What to do with really old shotguns???

schick

schick

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I have a Chassepot in 12 gauge and a Geha in 16 gauge. Sure they're fine to look at and oil once in a while, but shouldn't they be shooting something?

I'm guessing these things will blow up. Am I supposed to relaod them with blackpowder?

Are these things useless?
 
If you're not sure, have them checked over by a competant smith, and see what he thinks about firing them (you're in Saskatchewan, so if you're anywhere near Saskatoon, talk to John @ north pro sports).

I had a 1950's 12 ga. auto that was in really rough shape. The safety didnt work 100% anymore, it would fire if dropped, shells jammed constantly... I just didn't feel comfortable relying on it or using it in the field, and it would've cost more to fix than it was worth. The S'toon wildlife federation gladly took it off my hands for use in their hunters safety / firearm training courses (it's in better shape than alot of the firearms they currently have).
 
Hmmm.. I never thought of donating them. Not a bad idea. Maybe I should ask the guys in the blackpowder forum about these old buggers. Perhaps I can load blackpowder low pressure loads.
 
I'd get them checked out first. THEN and only IF they don't check out safe for even Light BP loads would I donate them. Never hand them in to be destroyed by the RCMP. Let the next generation of hunters and gun owners learn on different guns. I hope both have many many years of use still.
 
If they don't check out safe and you don't want to destroy or part them out, here's an idea.
A friend of mine had to old field grade BP doubles and he made matching upright lamps out of them. Not very appealing to women but most guys like them.
Just another suggestion.
 
I shoot my early 1900's Husqvarna side by side.

I use black powder but I am told you can still load it for modern powder.

I use MagTech Brass shells and it looks very cool loading the big shells and the plume of smoke that comes out when I touch it off.

It is still a very accurate gun within it's limits.
 
If a gunsmith checks them out and they AREN'T safe to shoot, why not deactivate them and put them on display in your home? They'd make a great conversation piece.
 
Donate: I'm sure there are many huntclubs or huntcamps who would love to make trophies outta them. I'm thinking mounted to a base beside a stuffed skunk. :D
 
I don't see why they can't be used with proper BP reloads, fire first shot remotely(tied to a tire and trigger pull by string).
 
if they lock up they are prob safe for black. Use Bens idea. I have a french chesspot(?) and I shoot it, as well as some looser SxS. Procide with caution & bring them back to life. BP and a few clays in the fiels is a good time.
 
shredder said:
If a gunsmith checks them out and they AREN'T safe to shoot, why not deactivate them and put them on display in your home? They'd make a great conversation piece.
Click to expand...

Yup - did this.


My grandad and granny gave each other matching shotguns as wedding presents, a 10 and a 12 guage.

On the wall now, :)

Ted
 
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