I have an early English .410 hammer SxS. It is 28" bbls, central hammers, side lever with a 15 7/8" straight stock 4 lbs 2 oz. The SN is 74. There is no makers name anywhere, just a JL on the barrels just ahead of the flats.
The proofs are 410 C and the chambers measure 2 1/2". There is no "Nitro Proof". I would guess it was made between 1896 (when nitro proof became optional) and 1905 (4?) when it became mandatory. It has all the standard Birmingham marks. I struggle to imagine who ordered a gun that small with a stock that long but there is no extension on the stock.
The gun is on the way to the Vintage Cup to shoot in .410 hammer or I'd post photos.
As to the main discussion, I have 2 14 gauges, a 32 and am looking for another 24.
Both of the 14s were conversions from percussion where only the barrels were kept. I have not worked up loads for the guns. Brass hulls are expensive and old factory ammo is north of $75 a box for 1950s Eleys.
I had Poli make a 32 on the Anson Extra action so I could shoot 32 at the Vintage Cup. The factory Fiocchi ammo is really tame, uses no shot cup and soft lead. It takes some cleaning after shooting. Ballistic has some 32ga Italian wads with shot cup, so you can load the gun up to it's full potential.
Thieves got the 24ga, so I am in the market.
Joe
