Single shot Baikal 20ga

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Location
Coastal BC
Already own a single shot 20ga Baikal shotgun. Have the opportunity to get a Baikal single shot 12ga barrel. Could these be interchangeable or am I unber estimating the energy difference between 20ga and 12ga?
 
pressure difference
the pressures are equal as far as it goes depending on the the 7000 psi - 11,500 psi
if the bbl locks up on the action correctly then there should be no issues
personally i would just buy a complete gun
 
Depends on the model. Some of these existed in both 20 and 12 (model 18 comes to mind first but there were others edit: 18 was a sxs but this still applies to singles). If so - yes.

Barrel may not "drop" fit! Like turkish guns now these were (and are for the current production which we don't get) hand fitted. So even 12 to 12 of the same model are not an easy replacement. May need a smith to fit it. At shop rates it is likely cheaper just to get a whole separate gun.
 
Checked the 12ga barrel markings and compared to my 20ga barrel.
From what I've been able to figure out is the 20ga is rated for 90Mpa, 12ga 65Mpa. 20ga is marked 20x76 which seems to mean it can fit both 2¾ and 3in shells? When I brought the 20ga I was told it only takes 2¾shells. (Have shot 2¾ target and 2¾ slugs) 12x70 according to Google means 12ga 2¾ only. No luck looking up Baikal serial numbers. The model number for the 20ga is (Russian alphabet letters)-18m, has made in ussr stamped on the other side, so I assume pre 90s. No model info for the 12ga barrel. 12ga same outside diameter as 20ga but larger chamber could explain the different pressure ratings?
 

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I dont think pressure is the issue. Think pressure times bore area (force).
Fit is the issue. Its unlikely that the new barrel will be dimensionally exact. If its an interference fit, it could be fitted by a smith without too much effort. If its a loose fit, it would be a major (uneconomical) effort. Some guns, like the Brno ZH series were designed to facilitate switch barrels using a spring loaded breech - neat feature for a 350$ gun.
 
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