Late 1800's Double Barrel Shotgun

[Wrangler]

My grandfather today gave me a double barrel shotgun that is was his grandfathers. It looks beautiful and I never want to shoot it. I would like to however get it restored because it hasn't been maintained since the last time it was shot, around the 1930's. My granddad has just kept it. Is there someone around Nashville that can work on it that you all would recommend? Thanks Wrangler

[xd shooter]

Look on the barrel & see if it say Lamminated steel.

If so it was desinged for Black Powder loads.(Not good for smokless powder).

If it don't say it I would ask a gunsmith if it is. Just sayin . Just in case.

Congrats on the gift!!

[bvarnell]

Also, look inside the barrels to see if there is any pitting. I think most shot shells from that era had corrosive primers.

If the barrels look pretty good, I would use some 0000 steel wool to remove surface rust and smooth out the stock.

A refinish could greatly reduce collector value.

Old guns can be a thing of beauty, especially if it has sentinental/family history associated with it.

Edited February 23, 2009 by bvarnell

[Wrangler]

Thanks! No it is not black powder it is shell. The funny thing is the barrels. While they are steel they are a little different. My granddad showed me the difference in each barrel with a coin. One will not let a coin fit down the barrel, it is too small and the other you can just drop the coin down it. Why would it be that way?

[xd shooter]

In those days there were black powder loaded shells. I would have it checked out if I ever decided to shoot it.

My dad has a 10ga double barrel Made by W Richards& it has a lamminated steel barrel. Lamminated barrels is like the barrels are layers of steel not solid.

His gun is the same way. One chamber is bigger than the other.

Of course that is what I was told. I didn't live then.

[KahrMan]

The barrels are probably choked differently. One full and the other modified. That is how most double barrel shotguns are done.

Are there any markings on the gun? Put up some pics. Would love to see it.

[Mike.357]

I would have it checked out then shoot it providing it is in working order.

A gun sitting unfired is really no more than a door stop. Personally being able to fire it and taking it out and using it would increase any sentimental value it has.

[Oh Shoot]

I would have it checked out then shoot it providing it is in working order.

A gun sitting unfired is really no more than a door stop. Personally being able to fire it and taking it out and using it would increase any sentimental value it has.

Totally agree...

I sold my granddad's 1902 Remington double barrel to TGOer, who bought it as gift to his uncle - to SHOOT.

Once I decided to let it go, I felt better about it having new active life.

- OS