Gentlemen;
My two-year quest for a 10ga hammer double came to an end Saturday thanks to the Lacey, WA Cabella's store. From what the gent in the Gun Library told me, they received an older gentleman's shotgun collection which ran heavy into older doubles, many of them 10 gauges. In and amongst the pile was a "Rival" field grade 10ga with 30" Damascus barrels. The chambers are 2 7/8" long, but I have no idea how it is choked. This beast is in probably 80-85% condition, complete with color case hardening, a very tight action, and clear Damascus patterns on the barrels. The bores shine like a new dime! I took it apart, hung the barrels and they ring very clearly, with no strange vibrations or rattling. The only glitch I can see (apart from a few dings in the wood) is a small dent in the right barrel, about 3/4 of the way up the bore. I realize this is not a high end gun, but I would like to shoot it. I already load BP shotshells for 12ga, and I am gathering components right now to reload for 10ga. I have a local 'smith who specializes in older rifles and shotguns and plan on having him give it a once-over. If I post a picture of the proof marks, can someone give me an idea as to what it is proofed for? Also, is it possible to repair a dent in Damascus without compromising the weld? Any information on this particular shotgun or 10ga BP loads in general would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
V/R
Mossyrock
