Old C&R GECO SxS

KDM · April 15, 2010, 06:14 PM

Been looking at an old 12 gauge hammer SxS shotgun. Overall condition is good...reputable dealer and all.

How can I tell if it's metallurgically safe to fire modern ammo? It's not Damascus or twist steel...it's got Kruppstahl (Krupp steel?) stamped in each barrel, along with the maker GECO.

oneounceload · April 15, 2010, 06:56 PM

Take the forearm off and look for all of the marks on the barrel flats and the action's water table. There will be proof marks so you'll know what country actually finished the gun (though GECO is typically German). You get chamber size and barrel choke designations as well. It MIGHT be a 2-1/2" gun, so be careful firing modern 2-3/4" ammunition in it, even though they will fit. (Chamber length is the length of a fired hull)

April 15, 2010, 06:14 PM	#1
KDM Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2006 Location: California Posts: 457	Old C&R GECO SxS Been looking at an old 12 gauge hammer SxS shotgun. Overall condition is good...reputable dealer and all. How can I tell if it's metallurgically safe to fire modern ammo? It's not Damascus or twist steel...it's got Kruppstahl (Krupp steel?) stamped in each barrel, along with the maker GECO. __________________ "Ask not for a lighter load. Instead, ask for a stronger back."

April 15, 2010, 06:56 PM	#2
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Take the forearm off and look for all of the marks on the barrel flats and the action's water table. There will be proof marks so you'll know what country actually finished the gun (though GECO is typically German). You get chamber size and barrel choke designations as well. It MIGHT be a 2-1/2" gun, so be careful firing modern 2-3/4" ammunition in it, even though they will fit. (Chamber length is the length of a fired hull)