Daryl, I believe I have the answer to the 2 1/2-1 1/4 oz proof marks on the Greener,s and on Terry,s Webley and Scott.
Major Sir Gerald Burrard [ Of shotgun fame],was the gun expert for the "Field" [1919-1933] and the editor of "Game and Gun "[1924-1945]. During all of this time he would answer questions related to readers gun and rifle concerns. The question/answer, applicable to the issue under review, relates to; "2 3/4 cartridges in 2 1/2 gun"! This is a concern raise almost weekly on this forum. Burrard points out that in some instance the purchasors of 2 1/2 inch guns in the era were asking that their guns be proof tested; "same as a 2 3/4 inch gun!" As a result, guns so tested, were stamped 1 1/4 ozs; even though the chambers remained at 2 1/2! At the time that this issue surfaced, we should remember that the the 2 3/4 cartidge did infact measure 2.75 inches in length and that its case was made from card. Burrard,s concern was that some people might try to chamber 2 3/4 cartridges in a 2 1/2 chambered gun,simply because the proof marks included the 1 1/4 ozs marking. Burrard points out, that by closing the action on a 2 3/4 cartridge the nose of the cartridge is wedged into the forcing cone of the 2 1/2 chamber. The net result being, a dangerous increase in pressure on discharge. This topic is reviewed in Burrards book,"Guns and Shooting', page 54, one of 153 readers questions answered in this book.
Last edited by Roy Hebbes; 07/27/09 05:55 PM.
