Shotgun questions

**flandersander** · 06-23-2010, 12:21 AM

Hi there. I found my grandpa's old shotgun down in his gun safe, which I was under a pile of junk. Back to his gun; I have no idea what it is. There's nothing indicative of the make stamped anywhere I can see. All it says between the barrels is "genuine damascus guaranteed tested". There's no company or model. Nothing. Does anybody know what it is? Also, do you think I could get a set of barrels made that aren't damascus, so I could do a little shooting? Or is it designated to be a wall gun? Thanks a bunch
Keagan

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Edit: Something I should have mentioned, it's a side by side double barrel.

**Sourdough** · 06-23-2010, 01:22 AM

Wall Hanger.............or sell it to a collector, and buy what you want, or just shoot very reduced loads, inspect the barrels for bulges, or deep rust.

**flandersander** · 06-23-2010, 01:50 AM

Well, it's worth way more to me than the money I would get from a collector. Well there's no deep rust, or bulges, but... I'm very skeptical about shooting the gun. I would really feel better if I could get a set of modern barrels made. I don't even know what size loads it shoots, it doesn't say anywhere. I don't even know the gauge of the gun, although I presume it's a 12 gauge.

**kyratshooter** · 06-23-2010, 02:24 AM

If you would really like to shoot it get in touch with someone that reloads shotgun shells. Provide them with a can of Pyrodex or some other black powder substitute, or real black powder. They might enjoy loading some black powder just to see what one of these old guns will do.

You could even buy a Lee LoadAll and load them yourself. I think the Load All still sells for $50 or so. A bag of shot, wads, primers and Pyrodex will have you set up.

I have friends that shoot old origional double barreled BP guns all the time, both muzzle loaders and breech loaders. If the gun is solid it will do OK with BP loaded shells.

If you look closely under the barrels at the breech you will probably see some proof marks. I have never tried to google proof marks but I guess you could try. Normally these guns were Belgin. If U.S. they would have a makers name prominant.

**flandersander** · 06-23-2010, 02:41 AM

Thanks KRS. So, If I loaded a shotgun shell with pyrodex, it shouldn't blow up a damascus? I use pyrodex all the time in my muzzeloader.

**Rick** · 06-23-2010, 07:09 AM

I have my dad's Damascus hanging on the wall. Knowing it was dad's and that someday my grandkids will inherit it keeps me from wanting to shoot it. I'd be sick if something did happen to it when I pulled the trigger. Not many folks can say they have grandpa's shotgun. Something to think about.

**hunter63** · 06-23-2010, 01:11 PM

Congrtas on your "find", very cool!

I have several old DB and SS, break action shotguns.
They are not Damascus, but show wear and tear, to the point that they are retired.

I would hate to break something on them as one was my fathers, another from an uncle, and a couple I pick up at gun shows. (sucker for old shotguns)

Getting a set of modern barrels seems like a stretch, if even possible.
I do applaud your goal of wanting to shoot it....Like your grandfather did.

**crashdive123** · 06-23-2010, 02:04 PM

I would not modify it (if that is even doable), but rather hand on to it as a keepsake and pass it down.

**kyratshooter** · 06-23-2010, 02:26 PM

Modding these things for smokeless powder is a trick for the skilled only. Most of the time it involves cutting the tubes off just ahead of the chambers and replacing everything from there foreward with modern steel. Not recommended for any but the very rich.

Also you need to check the chamber length. Many of the old guns were chambered for the 2 1/2" shells and will not shoot 2 3/4" or 3"

I think someone is making a very short 2" shell for home defense now. If I had one of these old guns I would be stocking up on reloadable hulls.

I not only have grandad's shotgun, I have a box of his paper cased #6 low brass shells. Grandmom bought the gun for him the Christmas before I was born. she passed it on to me at his death. It is modern steel and a good brand name. I shoot the crap out of that thing!

He was carrying that gun the first time I went hunting with him at age 6. He was carrying it the first time I carried a real gun hunting. Lots of good memories there.

**Camp10** · 06-23-2010, 06:12 PM

I dont know if it would work and I doubt I would try it but there are companies that make barrel inserts for shotguns. You may be able to slide these into the existing barrels and then use 20 ga, 28 ga or even .410. I've seen these in both a short version that only sized the chamber and others that are full sleaves. Again, I dont know if it will work or if it is safe for an old damascus gun but if you absolutely have to shoot the old gun, it might be an option to discuss with a gunsmith.

**flandersander** · 06-23-2010, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by Camp10

I dont know if it would work and I doubt I would try it but there are companies that make barrel inserts for shotguns. You may be able to slide these into the existing barrels and then use 20 ga, 28 ga or even .410. I've seen these in both a short version that only sized the chamber and others that are full sleaves. Again, I dont know if it will work or if it is safe for an old damascus gun but if you absolutely have to shoot the old gun, it might be an option to discuss with a gunsmith.

That's an interesting concept. So is there a maker for these old belgian (I think) guns? Any reputable company? I know they probably don't exist any longer, but i'm interested in where it came from.

**DOGMAN** · 06-23-2010, 11:07 PM

Nice, I have a few old sxs like this as well. I have a Parker that was my great, great grandfathers. I'd recommend just using it as a wall hanger and something to pass on down the family line. Alot of the old Belgian guns were called "guild guns" and they were made by gunsmiths that were members of the guild- it was similar to a production line, but the line was in every individuals personal shop, and all the guns were made to the same specs- so, it was not known as a gun from a certain maker. However, if you took it to a specialist in this era gun they might be able to tell you who made it because some makers had their own little stylistic flairs that they integrated into the gun- while still fitting into the specs and not becoming custom. It probably isn't worth a whole lot because it appears to be a field grade- so, its value is more sentimental as a heirloom then it is as a firearm...I'd keep it and share it with my family, because think of how cool you think it is...now imagine your great, great grandson sharing it with his kids- now that is priceless. Good score!

**DOGMAN** · 06-23-2010, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by Camp10

I dont know if it would work and I doubt I would try it but there are companies that make barrel inserts for shotguns. You may be able to slide these into the existing barrels and then use 20 ga, 28 ga or even .410. I've seen these in both a short version that only sized the chamber and others that are full sleaves. Again, I dont know if it will work or if it is safe for an old damascus gun but if you absolutely have to shoot the old gun, it might be an option to discuss with a gunsmith.

This will definelty work. Briley tubes are common amongst highly competitive skeet shooters. they'll have one 12 ga, that they'll shoot very well and then have different tubes for all the other gauges that fit in. that way they are always shooting the same gun and staying consistent

Briley...I am sure they have a website