Damascus twist barrel question

[dheisner]

Pardon my asking what is probably a juvenile question for you accomplished gun builders, but I have never built one before and so I am entitled to a few, shall we say, newbie kind of questions.

I saw the barrel off of an old Damascus twist shotgun that breaks in the middle for sale on eBay. My question is, is it possible to put breach plugs in it and turn it into a regular ole' sXs muzzleloader that you have to ram a rod down to load?

It was $20, so I just had to ask.

BP Newbie

 

[Dave K]

Yes it is. Get William Brockways book "Recreating the Double Barrel Muzzleloading Shotgun. It is a MUST have book.

 

[riarcher]

"Possible?" Yes.
Would I,,, NO.
Why? A SXS will probably be relieved for the cartridge to a larger dia. (shell casing) and probably have a quick reduction to bore size, then reduced again to choke size. Now, on loading you're going from small to large to even bigger size with your shot cups/wads or whatever.
Besides, if this barrel is in such good shape to begin with,,,,,, where's the rest of the piece???? Makes one wonder? :m2c:
I wouldn't. :imo:

 

BP,
Yes they are useable as you suggest. As Dave says, get Bill Brockway's book. IMO, cartridge barrels are the best choice for building into a sxs ML if for no other reason, they are easier to find in good shape and cheaper than barrels from a ML.

Cody

 

yep im with cody on this one . it takes some looking to find the good barrels but they are out there. you want one with little to no pitting with bright bores . many of the breech loaders back then came with two barrels , a long one in 30 inch and a shorter 26 to 28 ,one usually modified and full or full/ full.
Get bill Brockway

 

[dheisner]

And where might I find Bill Brockway's book? A quick search on the net reveals nothing.

 

[dheisner]

Never mind, I found it. The search works much better when you search for William instead of Bill.

Thanks!