Got 'em!! Finally!

Pond, James Pond · March 21, 2012, 01:12 PM

I started my quest for a gun licence a year ago, initially, because I wanted to be able to get hold of my late grandfasther's shotguns. It was either that or they'd have been sold.

They are not worth much, other than sentimental value. They look a bit worn around the edges: they were work-horses, but they are a little piece of my family.
One is a 1950's single shot 16ga (Beretta), the other is a french made Verney Carron semi 12ga probably from around that same period, if not a bit later.
A gunsmith told my dad they were fine to shoot.

However, I still have a few questions.
Where should I lube such a gun?
And is dry firing a bad idea? (the semi cocks if you inspect the chamber, and I've not found a decocking mechanism, other than pulling the trigger). The single shot, I can decock manually.

Regolith · March 21, 2012, 10:56 PM

It's usually not necessary to decock a shotgun that doesn't have an exposed hammer.

Also, dry firing is iffy. Depends on the gun's age and design. For older guns, I'd generally avoid it, unless I knew for sure whether it was safe or not, as it can result in a broken firing pin.

You can, however, buy a device called a snap cap, which is simply an empty shell that has a spring-loaded "primer" for the firing pin to hit, greatly reducing the risk of breaking it. Here's an example.

As for lubing, you should see if you can find an owner's manual. If you don't own a physical one, most companies will have a copy on their website. They should tell you how and where to lubricate. Use a lubricant that is made specifically for firearms; avoid WD-40 like the plague.

Pond, James Pond · March 22, 2012, 05:57 AM

Just bought two snap caps that will reside in the barrels for now!

As for the manuals, I will have to contact the manufacturers and hope that their records are up to date!!

Thanks for the pointers.

March 21, 2012, 01:12 PM	#1
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Got 'em!! Finally! I started my quest for a gun licence a year ago, initially, because I wanted to be able to get hold of my late grandfasther's shotguns. It was either that or they'd have been sold. They are not worth much, other than sentimental value. They look a bit worn around the edges: they were work-horses, but they are a little piece of my family. One is a 1950's single shot 16ga (Beretta), the other is a french made Verney Carron semi 12ga probably from around that same period, if not a bit later. A gunsmith told my dad they were fine to shoot. However, I still have a few questions. Where should I lube such a gun? And is dry firing a bad idea? (the semi cocks if you inspect the chamber, and I've not found a decocking mechanism, other than pulling the trigger). The single shot, I can decock manually. __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

March 22, 2012, 05:57 AM	#3
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Just bought two snap caps that will reside in the barrels for now! As for the manuals, I will have to contact the manufacturers and hope that their records are up to date!! Thanks for the pointers. __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

March 21, 2012, 10:56 PM	#2
Regolith Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2008 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 400	It's usually not necessary to decock a shotgun that doesn't have an exposed hammer. Also, dry firing is iffy. Depends on the gun's age and design. For older guns, I'd generally avoid it, unless I knew for sure whether it was safe or not, as it can result in a broken firing pin. You can, however, buy a device called a snap cap, which is simply an empty shell that has a spring-loaded "primer" for the firing pin to hit, greatly reducing the risk of breaking it. Here's an example. As for lubing, you should see if you can find an owner's manual. If you don't own a physical one, most companies will have a copy on their website. They should tell you how and where to lubricate. Use a lubricant that is made specifically for firearms; avoid WD-40 like the plague.