Old shotguns - parts missing

[Jim K]

People often encounter old double shotguns with missing parts, usually the hammers or the firing pins. Naturally, they want to replace those parts to "restore" the gun and make it usable. But first consider this.

Those old shotguns often had Damascus or twist barrels, made from strips of iron and/or steel wrapped around a mandrel and welded, or "laminated" barrels, made from thin iron or steel plates wrapped around, welded and built up to the desired thickness.

While I will get arguments from some, I will repeat that those old guns, even if well cared for and of good quality originally, will not stand up to the pressures of modern powders or even in many cases to black powder pressure.

The old timers knew that, often from harsh experience, and DELIBERATELY disabled the old guns to keep them from being fired. Respect their knowledge and experience and do not "restore" and fire those old guns. Even if you know better than to shoot them, don't leave a time bomb for someone in the future. If you must restore appearances, make sure in some other way that the gun cannot be loaded and fired. You may be saving your own son or grandson from losing his fingers, hand, or eyes.

Jim

 

[rcmodel]

Very excellent advice Jim!

rc

 

[1911Tuner]

I'll second that. The corrosive effects of black powder or early primers with smokeless can quickly undermine the laminated or Damascus barrels, leaving the appearance of solid steel...but underneath left very little except the skin that can escape the notice of even the best eye. Only by having it magnafluxed can the truth be known.

Hang'em on the wall and tell stories of great-grandpa's many adventures with'em...but don't shoot'em.

 

[cochise9424221]

or send em to me. Low pressure loads are fine and easy to make if you load your own. Many of my loads are lower pressure than the black powder these guns were built for. Original quality & Condition are everything. Not all of these old guns were built to the same level of quality, many were built to a price point and were crap when they were new.

 

[CZguy]

The old timers knew that, often from harsh experience, and DELIBERATELY disabled the old guns to keep them from being fired.

You know I never thought of that. Excellent post.

 

[Chuck Warner]

Jim, We see several a week come in for "restoration". I pass for the reasons you mentioned.

Good advice

 

[W.E.G.]

Russell Arms - grand-dad's shotty - circa 1900

Firing pins appear to be WECSOG'd horseshoe nails.
I need to get a close up pic for S&G's.

Stock's not originial either. Something said about a horse falling on it.