|
|
|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
Forums10
Topics38,501
Posts545,496
Members14,414
| |
Most Online1,344
Apr 29th, 2024
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 696
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 696 |
Irrespective of sleeving, when perusing shootable vintage guns, how old is too old? Is a pre-1900 damascus gun just too old to shoot (with appropriate low pressure loads) no matter the condition? Where do you draw the chronological line, or do you?
Imagination is everything. - Einstein
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,880 Likes: 16
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,880 Likes: 16 |
I think it's more a dimensional/condition issue.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,954 Likes: 12
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,954 Likes: 12 |
I draw lines at condition and dimensions as per CH. I don't draw chronological lines.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,577 Likes: 88
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,577 Likes: 88 |
If a gun is in good enough shape to shoot what difference does age make?
Last edited by Mike Harrell; 01/24/08 08:44 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86 |
I sometimes wonder if one day I'll be shooting a 120-140 year old damascus gun and she will let go....About as often as I wonder if I'll be struck by lightning.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743 |
I realize that statistics may not mean a lot to the one who helps make them, but never-the-less I do sincerely believe "IF" you check the statistics, one is more apt to be struck by lightning than have his damascus gun blow up, & this even includes those fools who stuff them with modern mags.
Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 14,129 Likes: 198
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 14,129 Likes: 198 |
Breechloading guns of quality and suitable for cartridges of modern dimension extend at least as far a the mid 1860's. One hundred forty five year old guns that can be fed ammunition that we load on reloading machines made last week are commonly used to hunt and shoot clay targets.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,156
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,156 |
What they said. David Trevallion once told me that if the gun is within proof limits and the right shells were available, that gun was fine no matter when made. We were speaking of percussion conversions to center fire.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544 |
Spot-on.
Every gun I start using seems to get older than the last. I have been using black powder shells loaded with 1oz of No.6 in an old hammer pigeon gun by Thomas Sylven of The Strand, wuth non-rebounding locks, for most of the second half of the pheasant season.
It was proofed (30" damascus barrels)in 1868 for black powder and has never been inside the proof house since. Still on the original bores, it shoots beautifully and is perfectly sound and strong.
Damage, neglect and repeated repair will wear-out a gun, not age alone.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 696
Sidelock
|
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 696 |
Excellent replies all, thank you. I'm going to a show tomorrow and this helps.
Imagination is everything. - Einstein
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
