It would be interesting to know just what ammunition was being used. That shotgun was probably well out of proof. It's obviously been very heavily used judging by the wear on the breech and the firing pins and firing pin holes. The lumps look pretty battered as well.
It's very likely that it is some 75-80 years old, and should perhaps have been retired. Fluid Steel barrels may have been an improvement over Damascus but they're not all that much better.
If your friend was shooting from a boat it's unlikely that the barrel was blocked by mud and so a loose base wad may have been the cause. Were the shells reloaded? If so, what was the load?
In my experience a base wad on a new shell doesn't work loose. I've not seen it happen in nearly fifty years of shooting, although it's possible with reloaded ammo.
An object lesson to all shooters to check your barrels are clear before you insert a new cartridge.
Your friend was very lucky indeed not to lose a hand or fingers. Time for him to get a modern shotgun, and leave the old ones hanging on the wall. Next time he may not be so lucky.
Harry
Last edited by Harry Eales; 12/06/06 08:05 AM.
