be too high. It could also have short chambers. Depending on age, you have to realize the wood is also old and possibly getting dry. Recoil from high pressure shells could destroy it if shot enough with high pressure loads. If it were mine, I would be buying low pressure loads for it. In Canada that pretty much limits you to Kent Game Bore or Pure Gold. It needs to be treated with the respect it deserves, especially if it is a higher grade gun. How about some pics of the gun and the proof marks on the water table and barrel flats. (You have to remove the barrels).
 
winnipeg2012093000051.jpg

winnipeg2012093000043.jpg

winnipeg2012093000043.jpg

winnipeg2012093000045.jpg

winnipeg2012093000046.jpg

winnipeg2012093000047.jpg

winnipeg2012093000050.jpg

winnipeg2012093000049.jpg


these were just taken with my blackberry, I will try to get some better ones this weekend

Paul Alastair
 
Very nice old double! Pics aren't great but doesn't look to have damascus barrels. If you can get some better photos, try some of the proof marks located where mentioned earlier.
 
So firstly allow me to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving, I had the chance to attend my grandparents 61st wedding anniversary last night, I went a bit prior to though to take a few more pictures of the Greener with a better camera, hopefully this will assist in the identification of this shotgun.

Paul Alastair

561637_10151135406912819_1927722566_n.jpg
 
Last edited:
Those are nice pics, very well done. As you can see, this is a quality firearm. Sorry, I wish I knew more about British proofs & whatnot. That would make a wonderful upland gun. How much does it weigh?
 
From what I can find, the gun was made around 1899. I don't see any nitro proof marks and in all likelihood, it has 2 1/2" chambers. It is a 12 gauge but the 13 designates it has tight bores. I would not fire any shells with pressures above 7000 psi and I would stick with 2 1/2" shells.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom