Old Belgian Shot Gun ...

Brian Gibbons · August 13, 2001, 09:49 PM

I was hoping someone could tell me more about an old shot gun I had recently purchased. It is a side by side 12 gauge break action with internal hammers, a four digit serial number, and a barrel length of 30 & 1/8 inches. The gun's overall length is 46 & 3/4 inches and it is very "plain Jane". There is only a slight bit of engraving around the barrel breechs. Some of the machining looks crude and all the proof marks are Belgian, but there is nothing to indicate a manufacturer. I understand that there where many different types of "no-name" Belgian shot guns made and that this might be one of those "hardware" guns. I am thinking that perhaps Fabrique National produced cheap guns that were sold through retail stores without a manufacturer's stamp so that the poor workmanship didn't reflect back on the FN name. I have learned that it was designed to fire 2 & 1/2 inch shot shell but I am thinking of shooting the more readily available 2 & 3/4 inch shells with a light trap load. (I have already carried out some test shots, remotely fired, with no problems encountered). Can you tell me any thing else about these unidentifiable Belgian shot guns ? Thanks ...

Dave McC · August 14, 2001, 05:49 AM

There's easier ways to commit suicide than put overlong shells into a century old gun of indifferent workmanship and materials. I suggest pills.

Usually, when one of these blows up, it's in the bbl between the forcing cone and the tip of the forend, IOW,halfway between your eyes and left hand.

Until a smith you trust with your life(because you are) OKs this shotgun for use with proper ammo, hang it on the wall. This is an artifact, not a tool.

James K · August 15, 2001, 04:34 PM

I totally agree. It is more than likely that the old gun has Damascus barrels. The only problem with shooting those guns is that spare parts are not available - not spare parts for the gun, spare parts for YOU! Like fingers, eyes, etc.

Jim

Brian Gibbons · August 15, 2001, 06:49 PM

How do you tell whether or not they are Damacus barrels? I don't know the difference. The most recent proof mark that I can verify is post 1924. Does this mean anything as to whether or not the gun should be fired? Of course I know that if there is any doubt, the best thing to do is to not shoot the thing, but I want to learn as much about this gun as I can ...

August 13, 2001, 09:49 PM	#1
Brian Gibbons Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2001 Posts: 388	Old Belgian Shot Gun ... I was hoping someone could tell me more about an old shot gun I had recently purchased. It is a side by side 12 gauge break action with internal hammers, a four digit serial number, and a barrel length of 30 & 1/8 inches. The gun's overall length is 46 & 3/4 inches and it is very "plain Jane". There is only a slight bit of engraving around the barrel breechs. Some of the machining looks crude and all the proof marks are Belgian, but there is nothing to indicate a manufacturer. I understand that there where many different types of "no-name" Belgian shot guns made and that this might be one of those "hardware" guns. I am thinking that perhaps Fabrique National produced cheap guns that were sold through retail stores without a manufacturer's stamp so that the poor workmanship didn't reflect back on the FN name. I have learned that it was designed to fire 2 & 1/2 inch shot shell but I am thinking of shooting the more readily available 2 & 3/4 inch shells with a light trap load. (I have already carried out some test shots, remotely fired, with no problems encountered). Can you tell me any thing else about these unidentifiable Belgian shot guns ? Thanks ...

August 15, 2001, 06:49 PM	#4
Brian Gibbons Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2001 Posts: 388	Damascus Barrels ? How do you tell whether or not they are Damacus barrels? I don't know the difference. The most recent proof mark that I can verify is post 1924. Does this mean anything as to whether or not the gun should be fired? Of course I know that if there is any doubt, the best thing to do is to not shoot the thing, but I want to learn as much about this gun as I can ...

August 14, 2001, 05:49 AM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	There's easier ways to commit suicide than put overlong shells into a century old gun of indifferent workmanship and materials. I suggest pills. Usually, when one of these blows up, it's in the bbl between the forcing cone and the tip of the forend, IOW,halfway between your eyes and left hand. Until a smith you trust with your life(because you are) OKs this shotgun for use with proper ammo, hang it on the wall. This is an artifact, not a tool.

August 15, 2001, 04:34 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I totally agree. It is more than likely that the old gun has Damascus barrels. The only problem with shooting those guns is that spare parts are not available - not spare parts for the gun, spare parts for YOU! Like fingers, eyes, etc. Jim