Double Barrel Shotgun

[cable]

that post was actually in response to the original poster, sorry.

 

[wirehairman]

as an example only go to:
[url] http://www.gundersonmilitaria.com/longarm.html[/url]

then scroll down the page and find the"muzzleloading double barrel shotguns"
they usually have pictures of used original guns at various prices.
never dealt with them but it shows examples of whats available, and you can search on gunbroker and they usually have some also

Looking at the guns in the link definitely have me leaning toward an original. However, that opens a whole new can of worms. What should I look for to tell if an original is safe to shoot or just a collector?

 

[khwils]

Wirehairman, I have a Navy Arms 10 ga and a couple of originals in 12 and about 16 ga. The originals are made a WHOLE lot better and cost less. I haven't paid over $400 for an original yet. I would look for a 16 ga or smaller, they just feel so much thinner and just overall handle so much better. I will probably not buy anything over a 16 ga again unless it is impossible to pass up. I would keep an eye on the barrel length also, the older barrels are quite long usually about 32". I wouldn't buy one with a cut down barrel. just me $.02 Kurt/IL

 

[robinghewitt]

What should I look for to tell if an original is safe to shoot or just a collector?

Avoid anything without a proper nipple built in to the breech plug, drum and nipple is usually a bad sign.

Avoid guns with bad rust pitting around the nipple, they haven't been looked after.

When a gun rots the ribs are usually first thing to go.

Watch out for rounded out mouldings in the woodwork and poorly fitting furniture, it has been "restored" by someone who didn't understand.

Avoid "dolphin" cocks, they came in to fashion after all the good makers had switched to cartridge, it's a wall hanger.

London fine twist, twisted stubbs, or similar on the barrel was made for export to the Americas. Makers names without initials are not usually a good sign.

The more swirly the damascene pattern the later it is, but that is good. Patchy damascene is wrought iron, not good.

Better stop now, before I annoy too many good people. No offence intended if I just described your favorite gun I'm sure :redface: :surrender:

 

[Deerstalker]

I bought a Navy Arms 12 double, and couldn't be happier with mine. Very nice gun for the money, shots better than I do, can't complain. I did have to spend some time at the range patterning it, but it was time well spent.
Good Luck!
Bryan