Wallhanger shootability

Spahrtan · June 8, 2006, 10:52 PM

My local gun shop (the one run by a$$ holes

) has a falling block 12ga. The tag says made 1880-1900, and that it should not be fired. The metal is lightly oxidized throughout but the chamber and inside of the barrel are decent, the action works smoothly enough. However the barrel thickness is thinner than my $49 simple break-open single shot 12.

I've always wanted a falling block of some sort, and this one has a lot of character. But it would be kept under the back seat of my truck, so the rust wouldnt be a huge deal. I also like the fact that the average joe car-jacker might not take it, and probably wont know how to use it.

I had always thought that a falling block was pretty solid regardless of age or condition. Should i follow their advice and not buy/shoot it.

hoghunting · June 8, 2006, 11:26 PM

It probably has a Damascus barrel. DO NOT shoot it if you decide to buy it. There is a good chance that the barrel is rusted or weakened and could come apart on firing.

Spahrtan · June 9, 2006, 03:16 PM

Well i sure dont want a face full of metal. I'll take a miss on it. Thanks

June 8, 2006, 10:52 PM	#1
Spahrtan Member Join Date: February 15, 2006 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 86	Wallhanger shootability My local gun shop (the one run by a$$ holes ) has a falling block 12ga. The tag says made 1880-1900, and that it should not be fired. The metal is lightly oxidized throughout but the chamber and inside of the barrel are decent, the action works smoothly enough. However the barrel thickness is thinner than my $49 simple break-open single shot 12. I've always wanted a falling block of some sort, and this one has a lot of character. But it would be kept under the back seat of my truck, so the rust wouldnt be a huge deal. I also like the fact that the average joe car-jacker might not take it, and probably wont know how to use it. I had always thought that a falling block was pretty solid regardless of age or condition. Should i follow their advice and not buy/shoot it.

June 8, 2006, 11:26 PM	#2
hoghunting Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2006 Posts: 1,559	It probably has a Damascus barrel. DO NOT shoot it if you decide to buy it. There is a good chance that the barrel is rusted or weakened and could come apart on firing.

June 9, 2006, 03:16 PM	#3
Spahrtan Member Join Date: February 15, 2006 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 86	Well i sure dont want a face full of metal. I'll take a miss on it. Thanks