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bc thunder
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 12:12pm
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I got my old (50 yr old?) shotgun back from my father, who has not fired it for years. I'm wondering if it's safe to fire or is it likely to blow up in my face for some reason? Nothing wrong with it, but wasn't cleaned and oiled ect...
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 12:40pm
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The older shot guns had a damascus barrel, you defintly want to see if that is what you have.
Gun Safety: Damascus-Barreled Shotguns
I suspect yours is not Damascus, and if so, make sure barrels are clear of any obstructions and I would say have it inspected by a gun smith, but you should be safe shooting it for what shell it was designed for ie stamped on the barrel.
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bc thunder
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 01:24pm
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Thanks TMT
It's always used 12 gauge shells, and I suspect It's those old barrels that were rattling around in my head....
I'll give it a try this weekend, so if you never hear form me again.......
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 03:45pm
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What brand and kind of action is it?
If it is only 50 years old and not shot so much that it is 'shot loose' the barrels are modern steel good for any lead shot loads, maybe not so much the new-gen non lead (Hard) shot required for migratory bird hunting hereabouts. If it says chambered for 12 gauge 3" shells it is a 'modern' gun. As said, make sure the barrel has no 'obstruction' in it, give it a little love and use it, they dont go bad just sitting stored unless it is a bad environment.
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bc thunder
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 05:52pm
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It doesn't say 12 gauge anywhere, I thought I think it is but am starting to scare myself that it's not. My Dad is unwell so I can't ask him, and I have not shot it personally in about 30 years.
It is a Harrinnton and Richardson arms co.
It seems sound, but it is older than I thought.....
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bc thunder
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 05:53pm
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This looks close if not exact, but is not 12g
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bc thunder
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 06:07pm
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Sorry G it's single shot.
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Princelake
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 07:12pm
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Clean it up, lube it up.Inspect it for no signs of damage or cracks and take it out and start shooting.
About 15 years ago my grandpa gave me a 20gauge from 1957 and I’ve been using it ever since. I shot 15 grouse with last weekend up at the cabin
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 07:37pm - Edited by: gcrank1
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I have had a bunch of H&R's, it should have the H&R and the gauge on the top near the breech or along the forearm wood, if not, pop the forearm off and look Careful though, once the wood is off if you open the breech the barrel will slip off its underlug.
12ga shells should slide nicely in IF it is a 12. 16ga are close but loose and 20ga are looser yet and likely fall past the shell rim.
If it happened to be a 10ga the 12s would be loose and shakey.
Dont use 3" shells in that, 2 3/4" field or trap loads in #7 1/2 shot are good all rounders.
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bc thunder
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2021 07:46pm
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Thanks Guys, I don't see a gauge, but did not remove the forearm....
I'll slip a shell in tommorow and see how it feels.
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spoofer
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# Posted: 8 Oct 2021 02:54pm - Edited by: spoofer
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Princelake
Princelake
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Alaskajohn
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# Posted: 10 Oct 2021 01:44pm
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How did she shoot?
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bc thunder
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# Posted: 10 Oct 2021 02:57pm
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straight and true.....
I don't think I'll use it much, but untill I can afford another one, nice to know it" there for me......
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