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2.5 v. 2 5/8 in. shotgun chambers
#416779 08/28/15 07:59 PM
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gunluvr Offline OP
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Query: I inherited an English boxlock 12 gauge light game gun.The person who left it to me had a note in the hard case that said the chambers were 2 5/8in.Can I shoot 2.5in RSL SHOTSHELLS in it safely?Is there a simple way to measure the chambers,I tried to but came up with different lengths. It has all kinds of marks on the water table I can't read. Thank You!

H
Re: 2.5 v. 2 5/8 in. shotgun chambers
gunluvr #416782 08/28/15 08:25 PM
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OH Osthaus Offline
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2 4/8th (2.5) are fine in 2 5/8 chambers
Re: 2.5 v. 2 5/8 in. shotgun chambers
gunluvr #416786 08/28/15 09:08 PM
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[quote=gunluvr.Can I shoot 2.5in RSL SHOTSHELLS in it safely It has all kinds of marks on the water table I can't read. Thank You!
H [/quote]

You would need to provide more detail as to the condition of the gun, if it has Damascus barrels & the condition of the barrels for even an educated guess as whether it is safe to fire.

Here is link that may help with the proof marks

I have become addicted to English hammered shotguns to the detriment of my wallet.
Re: 2.5 v. 2 5/8 in. shotgun chambers
gunluvr #416787 08/28/15 09:15 PM
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very true Chantry, i should have said that as well

i was just thinking of the math of point 5 vs 5/8
Re: 2.5 v. 2 5/8 in. shotgun chambers
gunluvr #416789 08/28/15 09:47 PM
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If the gun can handle the 2.5" loads the longer length chamber should have little effect. I regularly shoot 2.5" in 2.75" chambers and 2.75" in 3" chambers. I shoot so few 2.75" chambered guns that I only load 2.5" now and use them in all my shotguns..

After the first shot the rest are just noise.
Re: 2.5 v. 2 5/8 in. shotgun chambers
gunluvr #416799 08/29/15 04:19 AM
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UK proof classes chambers as either 2 1/2 or 2 3/4 - because those are the gauges that were used. There is no 'in between'.
I believe many chambers were actually about 2 5/8 - and will proof as 2 1/2, because the 2 3/4 gauge will not fit.

In the UK, the rule of thumb is that you may use a cartridge of the chamber proof length as marked - or a shorter cartridge. You should NOT use any cartridge longer than the proof marks.

If the chamber is altered in any material way (including lengthened), then the gun is deemed 'out of proof' and so reproof is required before the gun may legally be sold. In addition, shooting a gun that is 'out of proof' is almost certain to invalidate any insurance cover.
Re: 2.5 v. 2 5/8 in. shotgun chambers
gunluvr #416910 08/29/15 04:55 PM
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Please accept my sincere gratitude for each and every person's kind assistance. Any more technical thoughts are welcomed.

H

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