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June 18, 2021, 05:21 PM | #1 |
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Belgian percussion shotgun
Serious question, who here would entertain occasionally firing an old Belgian Damascus barrel shotgun with moderate black powder loads? I know condition will mean a lot, but assume that there is no major pitting and looks to be in serviceable condition? I don’t think I would fire the modern breech load with shell types, unless possibly with a 2.5” BP shell. But is it reasonably safe to fire a muzzle stuffer using BP and avoiding insane charges. I know Belgian shotguns of the mid-latter 19th century are quite hit or miss (most likely miss these days from what I’ve read). So who would occasionally fire one if it seemed to check out ok? I have found a WM Moore that is in rough shape for a good price, but I think it’s too far gone to shoot. Alternatively I’ve found a Belgian piece that is much cleaner for a smidge more. I’ve a hankering for a side by side percussion shotty and would like to find one while they’re still pretty cheap.
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June 18, 2021, 05:27 PM | #2 |
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A lot of people are going to lambast you for even thinking about it but I have one I've been shooting for 20 years or so.
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June 19, 2021, 07:32 AM | #3 |
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That is what I started bp shooting with 57 years ago. Get a bore light view especially the breach area and have fun.
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June 19, 2021, 10:21 AM | #4 | |
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I would, with conditions!!!???
Quote:
Be Safe !!!
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June 19, 2021, 08:27 PM | #5 |
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Bore light is a good idea. If there's a good autoshop around with a magnaflux, check the barrel for latent fissures. If it's sound keep the BP loads moderate.
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June 20, 2021, 01:16 PM | #6 | |
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Looking for separations
Quote:
One non-technical test is to hang the barrel loose by a line and give it a moderate rap with a wooded dowel or hammer handle and listen for any rattles. It should ring. You will recognize the sound when you hear it ..... Be Safe !!!
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'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing. Last edited by Pahoo; June 21, 2021 at 10:33 AM. |
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June 20, 2021, 09:45 PM | #7 | |
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Quote:
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June 24, 2021, 09:23 AM | #8 |
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Hanging the barrels and hitting it with a quarter will make it ring if they're not loose from each other. It's only a test to see if the ribs are soldered tight to both barrels. You can tell quite a bit by the condition of the gun. Is it good, then maybe it was well taken care of. A bore light would tell you a lot. I have about a dozen Damascus barrel cartridge SxSs and shoot nitro in one or the other every week, three times a week. They were made to shoot - go out and have some fun.
In a 12ga 70grs/3F and 1oz of shot is a nice light load. It will bust skeet targets. |
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