doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Help! I Need a Hammer Gun!

I don't need it, I want it. But all these lovely old hammer guns seem fraught with peril. Damascus barrels, black powder proof, nitro proof, fluid steel, sleeved barrels, etc. It's a different and complicated language on this learning curve. What's a guy to to do if he's willing to shoot (and pay for) RST softy loads, but isn't sure that even those can keep his eyes in his head and all his digits attached? In other words, I need a primer on buying a hammer gun that won't blow up. It's a lot to ask, but teach a man to fish.

Get a Husquvarna(sp) or a Russian Tula, they both make modern (1940-1960 or later) hammer guns. The 16 gauge Tula I have even has 2.75" chambers.
Steve

Joe:
For a primer on vintage hammer gun wisdom get yourself a copy of Diggory Hadoke's "Vintage Guns." Still in print I believe. You will learn much.

Sorry Joe, I got distracted from my last message.

There are lots of different makes of hammer guns that are safe to shoot with modern ammo. Try looking at the Husqvarna models, many have lefaucheux break actions (how cool is that!) and are safe to shoot with modern ammo. I recently picked up what I suspect to be a 1950-60�s vintage Russian made 16 gauge Tula SXS hammer gun. It�s not the prettiest or fanciest gun by a long shot, but it�s literally built like a tank, I honestly wouldn�t be afraid to shoot any factory 16 gauge ammo through it. I spent $300 for it and right now it�s my latest project to turn it into a kick-a$$ pheasant gun. This gun was heavily molested by some Russian goober hammer mechanic, but I think with some resculpting of the stock and cleaning up some dings goober left with his hammer on the metal work it'll clean up into a very nice looking gun. Anyhow, it'll be fun project.



You just have to look around. Go to this thread http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=270597#Post270597

Steve

If you can afford RSTs check out the guns listed on Diggory's website vintageguns.co.uk. These guns are in proof and are as safe as you'll find anywhere. Just ask Dig

Husqvarnas for a starter gun, light, balanced strong...shoot good..And not too spendy...

Minneasota, don't be skeered of the Damascus Guns.
Most of thos stories were started by lawyers for the ammo and gun companies.Just look at the quality of the gun, the bbls etc.
Remember, most black powder loads had higher pressures than moderate smokeless today, particularly the Rio,Keman types with progressive powders. Eg. Reo 2 3/4 x 1 oz trap are about 7100 psi.

SSSSHHHHHHHH!!!!

Enough people are on the lookout for damascus hammerguns. In fact, enough are already on the lookout for good hammerguns.

MNJoe - sure I can't interest you in a nice auto or pump action? ;-)

Joe, first of all,like others have said, you don't need to be afraid of vintage damascus-barrelled hammerguns. If you can get your hands on Sherman Bell's series 'Finding out for myself', he has some outstanding articles on the strength of these old guns. Secondly, check out the used shotgun section of gun stores. Our local shop regularly has vintage doubles come in and they are usually happy to put a low price on them and sell them once the local gunsmith has given them the all-clear (he also appreciates the old guns). Take a look at the old double hammer gun. Does it lock up tight with no movement or wiggle? Are the bores shiny? If it is yes to both, chances are you might have a good vintage shooter. You may want to check the wall thickness to see if the bore has been reamed out a bit. If not, and if it is shiny, you are in business! I found just such a gun, a 130 year-old hammergun with shiny bores, no pitting, and still a fair amount of case color on the frame, made in Birmingham, UK and all for $Cdn 430.

If you want a stout gun with steel barrels look for an L C Smith with Royal steel barrels.The ones i have came from factory with 2 3/4 inch chambers.Bobby