Old Double Barrel w/ Hammers "The Interchangable".

[bubbajoe45]

Anybody familiar with old double barrel shotguns? I have my grandfather's (1899-1974) 12 gauge. On the top of the barrel it says "Belguim laminated barrels" and on the rt side plate it says "The Interchangable". Anybody know anything at all about this gun? The manufacturer? thanks

 

[oneounceload]

Somewhere on the gun will be proof marks, possibly indicating the info you seek. Older laminated barrels, especially Belgian guns from around the turn of the 1900's are generally relegated to wall hangers.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

Start with Sears or Montgomery Wards catalogs about 1900, maybe earlier.

 

[Jim Watson]

I found at least three different brands using The Interchangeable as a model name.
Look for Belgian proof marks, including the ELG in an oval.

 

[mr.trooper]

The gun is probably not rated for smokeless powder, so it would not be safe to shoot with store-bought ammo.

If you wanted to use it, or even just shoot it now and then, for sentimental reasons you could roll your own.

Its actually WAY easier than you may think. It would only cost you about $35 for a roll crimp tool and set of lee dippers. Once you purchased the shotshell components, you could load a few rounds with Pyrodex BP substitute (walmart) for very cheap.

Said shell would be just as effective now as they were on game in the early 1900's, and they wouldn't hurt your wallet.

This is provided the gun is still in good shape otherwise.

 

[Grayrock]

You might post an inquiry on the SASS forum. We Cowboy Action Shooters are always looking at hammered double barrel shotguns. www.sassnet.com/forums

 

[mnrivrat]

The Interchangable lines of shotguns were trade guns made by either Simonis, Janssen, and Dumoulin who were Belgium gun makers from 1884 to 1905

There was also an Englih made double under that name but since yours refers to Belgium laminated barrels it is likely one of the above makers.

Laminated barrels, even in good condition ,should not be fired with modern shells. Their construction was such that the barrel material thinned after the beech area and modern smokless powders maintain more pressure further along the length of the barrel as they burn slower than black. Best to use sub gauge inserts if you want to fire it, or as mentioned roll some moderate black powder loads.

 

[bubbajoe45]

OK, I found that it's a Janssen and found the 'ELG' proofmarks. Don't plan on shooting it - one of the barrels is bulged near the end (family wallhanger). Story is that my grandfather got some snow in it while rabbit hunting and fired the gun bulging the barrel.

Where would the serial number be on this gun? Going to take a look at SASS site and catalog suggestions listed above next. Thanks for all your help - hope to get an approximate year of manufacture.