Shooting original fowlers

[SCATTERSHOT]

I have two original percussion fowlers. One is a long barrelled W&C Scott & Sons, the other is a shorter barrel with no name or marks I can find. Both are Damascus barrels, about 14 gauge. They appear to be in very good to excellent condition, and I would like to shoot them. How can I find out if they are safe or not? What about relining one of them to 20gauge? Any suggestions on a good man to do the work?

Thanks,
Gene

 

[rich pierce]

I'd unbreech them and see if the breechplug threads are OK, also check the bore, plug the gun back up and fill the barrel with boiling water, and look for leaks (not kidding). You want to make sure the drum is on there well, if it has one, and the nipple is well-seated. If all looks good, I'd smooth the barrel as well as possible with scotchbrite and proof it with a heavy, not double, load.

I shoot an original double and this has worked for me.

 

[varsity07840]

Call Bob Hoyt about the reline. 717-642-6696. He's the best.
Sometimes he's tough to get a hold of since he rely's on an
answering machine most of the time. Try him around 5:00 Eastern time. He's done a number of barrels for me, most recently an 1816 .69 cal. I've never sent him a damascus
barrel though. I'd be interested to hear what he says about doing one.

Good luck.

Duane

 

[SCATTERSHOT]

Thanks for the info. I'll call Bob and see what he says. May just keep it original and shoot light loads. We'll see.

Gene