Old Shotgun question
- Thread starter Naes
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Are they shotguns that were "new" 25 years ago, or "old" shotguns that haven't been fired in 25 years? If they were manufactured in 1980 and stored properly, what could go wrong? If they were manufactured in 1900 and not fired since 1983 that's different.
Woodsman
One is a J C Higgins model 20-12 gage which they stopped making in the 60's
The other one is a double barrel 12 gage feild grade L C Smith which I belive was made sometime in the 1930's
I will probably have them checked out to be safe but I also wonder what test might be preformed to assure they are safe and work properly.
One is a J C Higgins model 20-12 gage which they stopped making in the 60's
The other one is a double barrel 12 gage feild grade L C Smith which I belive was made sometime in the 1930's
I will probably have them checked out to be safe but I also wonder what test might be preformed to assure they are safe and work properly.
Mostly what a gunsmith offers is training and experience. In most cases, such an inspection won't include any specialized equipment. However barrel wall thickness may be measured.
The gunsmith will also utilize his/her training in firearms history and metallurgy to determine the approximate age of the gun, the barrel manufacturing method, the composition of the steel/alloy, and the action type. This, along with a visual inspection, will assist the Smith in judging whether or not the gun is within a safety margin of error.
The visual inspection and measurements look for clues such as chamber length, chamber and barrel wall thickness, rust, pitting, cracks, dings, bulges, loose ribs or other degradation of solder. The receiver is also scrutinized for looseness or "play", excessive wear, jamming, or any malfunction that could affect the operation or integrity, or safe use of the firearm. Corrosion, cracks, evidence of poor maintenance (infrequent cleaning, build-up), loose or missing parts, or modifications from original build are noted.
Stocks are inspected for cracks, dents & dings, absorption of oil or water, proper adjustment - in short, anything that could cause them to fail during use or that might cause devaluation of your purchase.
Many gunsmiths will remotely test fire the gun in a safety chamber using "test" rounds generating known pressures as a final step if all else looks good.
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Without seeing closeup pictures of the barrel flats, you can't say. It sounds, though, that the barrels are fluid steel of recent enough vintage to have been proofed for nitro powder. They would not be suitable for steel shot unless the chokes were checked and opened up, as necessary. It's also possible that the gun was proofed only for black powder. That's why we need to see pictures of whatever marks are on the barrels.
The chambers may be 2 1/2 - 2 9/16" or they may be 2 3/4".
Also to be considered is the condition of the lockup. Is it on face?
Essentially it boils down to this: If you can't say for certain what length of shell, which powder, which gauge, and what kind of shot the gun was originally built for, and you can't say that the gun is fully functional and safe, then you need a gunsmith or experienced shooter to provide an opinion.
The chambers may be 2 1/2 - 2 9/16" or they may be 2 3/4".
Also to be considered is the condition of the lockup. Is it on face?
Essentially it boils down to this: If you can't say for certain what length of shell, which powder, which gauge, and what kind of shot the gun was originally built for, and you can't say that the gun is fully functional and safe, then you need a gunsmith or experienced shooter to provide an opinion.
