Posted on 02/06/2011 9:49:00 AM PST by Victor
Need some Freeper help. I recently acquired an old double-barrel, side by side 12 gauge shotgun in decent shape. The inscription reads "Riverside Arms, Chicopee Falls Mass".
I think the gun was probably made in the 1930's.
Here's my question: both 3 inch and 2.75 inch shells fit into the breech, but is this gun safely able to fire a 3 inch higher velocity shell? Is this even an issue with single and double shot shotguns, and the 2.75 vs 3 inch loads a discussion for pump and auto loaders....?
Thanks y'all.
I have no advice but would love to see a picture of the gun:)
I’ll try to see if I can upload a pic...
NO!
Further more, make sure its not a Damascus barrel before you fire it all.
Where can you find information about a Riverside Arms 12 gauge pump shotgun marked 5489-B and Proof Tested 12 Ga only?
In: Savage Arms and J Stevens, Riverside Arms [Edit categories]
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Answer
It is a Stevens gun, general utility type shotgun. Value around $200 in good condition.
No.
Damn! I’m not certain 3” shells were available in the 30’s. Good question. Time to do a little research.
What’s a Damascus barrel...?
Google it,,, the grain of the barrel material has a visible twist to it.
Damascus barrels were made of twisted steel. Hot rods were twisted around a mandrel and then hammered to make the rods into a single piece. As the age, they get very weak. Modern barrels are bored from a single piece of rod stock...
If you look carefully at the barrel, you might be able to see the twisting patter in the metal.
Don’t shoot if you’re not sure about the barrel, take it to a gunsmith to be checked out.
G
Thanks, will do. Will the Damascus barrel be OK with the 2.75 inch load?
It refers to the type of steel, Damascus steel, as well as the method of manufacture. They weren’t actually true Damascus steel as that manufacturing technique has been lost to the ages.
But the look is similar to the original product. It will not take the pressures generated by modern ammunition.
Good advice...I will take it to a gunsmith in any case. The safety only locks one of the triggers.
3 inch shotgun shells do not generally give higher velocities. Rather they hold more shot. Subsequently they generate higher pressures when fired.
No. IMHO.
No. Damascus was used from 1880 to about 1930. Take is to get checked out.
I bought some 2.75 inch 00 buckshot at about 1100 fps velocity....and some 3 inch #2 shot at about 1550 fps rating.
No,,, if it is a Damascus barrel, its a wall hanger. Looks only.
Glad I asked the question. Thanks everyone.
NO. Damascus barreled guns are wall hangers. Even if you use shells reloaded with blackpowder, you don't know the integrity of the barrel.
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